Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: A Good Chicken Shelter Has Some Importsant Key Elements

A quality chicken shelter will properly house
your flock, giving them protection from
predators,rain,wind,snow,sleet and excessive heat
or cold and provide the features chicken's need.

Building a garden-shed or doghouse is
straightforward whereas a hen-house requires
certain 'must haves'. Like well-designed perches
(roosting areas), nesting boxes, and water and
feed systems plus adequate space for each bird.

You need to know about those elements are before
you begin building the coop.

Backyard chicken shelters can be made from many
different materials and are a great way to
re-cycle those materials, stuff that would have
otherwise been considered junk and tossed out.
Often the disassembling of one backyard structure
(an old garden shed) gives you the material to
build another backyard structure (a chicken
coop—check with local building regulations
before you do this). Or you can opt for brand new
material from the local lumber yard. Doing this
will—of course—increase costs.

Regardless of which option you choose there are
some basic design issues you need to keep in mind
when building your chicken shelter.

Chickens are hardy creatures that have survived
in close proximity with humans for thousands of
years. They can stand up to cold weather quite
well with your help. Their perches need to be off
the cold ground and fresh dry bedding material
(wood chips, straw, etc.) needs to be provided as
needed.

A well-sealed coop--making it windproof--is you
best defense against icy winter winds. In very
extreme climates you may want to consider an
additional wind break protecting the coop from
winter winds-as well. Because adequate
ventilation of the coop is so important, closable
vents which can be controlled, to allow airflow
through the coop when you need it is a terrific
idea.

Two windows are commonly recommended for a
chicken shelter and it's a good idea to orient
them to use natural daylight to your best
advantage. If you plan to forego the windows,
plan on some form of artificial lighting. Your
flock will do well with the proper amount of
natural light.

Easy access to feed and water is very important,
especially during those winter months when the
water system could freeze over. Care must be
taken to make sure this doesn't happen. Even on
the coldest days the chickens will be outside
happily clucking, pecking and scratching away at
the snow.

If you live in subtropical or tropical climate
some of these issues are less important.

In conclusion it is important to know the
requirements your flock needs in the geographical
location you are situated in before you begin
building your chicken shelter and the best way to
ensure that, Is by having a set of good quality
plans.

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