 |
Review and Recommended Reading
How to Build Attractive and Affordable Hen Houses in Easy and Simple Steps! |
Not having read any reviews, I was expecting a book aimed simply at the carpenter or handyman seeking guidance on how to “bang in the nails” and assemble a chicken ark
This guide is so, very much more. To begin with, you are given advice on which species of chickens are most suitable for your circumstances and garden, and how they should best be fed. Emphasis is placed upon preparing everything before your chickens arrive.
|
I hadn’t really given much thought to the space needed “per chicken”, but this is such an important factor, and it’s explained so simply. Likewise with the nesting boxes.
I didn’t have a clue before I read this book, and certainly didn’t expect a book called “Building A Chicken Coop” to provide me with this comprehensive information.
It lists the jobs that must be carried out on a regular basis for you (called husbandry), and even covers the health of your chickens and their eggs.
|
|
 |
Click Here Download the Guide |
|
The best part of the whole guide however, is the reason I bought it…the planning and construction of the coop itself.
First of all, I have to say that I’m not especially gifted at DIY. Sure, I can measure, saw, drill and hammer, but not with any great skill. The tools required are all very basic. If I had bought the same coop that I have built it would have cost me double.
The construction plans are so easy to understand, and because the book is on my computer I was able to reprint a few that I messed up. In addition, they are in color.
|
| "Wish I had these Plans on my First Hen House" |
| Your Plans are Great! The detail and directions for laying out and cutting the wood are a big help. I wish I had these plans when I was building my first coop. I would definately recommend your plans for anyone who wants to build a chicken coop. |
 |
| Kathy W. |
Taylorsville
Georgia |
|
|
It’s a miracle indeed for someone like me to build a fantastic coop which even collects the eggs. I built quite a large coop in only two weekends.
Now I’m re-reading all the books (there are extra free bonuses) to learn more about keeping chickens.
Overall, I have to say that whether you’re a complete beginner at DIY and working on a small budget, or an expert with more funds available, you will find this book unbeatable
|
|
Click Here to Download the Guides |
|
|
|
|
Chicken Ark - Hen Houses
Chickens are not picky about their homes. They need only a bit of grass to peck at and a dry place to roost. So do not be intimidated about building your own. If you have limited building skills, you might consider buying a set of plans which can help you out.
They should include a complete list of supplies which will save you trips to the lumber yard and hardware store. If you have some basic building experience, you should be able to handle the project on your own.
|
|
| |
|
| |
 Plans for Hen Houses
Raising chickens can be an inexpensive and rewarding hobby. They are fascinating creatures to watch with the added benefit of fresh eggs thrown into the deal. Much of the difficulty of keeping chickens can be solved by building a proper chicken ark to house them.
The advantage of a chicken ark is that it can be moved around every few day so as to provide the birds with fresh forage and keep you from having to deal with the manure build up problems of a permanent coop.
The first step is to decide on a proper design. The best choice is an A-frame approximately six feet long by four feet wide. This size ark will be big enough to house six or seven birds, but not too big to be easily moved around the yard which is the whole purpose of the design. Search inline to get an idea of the different designs being offered for sale – this will give you plenty of ideas for the features you want to incorporate into your own.
Since your structure will be outside and sitting on the ground, you should use pressure treated lumber to protect and against insects and rot. 2 x 4 boards will provide adequate strength for the triangle walls at either end and the connecting runners between each set on points. Add two more boards halfway up the sides to support the floor of the roost. If you extend these supports past the ends of the ark they can do double duty as the handles as well.
A single sheet of pressure treated plywood will provide enough material for the floor of the roost and its roof as well. Carefully cut a rectangular hole in the center of the roost and save the off-cut to use as the ramp. You will need to add a hinge to one side and a latch to the other side. For convenient access to the roost and the egg laying area, add hinges to one side of the roof as well. If you choose, you can use metal siding for the roof of the structure. This is personal preference and often based on what scrap materials you have around the house.
With the major construction done, the last step is to add chicken wire around the lower level of ark. Now you can choose to paint and decorate your ark or leave it natural. Your ark is now secure and ready for its first guests. |
|
|
| |
|
Chicken Arc - Feeding Your Chickens
Once you have your Chicken Ark built and selected your birds, you need to know the basics of how to keep them healthy and happy. Just like humans, chickens need a plentiful supply of good clean drinking water – this is perhaps the most important thing you can provide for your birds. If they are going to lay well and be productive, this is essential. To supplement their diet and enhance their well-being, try mixing water soluble vitamins and minerals to their water.
Depending on where you live, you’ll know the climate and heat during different times of the year, and again just like humans in hot weather chickens will need more water. Try to change the water twice a day, though once should be sufficient as a minimum. In the design of your chicken ark you could try to incorporate your water containers above the ground level, this will prevent the chickens spoiling the water.
When feeding the birds choose one of the main branded chicken feeds that are available in your local pet store. The feed will contain all of the essential minerals and nutrients that your birds need to stay healthy and productive. There are two main types of feed; mixed corn and layers pellets, and a mixture of the two is recommended. Every chicken owner has a different opinion about what mix of the two to give your chickens, however you can’t go far wrong with a 50/50 mix stirred together and placed in your chicken ark.
In terms of quantity, the conventional wisdom is for a handful in the morning per chicken and perhaps half a handful in the evening, again per chicken. Do watch your chickens to make sure that they are all sharing the food and all eating. This isn’t as easy as it sounds, but you want to make sure that no-one is being left out at feeding time!
The feed is fairly cheap. Plan on spending approximately $1 a month per bird on feed.
Lastly, make sure you get some grit into your chicken ark. This is essential for them also, though note that oyster shell is not good for them. For the ultimate in self-sufficiency you can make grit out of the shells of used eggs. You just need to roast them in the oven until they’re crunchy and have gone darker in colour and then simply grind them until they have the consistency of grit.
Although it is tempting to give the chickens unwanted food from your own kitchen, this should be done strictly in moderation as the food will not contain the essential minerals and nutrients that chicken feed does. If the birds therefore only feed on what you give them from your kitchen, they will not be eating a balanced and healthy diet and their health and the number of eggs you find in your chicken ark will suffer as a result
|
|
|
|
