Chicken Coop Buying Guide

Whether you are thinking of investing in your first chickens, or simply looking to purchase a new home for your current collection of birds, this Chicken Run buying Guide from The Online Pet Store is here to help.

Size:
Depending on the size and number of your birds, you will need to consider whether a Small, Medium or Large coop is for you. A Small coop, such as the M & M Chicken Coop, will comfortably hold one or two Standard or Large fowls, or up to three Bantams. A Medium coop would be perfect for three to five Standard or Large fowls or up to seven Bantams. Many chicken problems, such as agressiveness and pecking, can be cured simply by giving them more space so plan for as generously sized a coop as you can.

Type:
A chicken coop with integrated outdoor run, like the Covered Cottage Chicken House and Runa is an excellent way to provide more space for your birds to move around, keeping them active and healthy. If your garden is enclosed, you may not need an additional run but if there is a chance of predators being near you may want to keep your brood safer.

Wood Type:
Pressure treated timbers will last up to twenty years due to the maximum penetration of the wood treatment. However, these timbres tend to be more expensive. A standard treated coop will be cheaper, but make sure you re-new the treatment annually to prolong the life of your coop.

Roofing Type (Material or Style):
Make sure the roof of your hen house is Waterproof! An apex or sloping roof that overhangs the walls is ideal as the rain will run off, rather than pooling and causing damage. A good quality felted roof, such as the one on the Large Chicken House by Chickenshack, will be drip proof and provide a decent level of insulation.

Accessibility and Cleaning:
Consider the fact that both your birds And yourself will need easy access to the Coop you choose. You will need to be able to access the nesting and roosting portion of the Coop for cleaning and for collecting the bountiful eggs your birds lay for you. You can do this most effectively through hinged doors of roof portions. Some Coops, such as the ChickenHouse with Run and Plastic Tray, feature a removable droppings tray which sits beneath the perches. They can be easily slid out, cleaned and replaced causing minimum upheaval for your Chickens. 

Remember when cleaning that you will need to use only non-toxic cleaners.

Moveablity:
With a Coop that features an additional Run, you will need to consider how easy it is to move your Coop to fresh grass as an when it is needed. Many Coops feature Wheels, Stretcher Handles or Skids. The ChickenShack Coop with Under Run features stretcher handles.

Flooring:
Solid timber provides more warmth for your birds. A slated floor is cooler, but also allows for droppings to fall through thus making cleaning more hassle free. Some Coops are now available with Mesh Metal Flooring as it offers good protection from rodents.

Ventilation and 'Pop' Holes: 

Gases building up simply from the chickens breathing and their poo can be harmful to their health, so make sure there is ventilation. This can come wither from a window or from ventilation holes. Be careful: make sure any windows can be secured to protect agains predators. Take care, too, not to stray from 'well ventilated' to 'cold and draughty'.

Perches and Nesting: 

Over night, your chickens will need a perch upon which to sleep. Twenty centimeters per bird is a good minimum starting point. One Foot Square is the ideal nesting size for an average chicken, and placing the boxes in a low and dark area of the house will discourage egg eating . Filling these boxes with un-treated, non-toxic wood shavings is best. The Small Chicken House by Chickenshack is an excellent example option if you would like happy, healthy and stress free nesting chickens.

Predators:
 In almost evey garden there is the risk of predators. Having a well maintained Coop free from damage will go a long way in keeping your brood safe. A strong wire mesh, such as the one available in the RS-716 Coop and Run, will keep pesky foxes away from your chicks. Make sure that any windows, doors or 'pop-holes' can safely and firmly secured to prevent predators accessing your Brood.

Ventilation and 'Pop' Holes: 

Gases building up simply from the chickens breathing and their poo can be harmful to their health, so make sure there is ventilation. This can come wither from a window or from ventilation holes. Be careful: make sure any windows can be secured to protect agains predators. Take care, too, not to stray from 'well ventilated' to 'cold and draughty'.

Perches and Nesting: 

Over night, your chickens will need a perch upon which to sleep. Twenty centimeters per bird is a good minimum starting point. One Foot Square is the ideal nesting size for an average chicken, and placing the boxes in a low and dark area of the house will discourage egg eating . Filling these boxes with un-treated, non-toxic wood shavings is best. The Small Chicken House by Chickenshack is an excellent example option if you would like happy, healthy and stress free nesting chickens.

Predators:

 In almost evey garden there is the risk of predators. Having a well maintained Coop free from damage will go a long way in keeping your brood safe. A strong wire mesh, such as the one available in the RS-716 Coop and Run, will keep pesky foxes away from your chicks. Make sure that any windows, doors or 'pop-holes' can safely and firmly secured to prevent predators accessing your Brood.