Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chickens will need housing of some kind. They will need space to roam and forage. They will need
protection from predators. All of these elements may have to be added to your backyard if they
aren't already present. (See Chapter 12 for information about keeping chickens on a small scale.)
Adding Buildings and Fences
The reason I encouraged you to create your goals and your plan before I talked about changing the
hardscape on your property is because these structures are semi-permanent. Sure, you can move a
fence, but as my husband can tell you from many years of experience, it isn't an easy task. Nor is it
exactly fun. Better to plan carefully, do the hard work once, and enjoy it for many years to come.
(See Chapter 2 for more on fencing options.) Add buildings carefully and consider the site before
you begin building. There are a few things you'll want to pay attention to when you build a new
outbuilding.
deFinitiOn
The hardscape refers to nonplanted elements of the landscape such as sidewalks, buildings, arbors, gates,
and fences.
Drainage
You want to make sure that an outbuilding won't be in a low spot where water will drain into
the shed and keep everything wet or keep your chicken coop wet and make your chickens sick.
Concrete flooring in an outbuilding is obviously a lot more durable, but also more expensive and
more permanent.
We've had good success laying down unused wooden pallets and filling the gaps in with gravel and
dirt in our goat shed that had bad drainage. This elevated the floor 4 inches off the bare dirt and
made sure that water wouldn't sit and collect. With plenty of fresh straw bedding, our goats have a
dry, comfy place to sleep that will stay out of the rain.
Of course, you don't have to use anything if you don't want to. A concrete slab is preferred by
some, especially for smaller buildings that you'd be able to lay yourself, and is not only easier to
clean but will prevent animals from digging in under the walls. Gravel, dirt, or straw are other
common floorings for sheds, greenhouses, chicken coops, and other outbuildings.
Building Material
Most outbuildings on the homestead are made of wood, and with good reason. The price is reason-
able, materials can sometimes be sourced free of charge if you have a chainsaw and splitter, and
it's easy to work with. Wood has some insulating properties as well, which is nice for things like
chicken coops, shelters, and greenhouses where you would want to keep winter cold out.
 
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