Whether it stems from a nostalgic idea of a living alarm clock, from fear of chemicals in food or from the simple desire for pets, many people desire their own flock of chickens. Raising poultry used to entail building a complicated coop and a permanent pen, but the widespread use of portable chicken houses has changed all that.
Before any construction begins or kits are purchased, it is essential to check local laws and zoning requirements. For example Bob Schultheis, a Natural Resource Engineering Specialist with the MU Extension Office in Webster County, said that in some cities a maximum of six hens are allowed and roosters are forbidden. Secondly, one should consult their neighbors. Bob recommended showing neighbors a detailed plan before any materials are purchased. Chicks require very little room, but the bigger the bird, the more floor space, pen space, feeder space and roost space required. For instance, Bob said heavy breed chickens require four square feet of floor space, but light breeds only require three. Though that might not seem like a big difference, if you plan to have six hens and you want a movable house, that extra six square feet adds weight and space requirements that need to be considered. The house must also be comfortable for the birds year round and should be made of pressure treated lumber for longevity.
Though portable hen houses are very popular, they must be built sturdy enough to protect the poultry. Neighborhood cats and dogs often become dangerous predators for chicks and even full grown hens. Bob recommended keeping the hen house away from cover that a predator could hide in, using heavy wire screening on the inside of any windows and screening in the outdoor run. If the pen is in a permanent location, he recommended burying the bottom 6-12 inches of the wire instead of starting the pen at ground level, that way the chickens won’t accidentally dig out and predators can’t dig in.
Dr. Larry Forgey and Dennis Epperly from the Missouri Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health also recommended protecting the flock from rodents. Not only do mice waste and spoil feed, but they can carry diseases that could infect the poultry. Normal household bleach and detergents can be used to clean facilities, and any equipment bought secondhand or borrowed should be thoroughly cleaned before it is put into use.
With careful planning and a little bit of work, fresh eggs and a few friendly “clucks” can be as close as your own backyard.
