Chicken Coop Plans 4U

Are you looking to raise chickens in your backyard?  After you build and prepare a chicken coop, and buy the supplies you need, you’re going to be all set for the new inhabitants to move in.  You want to be sure that you have everything set when they arrive, otherwise there could be complete madness as you try to get your new chickens settled in and comfortable.

Once the chicks arrive you want to look them over very carefully.  Should they arrive in bad health or with an infection, tell the delivery person right away.  Part of their job is to make sure that your chickens are alive and in good condition.  If you are not satisfied with the condition they are in upon arrival, then contact the supplier and the postal company.

After you have the baby chickens situated and are satisfied with their condition on delivery,  then place them in their chicken coop.  The ideal temperature will be about 90 degrees, at a minimum, and the enclosure should be maintained at this temperature at least a week before the chicks arrive.  Once they’re inside, you should reduce the temperature by 5 degrees every week until they no longer need the heating element to survive.  Make sure there is plenty of room for the chicks to move around inside the roost, so they all have a chance at getting closer to the heat when needed and can move away from the heat when they get too hot.

Keep an eye on the chicks for the first few hours after you transfer them from the crate to the brooder.  If you notice that the chicks are all fighting with each other to get closer to the heat source, then you know it may be too cold in the enclosure.  And if they are all huddled away, then you know it may be too warm.  Read the chicks behavior to understand how well the temperature is being maintained inside the brooder.

Another good idea is to dip the beak of each chick into the water mixture so that they are familiar with where the food is.

Don’t forget to provide plenty of water.  A nice (and inexpensive) trick is to place a half cup of sugar for every gallon of water.  This gives the baby chickens the energy they need for the day.  A very popular myth is that an owner needs to add chemicals to the water, but I can assure  you this is not necessary.  Mix a fine grit and fill the feed lids full of chicken feed then sprinkle generously around the chicken coop for the chicks to eat.

Poultry can carry many kinds of bacteria and viruses that are potentially harmful to humans.  You should also take the necessary precautions to prevent infection.  Wash your hands before and after handling the chickens, wear protective gear when necessary (such as gloves), and never handle chickens if you or they have an open wound.  This will prevent the spread of disease from fowl to person and prevent the spread of disease from person to person.

Never let children handle or play with the chicks without close adult supervision.   Parents should also educate their children on the proper way to handle the chicks as well.  Don’t bring the chickens into your living areas either, as that could create an opportunity for disease to enter into your home.

Once the chicks are comfortable and content, you can relax and just enjoy raising them.  In a few months you’ll be able to get fresh eggs from your backyard, and what could be better than that?

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