5 Problems Caused by a Poorly Designed Layer Chicken Coop

Every chicken farm has its own ideal coop, whether it raises kampung chickens (Indonesian free-range native chickens), broilers or layer chickens. Yet some poultry farmers still don't know what the ideal coop looks like for each type of bird. Knowing what makes a good coop is essential to a successful flock, so never underestimate the role of housing in chicken farming. For layer chickens in particular, the right coop matters a great deal because it plays a key part in how productive the hens are at laying eggs. Here are some of the problems that can arise when the layer chicken coop on your farm falls short:

Viral Infections

One problem caused by a poorly designed layer chicken coop is that the birds catch viruses easily. Viruses spread easily on the wind, so if the coop is not up to standard, the layers inside can quickly become infected. Some of these viruses are easy to treat, but you will still have to pay to treat the infected birds.

Also read 8 Nutritional Needs of Layer Chickens Across One Production Cycle

Catching a Chill

Layer chickens spend much of their time in the coop, so their safety and comfort have to be well protected. If the coop is not up to standard, the birds will catch a chill very easily. One sign of a chicken with a chill is a badly bloated belly. The cause can be a coop that is not warm enough inside. As mentioned earlier, the right temperature is one of the things that make a coop ideal, so a coop with the wrong temperature counts as a poor one.

Attacks by Rats and Cats

Another negative effect of a poor coop is that it leaves the birds open to attacks by rats and cats. Both animals love to disturb the peace and safety of chickens, from day-old chicks (DOC) all the way to the laying period. If the coop is not kept secure, the birds' safety is at risk. An ideal coop is one that stays safe and comfortable.

Eggs at Risk

Good laying hen management explains how to build a coop that keeps eggs safe. If a farmer doesn't have this know-how, the eggs the hens lay end up at risk instead. They can easily get stepped on by the birds. On top of that, a poorly designed coop makes it hard to collect the eggs. To make collection easier, you can build the front of the coop higher than the back so the eggs roll toward the front of the cage.

Also read 7 Criteria for an Ideal Layer Chicken Coop That Keeps Production Up

Every business that involves living animals needs detailed knowledge and skills to run smoothly. The risks are severe if it is run carelessly and without the right knowledge. One area of layer chicken farming that needs close attention is housing. It is important to know how to build an ideal layer chicken coop so your farm performs the way you expect.