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4 Things To Consider When Shopping Hen Houses To Raise Your Chickens

April 18, 2022

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

So, you've decided you want fresh eggs for your family, and you are getting excited about the prospect of raising chickens. After some research on breeds, you decide it's time to look at some hen houses. But when you look it up online, you are overwhelmed by all the different options. How will you choose the right one?

There is no need to worry because we at Sun Rise Sheds have helped many people through the process of selecting the perfect hen house for their needs. Since 2011, we've been handcrafting fully customizable sheds with high-quality materials, and chicken coops are just one of the shed types we make here. If you have trouble deciding what kind of hen house you need, let our experts help you!

1. What is an Appropriate Size for Hen Houses?

One of the first choices you will make when raising chickens is the size of the hen house you will settle on. Depending on how many chickens you want, you will need a poultry house to accommodate them! Hen houses range from small for families with just a few chickens to larger for people looking to raise a bigger flock.

You'll also want to consider how big you will want your hen house to be for your convenience. Chickens need a clean, well-ventilated space to discourage illnesses. If you cannot clean the chicken coop easily, you risk your chickens getting sick.

However, you don't want a chicken house that's too large. If they have too much space, your chickens may exercise more than they should to maintain the correct weight to produce eggs.

Also, don't make your coop too small, as the chickens may get territorial and start pecking or harming one another for more room. Pecking can lead to infections or other illnesses that can spread and harm your entire flock.

How Much Space Do Chickens Need?

Chickens need space to roam. When raising chickens, you will quickly realize each breed requires a different amount of space for sufficient growth, exercise, socialization, and egg production. Chickens also need space to roam for adequate physical activity every day. The amount of space your coop will need depends on what breeds of chickens you decide to raise.

In general, you want one nesting box for every three chickens you plan to keep in your coop. These nesting boxes will give your chickens enough room to comfortably lay eggs, reduce the risk of egg breakage, and reduce the likelihood of your hens fighting for space.

2. Does Material Quality Matter When Buying Hen Houses?

It might not seem like it matters at first, but the materials used to construct your hen house will matter in the long run. You need high-quality lumber to create a solidly built chicken coop to contain your chickens safely. If you select a chicken house made from poor quality materials, you risk damage from the elements or even escaped birds!

Shed kits to make your chicken housing system at any hardware store might seem like an appealing choice because of their low price point, but you pay for the quality of those materials, and low cost can mean low quality.

Poor quality materials are susceptible to rot and may be easier for a predator to break into, leaving your birds vulnerable. When you trust Sun Rise Sheds to build your coop, you can rest assured that we will use the best, most suitable materials to construct your chicken coop. We want to keep them safe and cozy as much as you do!

3. What Accessories Do You Want on Your Hen House?

If you want your chickens to thrive, they need plenty of support to encourage maximum egg production. Some of the accessories your hen house comes with can ensure you care for your chickens and help with their egg production as much as possible. Some important features you may want for your chicken house include vents, windows, cupolas, or nesting boxes.

Also, consider how you will feed your flock. During warm months, keeping your feed and water outside makes the most sense to encourage the birds to go out, eat, and get some exercise.

Plus, keeping the food and water outside is better for keeping any disease spread at bay because food in the coop can mean more bird excrement and mess inside. However, in the winter, your flock might be unable to go out if the weather is terrible. Designing your coop with a spot for food and water is an excellent option, even if you only use it occasionally!

At Sun Rise Sheds, our structures are fully customizable, so you have the option to get the exact chicken house of your dreams! We can add cupolas to ensure proper ventilation and a small doorway for your chickens to get in and out of their coop quickly. We are well versed in what it takes to make a sturdy, spacious hen house, so don't hesitate to contact us today.

4. Do Hen Houses Need Winterizing?

When you live somewhere with colder seasons, keep in mind that your hen house will need to be winterized. Hens need specific conditions to keep producing eggs during the months when temperatures dip. They need extra help during the colder months, like an increase in vitamins and protein in their diet, as well as artificial lighting to ensure they are getting the right amount of light every day.

How Can Sun Rise Sheds Help You Get the Hen House You Need?

Chicken coops are a lot of work, but you can make that work easier for yourself with a shed built to your needs! At Sun Rise Sheds, skilled artisans handcraft each hen house to your precise specifications. We will fully customize any shed features you desire. Contact us if you are ready to start your hen house today!

4 Things To Consider When Shopping Hen Houses To Raise Your Chickens

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