Whether it's for a full-on hobby farm or perhaps just to fill out space on a large residential property, many people decide to take on chickens as a domestic task. After all, who doesn't love the self-sufficiency of getting your own eggs? Additionally, the Western Australian government notes that chickens can be great for eating food scraps and loosening soil. Of course if you really want to get cracking on earth moving, mini loaders or excavators might be necessary!
In any case, making a space for backyard chickens is a great bit of garden DIY that can become a wonderful part of the home. But what do you need to know when creating a chicken coop?
Get it on the level
Before you consider building, you need to have a great foundation! This may require some garden landscaping, so give yourself the time to check the gradient of where you want to build and get the area nice and flat before you take any further steps.
It will make construction much easier down the line!
Pick your materials wisely
If you're working on a coop for the long-term, consider the materials that will last the longest. Wood is a great foundation, but be careful if you're recycling materials - rotted wood is a clear no-go. While it may not last as long as brand new wood, recycled materials can still be used if you're on a budget.
Determine your plan and dimensions before you get your materials, and if you are using repurposed wood, make sure to give it a thorough sanding to get it looking great.
Keep it secure
Protecting your chickens is one of the most crucial aspects of chicken housing - as is preventing a coop d'etat! This means making sure you use appropriate mesh wiring between your posts, and embedding it into the ground so creatures don't dig underneath.
Mesh also keeps the coop nicely ventilated. Creating a perch for chickens to lay eggs on also allows for simple collection, and provides a safe space for them to lay. Make sure it is no higher than 60 centimetres though, otherwise it might not be a good environment for egg production.
Making the most of your land can take many forms, and a chicken coop is just one method of reaping rewards from the yard. Check out the great range of Kennards Hire equipment that can help you make it a reality - you might be inspired to take on even more projects!