Chicken coops and cages are basically housing that provides shelter and protection for chickens raised in a domestic setting. Chicken coops are especially important for the egg-laying process and the general health of the birds. With a secure and comfortable coop, hens are able to develop eggs properly. Temperature is critical to the maturation of eggs and plays a significant role in the eventual protein content of the eggs.
2. Author Bio
Author: Jordan Walker
Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops And
Cages as well as a couple of other pet related
blogs. His passion for animals is only matched by
his love for 'attempting' to play the guitar. If you
would like to catch him, you can via Google+ or
Twitter: @CoopsAndCages
3. Introduction
Chicken coops and cages are basically housing that provides
shelter and protection for chickens raised in a domestic
setting.
Chicken coops are especially important for the egg-laying
process and the general health of the birds. With a secure
and comfortable coop, hens are able to develop eggs
properly.
Temperature is critical to the maturation of eggs and plays a
significant role in the eventual protein content of the eggs.
4. What are some specific and helpful
details that make choosing the right coop
a lot easier?
5. 1. Settle on the best location for the
chickens.
Chicken coops and cages are designed to be situated in
small plots, large backyards, or open fields.
Select the best location for the birds and then take precise
measurements.
It is important to provide access to a covered coop during
the day.
The most important thing to remember is that the
chickens should be adequately protected from the wind
and the sun.
6. 2. Decide on the number of chickens.
It is important to determine the amount of space needed
to accommodate the chickens.
Some start raising chickens with only a minimum number,
but eventually decide to add to the flock.
Deciding early on as to the exact number of birds often
provide savings in the long run, considering that there
would be no need to purchase new coops for new bird
purchases or future flock expansion.
7. 3. Set a budget.
Having a budget to work on enables better decision-
making in terms of selecting a chicken cage.
There is a wide array of coop and cage options, from
regular enclosures that cost $100 to the fancy models that
cost as much as $2,000.
Having a budget can trim down the choices to go through
and adhering to the set amount can avoid overspending.
8. 4. Choose the breed before buying a chicken
cage.
There are various chicken species and they all usually have
different needs as well as diverse living conditions.
There are chickens that need more room than others in
order to obtain maximum health and will be unable to
survive in confined spaces.
In general, laying hens need lesser space than meat
varieties, while baby chicks need less space than fully
grown pellets.
9. 5. Size is of significance when it comes to
keeping chickens.
The animals need enough space to be comfortable, and to
be able to play, scratch and perch.
Most importantly, coops and cages must be properly
protected from the elements and keep chickens safe from
predators.
In general, the size of the coop is determined by the
number of chickens to be kept or raised.
If the chickens are going to be cooped up nearly all of the
time, it is suggested to go with 10 square feet per chicken.
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10. 6. Determine what features to go with.
Chicken coops come in a diverse selection of designs and
features.
They can be the very basic floorless wooden cage with chicken
wire enclosing it, or they can be the roomy types with generous
sizes that can accommodate several chickens, such as walk-in
chicken coops and double story chicken coops with runs.
When choosing a coop or pen, be sure to be on the lookout for
features like ventilation, ergonomic perches, room for a feeder
and a waterer, lockable nest boxes, built-in runs, slide-out
features that make cleaning a simple task, and reliable security
locks on doors.
11. Conclusion
With all these important considerations to look out for, it
makes sense to choose the most appropriate chicken coop
or cage.
Likewise, there is significance in finding the right dealer
from whom to purchase chicken enclosures.
Aside from being a reliable supplier of coops and cages,
the company should also possess extensive knowledge on
all aspects of chicken enclosures.
By ensuring these, purchasing the ideal cage becomes a
breeze.