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Chicken Coop FAQ

Exterior

Metal roofing is more durable, weather resistant and fire-proof. They also require little to no maintenance. Another benefit of a metal roof on a chicken coop is that it is resistant to pests and rot.

No, a metal roof generally does not make a structure hotter. Actually, a metal roof is often more effective at keeping the coop cooler because it absorbs less heat than shingles.

Our LP Smartside is low maintenance and has a 50-year warranty. Smartside is an engineered wood siding designed with the look and feel of traditional wood siding. It is more durable and weather resistant than natural wood. Per the manufacturer, repainting may not be needed for 15 years.

A chicken run offers a safe outdoor space for your flock to forage and get exercise and fresh air. It is not required or absolutely necessary. Horizon Structures sells coops with or without an attached chicken run.

A general rule-of-thumb recommends one nest box for every 3-4 hens. However, chickens often share boxes so many times nest boxes go unused.

The general rule of thumb is to allow 3 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop and 15 square feet of roaming space per chicken outside the coop.

Interior

Although the electrical package is not necessarily essential, it does offer the option to power things like a heat lamp and de-icer. Additionally, a light makes coop chores easier when it’s dark. Outside lighting may also deter predators like raccoons. Supplemental lighting enhances egg production during fall and winter months when days are short.

The short answer is ‘No.’ CLICK HERE to find out why. Keeping your coop draft-free and providing adequate ventilation is more important.

Delivery/Building

We do not offer chicken coop plans for sale. Our coops are not available in kit form.

Our coops are solidly built with a number of design elements and features meant to deter predators. However, we do not assert that they are ‘predator proof.’ We recommend learning all you can about predators in your area and taking every precaution possible to protect your hens both inside the coop and outside, if applicable, in their chicken run.

We deliver our coops anywhere within the Continental United States.

We do not require site prep but we do highly recommend at least a flat, level and stable surface for the coop to sit on.

Yes, the coops are delivered fully assembled and will be placed on your prepared site ready for same day use!

There are a number of practical reasons why our coops are elevated…

  1. Improved air circulation beneath the coop helps keep the coop cooler in hot weather. Additionally, humidity and dampness are reduced decreasing mold, mildew and moisture. This extends the life of the coop by lessening the chances for rot and decay.
  2. Easier access for clearing away debris and droppings.
  3. Helps keep chickens healthy by keeping the coop drier particularly in areas prone to flooding or heavy rains.
  4. Elevation makes it more difficult for snakes and digging predators (such as foxes and raccoons) to gain access to the coop.
  5. Deters rats, mice and other pests and wildlife from taking up residence underneath.
  6. Provides shade, a protected area for foraging and a quick, easily accessible place for hens to shelter from threats from above such as birds of prey or inclement weather
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We will be transferring you to our 'sister' company – Stoltzfus Structures.