A backyard poultry house is a structure that provides shelter and a safe environment for domesticated poultry such as; chickens, ducks, and turkeys to live and lay eggs. Keeping backyard poultry has become increasingly popular due to the many benefits it offers.

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of having a backyard poultry house, the different types of poultry housing, the basic requirements for a poultry house, designing a simple poultry house(steps), and frequently asked questions about poultry housing. 

By the end of this blog, you will have a better understanding of what a backyard poultry house is and how you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your birds.

What is a backyard poultry house?

A poultry house is a structure designed to house domestic fowl such as; chickens, ducks, geese, or turkeys. These houses are typically constructed of wood, concrete, or steel and come in a variety of sizes and designs. A well-designed poultry house provides a safe and comfortable environment for the birds to live and thrive.

There are many reasons why having a poultry house is important for backyard poultry keepers; 

Firstly, a poultry house provides a safe and secure environment for your birds to live in, protecting them from predators and extreme weather conditions. 

Additionally, a well properly designed and maintained poultry house can help prevent the spread of disease and parasites among your flock.

Furthermore, having a poultry house allows you to better control the environment that your birds are living in. This includes; regulating temperature, ventilation, and lighting, which can all have a significant impact on the health and productivity of your birds.

Basic Requirements for a Backyard Poultry House

To ensure the well-being and health of your birds, there are several basic requirements that your backyard poultry house should meet;

• Adequate space

Your poultry house should provide enough space for your birds to move around freely without being overcrowded. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least three to four(3-4) square feet of floor space per bird.

• Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good air quality in poultry houses. This can be achieved through; windows, vents, or fans, and is necessary to remove excess moisture and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.

• Lighting

Lighting is an important aspect of poultry house design as it can impact egg production and bird behavior. Most poultry breeds require between 12-16 hours of light per day for optimal egg production.

• Temperature control

Maintaining a consistent temperature in the poultry house is critical to the health and well-being of your birds. The ideal temperature range for most poultry breeds is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit(°F), depending on the age of the birds.

• Nesting boxes

Nesting boxes provide a safe and comfortable place for hens to lay their eggs. These boxes should be designed to be easily accessible and always be kept clean to prevent the spread of disease among your birds.

• Feeding and watering systems

Your poultry house should include a feeding and watering system that is easily accessible and must always provide fresh food and water to your birds. This can include; feeders and waterers that are suspended from the ceiling or placed on the ground.

• Perches

Perches should be provided indoors to allow birds to roost and rest.

Types of Poultry Housing

When it comes to raising poultry birds, it is important to have a suitable and comfortable housing system that can provide the birds with; adequate protection, shelter, and space to move around. Different types of poultry housing have been developed to meet the varying needs of farmers and the birds themselves. In this section, we will explore the four main types of poultry housing and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Free-Range Poultry Housing

Free-range poultry bird housing refers to a housing type where the birds are allowed to roam freely outside their confinement of a coop or enclosure. This type of housing is ideal for people who want to raise chickens for their eggs or meat in a more natural environment.

Advantages:

• Provides birds with a natural environment and access to fresh air and sunlight
• Allows birds to engage in natural behaviors such as foraging for food and dustbathing
• May produce healthier birds and eggs due to a more diverse diet

Disadvantages:

• Birds may be exposed to more predators and disease
• Can be challenging to keep birds contained to a specific area
• Birds may damage gardens or landscaping

Colony Poultry Housing

Colony poultry housing type involves raising a large number of birds in one enclosure, typically with access to multiple levels or tiers. This type of housing is commonly used in commercial poultry farms.

Advantages:

• It allows for efficient usage of space
• Easier to monitor the health and productivity of a large number of birds in this housing type
• Can provide better protection against predators and disease

Disadvantages:

• May not allow for sufficient space or natural behaviors for each individual bird
• Can increase stress and aggression in birds due to close quarters
• Increased risk of disease transmission due to high-density population

Aviary Poultry Housing

Aviary poultry housing is similar to colony housing but typically involves a more open-air design with platforms and perches for birds to roost on.

Advantages:

• Provides birds with more space and opportunities for natural behaviors
• Can improve bird welfare and reduce stress and aggression
• Allows for better control of ventilation and temperature in the poultry house

Disadvantages:

• Can be challenging to manage a large number of birds in a more open environment
• May be more expensive to construct and maintain this housing type
• Increased risk of disease transmission due to high-density population

Barn Poultry Housing

Barn poultry housing type involves raising birds in large enclosed spaces, typically with access to just artificial lighting and a controlled temperature system. This housing type is mostly used in commercial poultry farms.

Advantages;

• Provides maximum protection for your birds against predators, weather, and disease
• Allows for efficient use of space and equipment
• Easier to monitor and manage a large number of birds in this housing type

Disadvantages:

• May not allow for sufficient space or natural behaviors for each individual bird
• Can increase stress and aggression in birds due to close quarters
• May require more energy and resource inputs to maintain artificial lighting and temperature control systems

How to Build a Simple Poultry House

Factors to consider before building a poultry house

Location; The poultry house should be built in an area that is dry, well-drained, and free from potential predators like dogs and foxes to ensure birds’ safety.

Size; The size of the poultry house will depend on the number of birds you plan to raise. A good rule of thumb is to provide two-three(2-3) square feet of indoor space and 4-5 square feet of outdoor space per bird.

Ventilation; Proper ventilation is important to prevent the buildup of harmful gases and moisture that can lead to respiratory problems and disease among your birds.

Orientation; The poultry house should be oriented such that; it takes advantage of natural light and prevailing winds.

Materials; always ensure that you choose materials that are durable, easy to clean, and non-toxic to your birds health and safety.

Materials needed to build a poultry house

1. Lumber for framing
2. Plywood for sheathing
3. Roofing material (corrugated metal or fiberglass panels)
4. Nails and screws
5. Hinges and latches for doors
6. Wire mesh for windows and ventilation
7. Insulation (optional)
8. Water and feed troughs
9. Nesting boxes (optional)
10. Perches (optional)

Step-by-step guide on how to build a simple poultry house

• Determine the size of your poultry house based on the number of birds you plan to raise.
• Build a frame using lumber for the walls and roof.
• Sheath the frame with plywood, leaving openings for windows and ventilation.
• Install windows and ventilation using wire mesh.
• Install the roof using corrugated metal or fiberglass panels.
• Install doors with hinges and latches for easy access.
• Install perches and nesting boxes, if needed.
• Install water and feed troughs.
• Add bedding to the floor of the poultry house.
• Ensure proper ventilation and natural light.
• Clean the poultry house regularly to prevent the buildup of waste and disease among birds.

Remember to consider all necessary factors listed before building your poultry house, and follow all local regulations and industry standards for animal welfare and food safety.

FAQ:

Raising backyard poultry can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. It can be a source of; fresh eggs and meat, promote sustainable living and offer an opportunity to connect with nature and learn new skills. With proper planning and care, backyard poultry can be a fun and enjoyable hobby.

Having a proper poultry house is crucial for the well-being and health of all your birds. It provides a safe and comfortable environment to protect them from predators and harsh weather conditions and reduces the risk of all disease transmission. Additionally, a well-designed poultry house can make feeding, cleaning, and egg collection easier and more efficient. By investing in a proper poultry house, you can ensure the longevity and productivity of your flock.