Are you thinking of keeping chickens? Wonderful! Chickens are great forms of pest control and their droppings act as a nitrogen-rich fertiliser for your garden – not to mention, they provide you with eggs and are great to cuddle!
Of course, if you do plan on getting some chickens (we recommend rescuing ex-factory farm hens!), then you’ll of course need a coop and chicken run for them to stay in. Read on below as we cover the key materials and features you’ll need for this.
Key Materials
Timber Panels
Using pressure treated timber panels is best when creating your chicken coop, as this will stay durable and weatherproof while outdoors, no matter the conditions. Timber is also relatively affordable and easy to work with, being ideal for creating a customised coop tailored to your required measurements and style.
Timber panels can also be used to create the frame for a chicken run, which we’ll discuss next.
Stock Netting
It’s important that your chickens have an outdoor space where they can run around, get fresh air and eat the grass (as well as the worms and insects underneath). Even if you let your chickens roam around free range, it’s a good idea to have an enclosed run attached to their coop for any times where it may not be safe or feasible to give them free reign of your garden.
The best way to keep them secure in their run yet still experience the outside elements is by using wire netting. It’s best to use netting made of galvanised steel, such as this hexagonal wire netting.
Top Tip: Remember to install your netting so that it’s buried 8-12 inches into the earth, as this will help prevent predators such as foxes from digging under the run and attacking your chickens.
Key Features
Nesting Boxes
A nesting box is a designated area where hens go to lay their eggs. Hens should feel safe and comfortable in this, so there are some key things to keep in mind:
- Size – Nesting boxes should be large enough for a single hen to comfortably enter and lay her eggs, but not large enough for two hens to fit in.
- Location – Ensure nesting boxes are in quiet, secluded areas of the coop.
- Bedding – Use soft materials like straw, wood shavings or hemp to line nesting boxes, as these make it easier for chickens to shape their nests and will cushion the eggs.
Roosting Bars
Chickens seek high roosts as a natural instinct to avoid predators. Even though there aren’t predators in the coop, ensure there are enough roosting bars for your chickens to line up along at night when they sleep, as this will help them to feel safe.
Get in Touch
If you’re planning on building your own chicken coop, then we’ve got the timber and netting supplies you need here at hales sawmills. Alternatively, if you’d rather invest in a ready-built chicken coop, then consider purchasing our Hutton Starter Coop – ideal for a pair of chickens!
Get in touch with us today if you require any further information or assistance.