Poultry Breeding - Housing

Most people will have a poultry house, but if the intention is to go in for serious breeding, it will be necessary to have more than one.

A garden shed can be adapted as a breeding house, of course, or a small house with attached run can be made or bought from suppliers. It is a good idea to ask for suppliers’ catalogues and see what is available. Many suppliers also exhibit at poultry and agricultural shows.

If natural incubation with a broody hen is followed, they will need their own house and run until the chicks are big enough to look after themselves. With artificial incubation, the chicks will need their own, protected and heated accommodation until they are hardy. They should be kept separate from older birds, not only to lessen the chances of disease and parasite transference, but also to protect them from being bullied.

The same goes for breeds of different sizes. A small bantam breed, for example, will not always co-exist happily with a large breed.

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Copyright © Katie Thear 2005