Here at Cocoon, we are always on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have so be sure to contact us on 01273 978 487 for more information.
The decision is up to you, it simply comes down to personal preference. As long as you keep the chicken coop clean and hygienic either roof type would work fine. Hygiene is a very important issues when it comes to your chicken coops as red mite can hide in the wood and lay eggs in the joints – using an excellent, poultry-friendly disinfectant will combat this problem. We also developed our own ECO range (plastic roofs) to increase their life span.
When you’re looking to buy a chicken house (excluding a run) you need to consider if you have enough space for your chickens to live comfortably. Each chicken needs at least one square foot of space so once you know how many chickens you have you can choose a chicken house that is big enough for them all. Remember larger breeds of chicken will need more space.
The size of the chicken coop and run you need will depend on if your chickens will be kept inside at all times. If you prefer to keep them inside then you will need to allow more than just one square foot per chicken. If you’re planning to let them roam around in your garden or yard during the day then the chicken coop and run can be slightly smaller.
Mould in chicken coops is usually caused by poor ventilation, damp bedding, and leaks. To prevent it, ensure good airflow, use absorbent bedding like pine shavings, and clean regularly. Keeping water sources from spilling and checking for leaks also helps maintain a dry environment.
For a full step-by-step guide, read our complete blog post here: How to Prevent Mould in Your Chicken Coop
Regulations state that each chicken should have 10 square metres to roam around in order to get the exercise they need. So in many cases, your garden or back yard would be the perfect place to let them roam, providing it is safe from predators. Hens are renowned for not straying too far from the home and will try to keep their coop in view at all times so there is little risk of losing them.
This is a possibility yes. Chickens are very curious creatures and love to scratch around on the ground. This means that your vegetables or freshly planted flowers or plants may well be at risk of being dug up! The best solution to this problem is to corner of any vegetable patches and borders.
Most cats will actually be scared of a chicken due to its size, but the two animals will soon realise that neither poses a threat to one another. Dogs can be a little more of a risk to your chickens because they’re bigger. However, you will know your dog well enough to be able to judge its temperament and how it would react to chickens.
The important thing is that your dog is not aggressive towards the chickens, they must learn that the chickens are part of the family too.
You only need a rooster if you plan to breed your chickens. They will lay eggs regardless of the presence of a rooster; it just means the eggs will be infertile.
On average, a chicken should produce between 250 and 280 eggs a year however there are certain factors that can affect this number including the chicken’s age and health as well as the breed.
If you notice a fuzzy white layer on your chicken coop or hutch, you might assume it’s mould or mildew—but that’s not always the case. This white residue, known as fatty bloom, comes from the natural oils and waxes in the protective paint used on the wood. These oils rise to the surface after packaging and can create a powdery or crystal-like appearance.
This is completely normal and harmless. It does not affect the durability or safety of your coop and can be easily wiped away with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Over time, exposure to air and natural weathering will make it disappear on its own.
Is It Toxic?
No, fatty bloom is not toxic and poses no harm to your chickens, rabbits, or other pets. It is simply a natural reaction of the protective oils in the wood paint. If you prefer, you can wipe it off or let it fade naturally over time.
