How to Create an Organic Gardening Chicken Coop – The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

If you are interested in sustainability, food autonomy, and homesteading, you have probably thought about keeping chickens in your backyard. Not only do chickens provide fresh eggs and meat, but they can also help you manage pests and enrich your soil with their manure. However, if you want your chickens to thrive and contribute to your organic garden, you need to provide them with a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment. In this ultimate guide, we will show you how to create an organic gardening chicken coop that meets your chickens' needs and your gardening goals.

Step 1: Choose the Right Space and Design

The first step in creating an organic gardening chicken coop is to find the right space and design that suits your backyard, your chickens' breed and number, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences. There are many types of chicken coops, from simple DIY designs to elaborate pre-built models. However, the most important factors to consider are the following:

• Size: Each chicken needs at least 4 square feet of indoor space and 10 square feet of outdoor space. Make sure your coop is large enough to accommodate your chickens comfortably and provide them with enough roosting bars, nesting boxes, and ventilation.
• Orientation: Your coop should be facing south or east to maximize the sunlight exposure and minimize the exposure to winds and rain. It should also be elevated from the ground to prevent flooding and keep the chickens safe from predators.
• Materials: Your coop should be made of non-toxic, durable, and easy-to-clean materials, such as untreated wood, galvanized metal, and welded wire mesh. Avoid using pressure-treated or painted wood, as they may contain harmful chemicals.
• Features: Your coop should have a run or a free-range area where your chickens can exercise and forage. It should also have a removable or sloping roof for easy cleaning, and a door or a ramp for the chickens to enter and exit. Additionally, you may want to install windows, skylights, or insulation for optimal ventilation and temperature regulation.

Step 2: Feed Your Chickens Organically

To ensure that your chickens lay healthy and nutritious eggs, and help you control pests in your garden, you need to feed them organically. This means avoiding commercial chicken feed that contains soy, corn, antibiotics, hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and opting for a natural and diverse diet that consists of:

• Fresh greens: such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and dandelion.
• Vegetable scraps: such as carrot tops, beet greens, and broccoli stems.
• Fruits: such as berries, apples, and melons (in moderation).
• Grains: such as oats, barley, quinoa, and wheat (preferably soaked or sprouted).
• Protein: such as fish, meat, eggs, and insects (scrambled or boiled).

You may also want to add some supplements to your chickens' diet, such as oyster shells (for calcium), garlic (for immune support), and probiotics (for gut health). Make sure your chickens have access to clean and fresh water at all times, and change it daily.

Step 3: Manage Chicken Manure Wisely

One of the benefits of having chickens in your organic garden is that they produce a valuable fertilizer in the form of manure. However, if you don't manage this manure properly, it can become a health hazard, a nuisance, and an environmental pollutant. Here are some tips to help you handle chicken manure wisely:

• Collect manure daily: You should remove the manure from your coop and run daily to prevent the buildup of ammonia and pathogens. You can add the manure to your compost pile or your garden bed, but make sure to let it cool down and mix it with other organic matter.
• Compost manure properly: To turn your chicken manure into a nutrient-rich compost, you need to balance its carbon-to-nitrogen ratio with other organic materials, such as leaves, straw, and kitchen scraps. You should also use a compost bin or pile that allows air circulation and moisture control.
• Apply compost safely: You should apply your chicken manure compost to your garden bed at least 30 days before planting, to allow it to decompose and reduce its bacterial load. You should also avoid using fresh or excessive manure on your garden, as it may burn your plants and contaminate your soil and water.

Step 4: Prevent and Treat Chicken Health Issues

Like any other living beings, chickens are prone to various health issues, such as parasites, diseases, injuries, and stress. To keep your chickens healthy and happy, you need to be vigilant and proactive about preventing and treating these issues. Here are some ways to do so:

• Keep the coop clean and dry: A dirty and damp coop can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause respiratory and digestive problems in your chickens. Clean the coop and the run regularly, and replace the bedding when it becomes soiled.
• Provide proper nutrition and hydration: A malnourished or dehydrated chicken is more susceptible to infections and other health issues. Make sure your chickens have access to clean water and a balanced diet, as described above.
• Control pests and predators: Parasites, such as mites, lice, and worms, as well as predators, such as raccoons, foxes, and hawks, can stress and harm your chickens. Use natural remedies, such as diatomaceous earth and neem oil, to repel pests, and secure your coop with sturdy fencing and locks.
• Observe and treat symptoms: Watch for signs of illness or distress in your chickens, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, and abnormal behavior. Consult a veterinarian or a poultry expert if you suspect a serious or contagious disease, and follow their advice for treatment and prevention.

Step 5: Enjoy the Benefits of Your Organic Gardening Chicken Coop

Once you have set up your organic gardening chicken coop, you can start reaping the rewards of your sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. Your chickens will provide you with fresh eggs and potentially meat, as well as natural pest control and fertilizer for your garden. You will also enjoy the companionship and entertainment of these intelligent and charming birds, and the sense of satisfaction and empowerment that come with producing your own food and reducing your environmental impact.

Conclusion

Creating an organic gardening chicken coop is a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor that can enhance your health, your wallet, and your community. By following the steps and tips outlined in this ultimate guide, you can design and maintain a chicken coop that meets your standards of safety, comfort, and sustainability, and that provides you with fresh and healthy eggs, meat, and compost. Whether you are a seasoned homesteader or a beginner backyard farmer, you can benefit from the joys and challenges of raising chickens and cultivating a thriving garden.