Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Adaptations for Your Flock
Some modifications can be made to the above structure to meet your or your birds' par-
ticular needs. In warmer climates, use white sheet metal and provide shade trees nearby.
Insulation.
Structures such as these provide adequate shelter for most breeds down
to −20°F (−29°C), but insulation can be added for additional comfort. The best type of
insulation for this purpose is rolled fiberglass with paper backing. (Styrofoam can cause
problems if poultry gain access to it, and mice tend to chew it to small pieces that then
let the poultry get to it much easier.)
If you choose to do this, you can attach an outer layer of insulation to the metal sur-
rounding the outside of the shed and/or to the 2×4 (5×10 cm) wall supports inside. Both
should be covered with plywood. This will not make an airtight facility — which is not
a good idea anyway, as you want the extra respiration moisture to escape — but it will
make winter extremes much more comfortable in climates that have long periods of cold
temperatures below 0°F (−18°C).
Bird Door.
You may wish to have a small 1 foot by 1 foot (30×30 cm) doorway for
the birds to use when the human door is closed and to cut down on the chances of flying
predators getting in through a larger open entryway. This small doorway can be placed
on the tall side of the structure on the same side as the top ventilation window. The ad-
dition will require more lumber, but if you are not wasteful you can use some pieces of
lumber left over from the main building project. You'll need to acquire two additional
hinges and an additional hook and eye.
Using Other Types of Shelter
Many, many different chicken and poultry coop designs exist, as do innumerable options
for housing your poultry in other types of shelters. Start doing the research and looking
around your place for possible options and you may be surprised to find that you already
have something that will work for your birds.
Existing Buildings
If you are fortunate enough to purchase an old abandoned farm homestead with existing
buildings, then your problems with construction from scratch are easily remedied. Aban-
doned barns and sheds may be ideal for a poultry project start-up. Understand, however,
that these facilities may not have been originally intended for chickens. In some cases,
if you are raising chickens, or if the building is set up for chickens and you are planning
to raise other sorts of poultry, you may have to do some serious modifications. These
changes typically entail efforts to predator-proof the pens for the safety of your birds.
