Chicken Coop FAQ
Exterior
- Do you recommend a metal roof for a chicken coop?
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.
- Does a metal roof make the coop hotter?
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.
- Do you offer a low maintenance exterior for your coops?
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.
- Do I need a chicken run?
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.
- How many nesting boxes do I need?
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.
- How do I know what coop size I need?
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
- Do I need to add electric to the coop?
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.
- Do I need to insulate my coop?
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
- Do you sell coop plans or coop kits?
We do not offer chicken coop plans for sale. Our coops are not available in kit form.
- Are your coops ‘predator proof’?
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.
- What is your delivery area?
We deliver our coops anywhere within the Continental United States.
- Do the coops require site prep?
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.
- Do the coops come fully assembled?
Yes, the coops are delivered fully assembled and will be placed on your prepared site ready for same day use!
- Why are many of your chicken coop models elevated / built on ‘stilts’ or legs?
There are a number of practical reasons why our coops are elevated…
- 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.
- Easier access for clearing away debris and droppings.
- Helps keep chickens healthy by keeping the coop drier particularly in areas prone to flooding or heavy rains.
- Elevation makes it more difficult for snakes and digging predators (such as foxes and raccoons) to gain access to the coop.
- Deters rats, mice and other pests and wildlife from taking up residence underneath.
- 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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