Raising chickens can be a lot of fun, and we know you want the best for your chickens. With the warmer weather on its way, prepping your coop for chickens to go back outside is at the top of your to-do list. That’s why we’ve created this list of tips to help you get the outdoor coop ready for your flock this spring.
Providing a Run
Chickens need space to roam safely which is why we recommend providing an outdoor run for your flock. A good rule of thumb is 6-10 sq. ft. of space per bird. Remember that the run should be tall enough to keep your chickens in and predators out. If you have a large number of chickens, you might consider dividing your flock into smaller groups and creating multiple runs.
Give Them Shade
Chickens can easily get overheated especially with warmer weather ahead. To combat this, you can provide a nice shady area for them to cool off and escape the sun. Trees around the coop or the use of shade cloth are a couple of ways you can give them the retreat from the heat they need.
Promote Foraging
Chickens are natural foragers, so giving them vegetation to promote this behavior can be beneficial to them. Vegetation provides not only a source of food but also a way to keep chickens entertained. Plant grasses, clover, or vegetables around the coop and run for them to snack on. Just keep an eye on their diet to prevent overfeeding or accidental ingestion of harmful plants.
Build Some Perches
Everyone knows birds love to perch, so why would chickens be any different? Chickens love to roost on a perch during the day and at night when they go to sleep. Make sure your coop has room for perches before building them in or purchase coops with that in mind. Perches shouldn’t be so high that your chickens can’t easily get up or down from them and need to be secure so they don’t fall.
With these helpful tips, your chickens are sure to enjoy the warmer weather in their outdoor coop. For other helpful tips or ideas, visit us in-store for a chat. We can help you come up with custom solutions for your flock!