Breeds Of Chickens – What Are The Best Chicken Breeds For My Chicken Coop?

  

Breeds Of Chickens – What Are The Best Chicken Breeds For My Chicken Coop?

There are a few tips that any new-time chicken owner should adhere to when deciding what chicken is best for them:

• A big factor in choosing your breed of chicken is the consideration of where you live. A small garden in the middle of the city isn’t exactly ideal for thriving chickens.

Neither is a small coop. Planning must be seen when building the coop, as this is the chicken’s home and the place where they will spend the most time. Ideally, for any chicken, a large garden should be a feature in your home, to allow the chickens to run freely.

The climate where you live also can pose a problem. If you are near the equator, it tends to be warmer, and whether you live about it or below it, it gets cooler.

• If it’s eggs you’re after, the Pekins and the Silkies are your guys. Purebred chickens tend to be more fragile and prone to illness than those which have been crossbred, so if you’re looking for a good breed, crossbreeding a Silkie and a Bantam has been reported as one of the best breeds of chicken you can get, as they are quiet laid back.

If you’re just after inexpensive egg laying, then you should choose the leghorn. Not as pretty as other chickens, they are the cheaper method. However some breeders have reported them as being high-strung.

• Some people aren’t after chickens for their eggs, and if you’re one of them, than the Cochin Bantam is your bird. With a sweet disposition, it is exceptionally well-mannered. If you’re looking for beauty, than a good choice is the Americaunanas. These are incredibly beautiful because of their feathers, resembling a Falcon in both colour and hooked beaks.

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A chicken coop is a place where your chicken can perch, sleep and eat, and a safe place where they can lay their eggs. As an extension, an outdoor chicken run may be attached to it. So what are the things that poultry owners or chicken raisers consider when they plan to make a chicken coop?

First, the coop should be spacious enough so that the chickens can move around more freely. The minimum space that you should allot for each chicken is four square feet minimum. So if you are to keep 10 chickens, the coop should have a floor area that is approximately 40 square feet or more.

Second, when you build a chicken coop, make sure that you have an 8-inch minimum perch measurement per chicken. Remember to place trays below the perches for chicken droppings.

Third, consider the lighting, keep in mind that proper lighting incites egg laying. Most experts advise that the chicken coop should have one source of light per 40-square feet area. Place it above the feeding or water tray, the light will also serve as a heat source for the chicken and their eggs during the cold weather.

Fourth, there should be enough number of nesting boxes for each hen. Ratio should be 3 nests for every 8 chickens. These boxes should be 4 inches deep and should contain wood or straw shavings.

Fifth, the aeration is also an important factor to consider when you make a chicken coop. Small vents or windows should be strategically located so that fresh air can enter and allow moisture and odor to escape.

And last but not the least; bear in mind the chicken’s protection prior to building their pen. Be wary of the predators that might feast on your hens, their chicks and eggs. A wired fence to add as a barrier is most recommended. It should be sturdy enough to withstand pressure and the changes in weather.

Once you are aware of these factors, you are now ready to build the hen house for your chicken.

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Want to make sure it is safe.

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