photo credit: Max Sunshine

When building a chicken coop the first concern should be the safety and protection it maintains for your chickens. It should not only provide shelter from the weather, but from predators and wildlife as well.

Creating a chicken coop that has adequate airflow, but doesn’t allow other species in isn’t as difficult an endeavor as it might seem. Keep in mind that airflow can be created with openings in both the base and the roof of the shelter. These vents will either need to be small and plentiful, or covered in a strong steel mesh. Rats are able to squeeze through very small areas, and are known to chew through mesh that is not strong enough to get at eggs.

Wild birds may be attracted by chicken feed and attempt to get in through the upper vents in a coup. These wild birds may introduce parasites to your chicken flock. Fox and raccoon are notoriously clever, and may even attempt to dig under coops to find entrance. Do not depend solely on reinforcement to keep these pests out, but inspect for damage daily.

DIY Chicken Coup via the Chicken Coup blog where you can get Backyard Chicken and Chicken Care news and info.

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