The palatial Henderlay!
Coops and Bedding FAQs
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Versus Wooden Coops? Wooden coops are generally cheaper, look prettier and, most importantly, being a made from a natural product are breathable. This means condensation from the hens will not build up in the coop overnight. They are susceptible to the weather but can be treated with hen friendly woodstain to make them last longer. They are also more prone to redmite.
Plastic coops are generally more expensive but are easy to clean and are much less prone to redmite. The ventilation needs to be good as condensation can build up on the inside of the roof and hens, especially ex-batts, need a dry environment. Recycled plastic makes this option more environmentally friendly.
Do ex-batts perch? Sometimes! When they are first with you, remove the perch so they do not hurt their legs on it. Once they are stronger, put it back and see who perches. I have had over 30 ex-batts, 1 has perched! The rest tuck up in the various nest boxes.
What is the best bedding to use? Line the coop and nest boxes with newspaper (staples removed!) and then cover in bedding. Straw is OK but it is prone to being mouldy which can affect your hens' precious respiratory systems. I like Easibed, it is a really horse bedding and is recycled and compostable. It is easy to poo pick and does not harbour red mites as easily. Easichick is also available as is a hemp version called Hempcore.
How big does the coop need to be? Commercial coops are too stingy with size, so if you are having 4 hens, get a coop that states it is large enough for 6-8 hens. Ensure there are plenty of nest boxes and plenty of removable perches.
How often do you clean out the coop? Poo pick daily and then clean out completely once a week in the summer. In the winter, when it is usually wet or cold, I do a full clean every other week and top up bedding on the alternate week. Obviously if the bedding is damp or very dirty then it all needs to be changed.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Versus Wooden Coops? Wooden coops are generally cheaper, look prettier and, most importantly, being a made from a natural product are breathable. This means condensation from the hens will not build up in the coop overnight. They are susceptible to the weather but can be treated with hen friendly woodstain to make them last longer. They are also more prone to redmite.
Plastic coops are generally more expensive but are easy to clean and are much less prone to redmite. The ventilation needs to be good as condensation can build up on the inside of the roof and hens, especially ex-batts, need a dry environment. Recycled plastic makes this option more environmentally friendly.
Do ex-batts perch? Sometimes! When they are first with you, remove the perch so they do not hurt their legs on it. Once they are stronger, put it back and see who perches. I have had over 30 ex-batts, 1 has perched! The rest tuck up in the various nest boxes.
What is the best bedding to use? Line the coop and nest boxes with newspaper (staples removed!) and then cover in bedding. Straw is OK but it is prone to being mouldy which can affect your hens' precious respiratory systems. I like Easibed, it is a really horse bedding and is recycled and compostable. It is easy to poo pick and does not harbour red mites as easily. Easichick is also available as is a hemp version called Hempcore.
How big does the coop need to be? Commercial coops are too stingy with size, so if you are having 4 hens, get a coop that states it is large enough for 6-8 hens. Ensure there are plenty of nest boxes and plenty of removable perches.
How often do you clean out the coop? Poo pick daily and then clean out completely once a week in the summer. In the winter, when it is usually wet or cold, I do a full clean every other week and top up bedding on the alternate week. Obviously if the bedding is damp or very dirty then it all needs to be changed.
