After 15 years of raising chickens in numerous different coops, I finally went all out and had San Tan Valley Coops of Arizona build the chicken coop of my dreams.
Every chicken enthusiast understands that maintaining a chicken coop is an ongoing endeavor of constant upgrades. There’s always room for improvement, particularly when it comes to size, as coops never seem spacious enough to accommodate our flock that somehow keeps getting bigger. Concern about the safety from predators is always a concern, and aesthetically, there’s a never-ending desire to make a coop better. Owning and raising birds is only half the enjoyment; the other half lies in having a coop that is not only functional but also a comfortable place for us to do chicken chores. The transformation of this build is by San Tan Valley Coopsand without a doubt, it showcases impeccable craftsmanship. I must admit, maybe I indulged a bit this time, but I have no regrets. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and without a doubt, San Tan Valley Coops delivered pure quality.
Before & After
The Completed Coop With Shade Cloth Installed for Protection from the Sun
Side View
The frame is 2×4 construction, heavy-grade 1/2-inch black hardware cloth, and two doors to make coop access easy. Door latches are high quality, and I’m confident the entire build is predator-proof. Coyotes, bobcats, and hawks are my problem here, but good luck, guys; getting into this coop is definitely not going to be worth the challenge. The building’s foundation is set on railroad ties secured in concrete and railroad spikes. I have a 10×10 interior coop for the night, where there is a little more protection from the summer monsoons and infrequent seasonal wind. It doesn’t get cold here in the winter; temps seldom drop below 40. Although it hardly ever rains here, the barn roof is waterproof and has an ample overhang. And, because I’m not crazy enough… I put cameras in the coop so I can check on my girls from the house. 🙂
There’s no better time than winter to plan for your spring chicks. It’s no fun working in the coop when it’s cold, so why not enjoy choosing those new babies for spring where it’s toasty warm? I updated the list of online hatcheries and included all the hatcheries I’ve purchased chicks from many times over the years. It’s always a good idea to choose the hatchery that is closest to where you live, so the journey for your chicks is as easy as possible. Hatcheries
Fodder refers to a mixture of sprouted grains and seeds, typically grown hydroponically, and it serves as a nutritious and cost-effective feed supplement for chickens. Growing fodder in trays without soil is known as hydroponic fodder production. It allows you to grow nutrient-rich grass or grains for your chickens in a controlled environment without the need for traditional soil.
Why Grow Fodder?
Nutritional Value:Fodder is highly nutritious for chickens. When grains like barley, wheat, or oats are sprouted, they undergo a transformation that increases their nutritional content. Sprouting increases the availability of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, making the fodder more digestible to chickens. Improved Digestibility: Sprouted grains are easier for chickens to digest compared to whole grains. This can lead to better feed conversion rates, which means chickens can convert the fodder into meat and eggs more efficiently. Fresh and Green Feed:Fodder provides chickens with fresh, green feed, which is similar to their natural diet. This can enhance the overall health and well-being of the birds. Fresh feed can also boost egg production and improve meat quality. Seasonal Flexibility:Growing fodder allows you to have a consistent source of green feed throughout the year, regardless of the season. This is particularly valuable in regions with harsh winters or dry summers when pasture quality is limited. Enhanced Egg Yolk Color: Feeding chickens with green fodder can result in brighter and more vibrant egg yolks due to the higher levels of carotenoids present in the fresh green feed. Supplemental Feed Source:Fodder is an excellent supplement in combination with commercial feed, this allows you to stretch your feed resources a little further.
It’s Easy! The Basics:
What You’ll Need
Fodder Seeds: Choose suitable seeds like barley, wheat, oats, or other grasses/grains that are suitable for your chickens. Check your local feed stores for bulk seeds. I bought wheatgrass seed at PowerGrowSystems.com Trays: You’ll need shallow trays or containers with drainage holes to hold and grow the fodder. I like these trays for a small backyard flock, and they’re available on amazon HERE. Note: I prefer to not use the grate because it’s hard to remove the sprouts when ready to harvest. Instead, I drilled holes in the bottom tray and set it inside the clear cover on an angle to catch the water.
Watering System: A way to provide a consistent source of water to the trays, such as a misting system or manual watering. Light Source:Fodder crops require light for photosynthesis. Natural sunlight or artificial grow lights can be used. Temperature Control:Ensure the temperature is suitable for the selected seeds (usually around 60-75°F or 15-24°C). You can grow fodder indoors under a sunny window or under a grow light. Ventilation:Adequate ventilation helps prevent mold and provides fresh air to the growing fodder.
Ready To Get Started?
Select and Soak Seeds: Choose high-quality fodder seeds. Soak the seeds in water for 8-12 hours to initiate the germination process. Spread Seeds: Spread the soaked seeds evenly on the trays. The seeds should form a dense layer, but they shouldn’t be stacked on top of each other. Watering:Water the seeds thoroughly to ensure they are evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. You can use a misting system to keep the seeds consistently moist. Light and Temperature: Place the trays in a well-ventilated area with access to light. If using artificial grow lights, ensure they are set at an appropriate distance to provide sufficient light and warmth. Maintain Moisture: Check the trays regularly to ensure the seeds remain moist. Mist them as needed, but don’t let them dry out or become waterlogged. Growth and Harvest:Depending on the type of seed and growing conditions, your fodder should be ready to harvest in 7-10 days. Feed Your Chickens: Remove the harvested fodder and feed directly to your chickens. It’s highly nutritious and is a good source of fresh forage. Repeat the Process: Rinse and repeat the process, starting with new trays of seeds, to maintain a continuous supply of hydroponic fodder.
It’s important to note that while growing fodder for chickens has numerous benefits, I wouldn’t consider it a replacement for all other types of feed. It’s essential to balance the diet to meet the specific nutritional needs of your chickens, especially if you are raising them for meat or egg production. You can always adjust the process and conditions based on your specific requirements and the type of seeds you’re using.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 