Chicken Coops
Raising your own animals for meat or dairy is one part of self-sufficient living. While you might not have a large portion of land for raising livestock, you can work on a smaller scale with a chicken coop. Chicken coops are defined as any structure that houses chickens. This can be for the purpose of gathering eggs, raising the birds for meat, or for both. But, while not everyone has large enough land for a large chicken house, nearly all properties with some grass space can support a portable chicken coop and run.
EarthWave Living sells several types of Amish-made portable chicken coops made from pressure-treated wood, and these are designed for letting the birds lay eggs. All chicken coops for egg laying are equipped with nest boxes inside and perches for sleeping. Attached to the coop may be a chicken run for the birds to go outside but be protected from predators in a fenced-in area. All chicken coops should have some kind of ventilation and owners, additionally, should blanket the floor with some kind of straw or wood chip materials for easier waste cleanup.
But, while the portable chicken coops sold through EarthWave Living are made from wood, two types of coops are sold on the market. The Amish-made portable chicken coops fall under the category of closed houses, which are designed with a shed style and have doors, windows, and hatches that can be opened and closed. This allows for better temperature control, which is crucial when raising birds in an area with varying weather conditions./p>
The other type of chicken coop on the market is a fresh air house. These essentially are coops made from a wooden frame and wire mesh. While it makes the animals more free range, it also exposes them to cold temperatures and wet weather.
Either type comes in sizes for backyards. These backyard chicken coops can hold from three to 30 chickens and are often portable. Ideal for either urban or rural environments, these coops often have push features and are referred to as "chicken tractors." However, when adding any coop to your property, check with your area for any ordinances regarding animals, as some areas require chickens and other farm animals to be placed a certain distance from other residences.
