If you are looking to keep chickens in your backyard, it is worthwhile having a look at some of the many different housing options that are available these days. The rusty old wooden coop at the bottom of the garden can now come with special lighting, protective fences, windows, automated systems for feeding and watering if you choose.
Chickens can be kept in cages in a garden shed or garage if you have very limited space. You should make sure of course there is sufficient light and no drafts as the chickens cannot cuddle together to keep warm when in individual cages. Some people see caging chickens as quite inhumane as there is no room for the chickens to run around and do what chickens like to do. Cages do however have their use if you suspect you have a sick chicken or want to introduce new chickens into an existing environment.
The rusty old wooden coop with a chicken run is still one the favourite ways of keeping chickens. Not only does it provide the chickens with shelter and protection from predators such as dogs and children, but allows the chickens to roam free, yet be protected in an enclosed space. It also provides a standard place to find eggs.
Another option is simply to provide shelter but let the chickens wander around all over the place. This is free-range at its best, although as my sister has found out, it can be very hard to track down their nesting places and therefore the eggs. Although she doesn’t have a vegetable garden, the chickens did tend to poop all over her lawn and decking which made running around not particularly pleasant.
If you only want to keep two or three chickens as pets then a small mobile unit may be just the thing. These are great because you can move them around your backyard to avoid concentrated activity around one particular area. It also lets the chickens have access to fresh grass, and can let other areas rest.
Another option for a small number of birds is the A-Frame coop. These are very easy to set up and build as well as maintain. They are fairly light so if you live in a highly exposed area, be sure to secure these down otherwise your coop and chickens may end up flying to the next door neighbours.
Finally, regardless of the type of coop you decide to build or buy, do make sure that it provides a comfortable, healthy environment for your chickens.
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