The ideal stocking density for a chicken coop is 2 sq. feet per bird.

Whether you want to keep kienyeji chicken, broilers, or layers, you should make it your priority to build a chicken house that provides your poultry with a comfortable atmosphere secure from harsh weather, diseases, and predators.

While this article generally seeks to show prospective farmers how to build a chicken house in Kenya, this content can be used anywhere in the world.

The first step is to decide on the size of the house – based on the scale of your project.

You will need two square feet of floor per chicken, and one nest box (about one square foot) for every three hens. This means you need around 235 square feet for 100 chicken.

However, allow for additional square foot of floor per chicken in case you’re planning to keep larger breeds such as the Jersey Giants.

As a rule, the width of the house should not exceed 9 metres when only natural ventilation is used to avoid suffocating the birds. The length can span as many metres as necessary depending on the number of chicken to be kept, and the space available.

Draw the poultry house on paper, with measurements, to visualise the structure that you aspire to build. It is wise to mark the ground where the house will be erected – giving attention to the location relative to the direction of the sun and any nearby structures.

On matters height, ensure that your structure is at least 2 metres tall to allow for easy access – without stooping. This height is also vital in ensuring better circulation of air.

It is advisable to pick a design with openings near the ceiling to enhance air circulation. Quite often, chicken house design in Kenya already meet this requirement.

You should carefully consider the floor type of your poultry house. A concrete floor is usually the best option for a poultry house because it is easy to clean.

Sand can also be used on the floors and it is advisable to place a wire netting under and around the floor to keep predators out.

RELATED: How to Build a Chicken Coop

While some individuals do swear by timber, vets frequently warn against using wood to build chicken houses since the material is difficult to clean and disinfect.

To protect your birds from direct sunlight and rain, be sure to extend the structure’s roof by about 50 centimetres beyond the wall. Most chicken houses have roofs that slope to one side. However, if yours is ridged, the ridge should open to permit heat to outflow.

Once you’re ready with the planning, it is now time to bring your plan to the site. It is advisable to frame the poultry house with 2-by-4s and sheets of plywood for the walls. The roof can be sheets of plywood covered with roof shingles, or just a piece of metal.

A chicken house measuring 20ft long, 20ft wide, and 8ft high can keep a modest flock of 500 chickens happy. More space is better if your piece of land allows.

It is highly recommendable to bury a layer of chicken wire 6 inches deep under both the cage and the run so as to stop diggers such as skunks and dogs.

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