Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
chapter 3
Hen Housing
Planning Your Coop
Before you commit to bringing chicks into your home, you need to think about housing
and consider several basic questions: How much space will your adult chickens need? If
you live in a cold climate, what kind of winter housing will you provide for them? And
how much time and money are you willing to lay out to ensure that your hens have prop-
er quarters? You should have these essentials worked out before you head down to the
hatchery or place your online order.
By the time your chicks start resembling miniature chickens instead of those round balls
of fluff you carried home from the feed store or post offce, you should set up their per-
manent outdoor housing. It can be humble or lavish, as long as it's functional. The coop
will be their safe haven—shelter from storms as well as claws and jaws. It's the only
home they'll ever know, and you need to fully understand and respect that responsibility.
