Making a mini-chicken coop for 5 chickens with your own hands, drawings and dimensions
When breeding a small number of birds in a private household, it is advisable to think about building a mini-chicken coop. There are several building designs, which are usually designed for a capacity of 5 chickens. When erecting, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances and create conditions for the comfortable keeping of individuals.
Features of the structure of a mini-chicken coop for 5 chickens
Having planned the construction of a stationary mini-chicken coop, you need to choose a place with an average level of natural light, protected from blowing through. The best option is to be located close to a tall shrub, the shadow of which will protect the room from heating, and sparse branches will partially transmit light. To avoid dampness, it is better to give preference to a site on a hill. Direct construction of the facility is carried out according to standard rules.
Drafting and calculation of dimensions
Before proceeding with the construction of the structure, you need to draw up a project in which drawings are drawn and the dimensions of all sides are determined. For the free existence of 5 chickens, it is enough to have a poultry house with an area of about two squares in the country. The base can be made in the form of a square with an aspect ratio of 1.5 x 1.5 m or make it rectangular 1 x 2 m.The height is calculated taking into account its own height and 15-20 cm is added to simplify the process of cleaning and disinfecting the room.
The perches are placed at a height of up to 1.2 m and equipped with a ladder. A tray for collecting excrement is built under the base of the structure. Bird nests should be between 40 x 40 cm.
Necessary materials and tools for construction
To complete construction work, you will need a basic set of tools. From the materials you need to prepare:
- bars of different lengths for the base of the structure and perches;
- sheet plywood or chipboard;
- metal grid;
- roofing material;
- insulation;
- fasteners (hinges, nails, screws).
Making a small chicken coop
The construction of a compact poultry house is carried out in stages. Following step-by-step instructions, it will be possible to ensure the reliability and durability of the structure.
Foundation making
The foundation is created only for the stationary variety of the chicken coop. The easiest way is to make a columnar type of foundation, for which you need to fill the trench with a concrete mixture around the perimeter of the selected area. It is allowed to fix the support pillars in compacted soil. When choosing a solid and strip foundation, you need to make a formwork, and then concreting it. In this case, the pouring area and time costs increase.
Installation of walls and roof
After preparing the foundation, they begin to build the main frame. For this, the workpieces from the bars are fastened together in such a way that they form a stable rectangle. Then the base of the walls is built in the form of frames, on top of which the upper strapping is mounted.
To create walls, you can use beams, plywood, netting, or a combination of these materials. In a stationary house, 3 walls must provide protection from external influences, and the front wall is equipped with an inlet and a mesh surface for natural light. The walls of the permanent chicken coop are covered with thermal insulation material. For this purpose, it is not recommended to use foam due to its high density and inability to pass moisture.
The erected structure is covered with a roof. To do this, support beams or a solid ceiling made of boards are fixed across the upper frame. A layer of thermal insulation and roofing material are laid on top of the material. The roof can be built with one or two slopes so that precipitation does not accumulate.
Floor base
The floor is equipped with concrete or planks. You can also stretch a metal mesh with medium-sized cells as a base. There should be a waste tray under the base. In the case of building a year-round chicken coop, you need to insulate the floor. With a columnar foundation, it is recommended to lay a double floor and spread insulation material in the space between the boards.
Arrangement of a mini-chicken coop inside
A small coop requires the same amenities as a larger room. When making a poultry house with your own hands, you should carry out the internal arrangement before settling in domestic chickens.
Perches
One hen needs 30 cm of free space on the pole. To accommodate 5 females in one chicken coop, the length of the perch can be increased to 3 m. To make the perch, a 5-6 cm thick bar is used and the corners are rounded off with a plane. In a small room, it is advisable to place a vertical roost with a slope so that the droppings fall into the prepared container.
Nests
The nests are placed in a shaded area at a distance from each other. The optimal size of each nest is 40 x 40 cm. The exact dimensions are selected depending on the breed and age of the chickens.
Litter
Inside the room, there must be a litter of sawdust or straw on the floor. This is necessary to maintain dryness and reduce the risk of spreading disease. If possible, it is recommended to change the litter daily. The most suitable option is grain waste flooring.
Feeders and drinkers
Feeders with a jumper or mesh are placed against one of the side walls to prevent food scattering. Drinking bowls are placed at the other wall. It is recommended to use the nipple variety to help keep the area dry.
What else do you need to take care of?
In addition to the internal arrangement, you need to take care of the basic elements of the chicken coop. These include a ventilation system, lighting fixtures and a patio for walking.
Ventilation
The easiest way to organize ventilation is through a small window. If possible, run pipes through the roof. The hood above the roof is brought out above the supply pipe.Ventilation ensures constant air circulation and elimination of pungent odors.
Lighting
Various types of lamps can be used as lighting fixtures. Lighting inside the coop should be moderate and evenly distributed over the entire area.
Place for walking
A yard for walking birds is being set up next to the poultry house. Mobility and outdoor activities are beneficial for laying hens. The courtyard is fenced off with a low fence and covered with a net to protect against birds of prey. If greens grow on the fenced area, there is no need to remove them, since the birds will be able to additionally provide themselves with natural food.
Features of winter design
The main feature of the winter chicken coop is the mandatory use of insulation material. If the house is stationary and stays outdoors during the winter season, it should be closed to make it easier to maintain a high temperature indoors.
A mobile version of a mini-chicken coop is allowed to be moved during frosts to a shed or other utility room.
