Is site location a vital issue when putting together chicken sheds? The location of the chicken shed is a topic that many backyard poultry farmers do not think of as crucial even though it is one of the single most elemental issues in successfully keeping a small flock of chickens. Deciding incorrectly can be the cause of illness amongst the flock, decreased quantities of eggs, unclean and unsightly eggs, and additional damaging consequences.

Error 1: Not Selecting an Area with Satisfactory Water drainage

Possibly the one single item that will most likely take all the enjoyment out of growing a small flock of chickens is locating your chicken sheds in areas with inadequate water drainage. This can cause water buildup, mud, wet litter, dirty eggs, health disorders, and a lower number of eggs produced.

If the water is not able to drain appropriately it can result in mud. When chicken droppings are added to the mixture of soil and water, it can create an unhygienic mire. This can easily be tracked into the poultry coop where the litter, food, water, and nesting boxes are situated, which can cause the litter to get wet and the eggs and nests to get filthy. Pullets need a sanitary coop to stay healthy and provide you with lots of organic eggs.

Error 2: Putting together Poultry Sheds that Face the Wrong Direction

When constructing a chicken pen it should be facing south if at all possible. This is critical in climates where the winter months are harsh. Southward facing hen houses will be the recipient of maximum sun exposure which will serve some vital purposes. It will keep the chicken sheds a bit warmer throughout the winter which will help keep the inner area from getting too damp. And remember, dry chicken sheds will result in additional eggs and less diseases.

Error 3: Not Choosing a Site that will supply Adequate Air Flow

Sufficient air movement, in addition to correctly positioned windows, will usually allow clean air to flow all through the sheds. This can keep strong and unpleasant odors from rising to poisonous levels and help keep the litter dry.

Additionally, be aware of the normal wind direction where you live. Chicken sheds will ideally not be sited in areas with no natural breaks. If there is the risk of intense winds in your area position the chicken house in a site with a protective wind break.

Error 4: Not Locating Poultry Coops In the Vicinity of Water and Electrical Outlets

Electricity and water are two issues that are not always given enough consideration before construction. In spite of this, building your poultry housing next to these sources will certainly save you much labor and help you get more eggs from your hens.

Being next to a water source will permit you to install an easy automated watering system, eliminating the need to change or refill the water fountains each and every day. Electrical outlets will permit you to install a light source in the interior of the coop if needed. Pullets need a bare minimum of 14 hours of light every day if you are expecting them to supply you with eggs steadily. During the seasons of the year with fewer than 14 hours of sunshine you can run extra light in the poultry house which will normally keep the hens producing on a regular basis even during the winter. Just one solitary low-wattage light bulb will usually keep the hens laying productively.

Error 5: Not Considering Potential Expansion

Always keep your choices open. You may possibly think that you won't ever keep a larger quantity than 3 or 4 pullets, but it is still worthwhile to set aside a bit of extra space. Even if you are not planning on increasing the quantity of pullets you raise, it is typically a good idea to give yourself enough room to do so if you change your mind.

You may possibly think that a handful of pullets is plenty and construct your poultry shed in an area where there is no further space for future expansion. In spite of this, if you should ever have a change of heart and decide to raise a dozen hens you will wish you had the extra room, so plan ahead.

Hear additional info with reference to manufacturing a low-priced chicken ark, successfully raising chickens, useful info with reference to tractor chicken coops, and more.

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