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Reading this probably means you already know that poultry is among the biggest sources of protein in the modern-day diet. Tons of research have actually shown that in America, chicken is the most consumed animal protein in the US and probably most other parts of the globe. This is not to mention the age-old tradition amongst Americans where Thanksgiving is never complete without Turkey for dinner.
And for obvious reasons, this precisely makes poultry farming a lucrative business the world over.
The fun fact is that you don’t even have to have a degree in agriculture or animal husbandry to take advantage of the increasing demand for poultry and related products like eggs. It all starts with the passion to raise your favorite edible birds for commercial or domestic consumption in the best possible shelter and environment.
This piece takes you through some fundamental tips you might need when constructing a poultry house.

1. Pick the Right Location 

Poultry are protected animals, and they need your love, protection, and security 24/7. This implies that you need to build them a safe area of their own to live in. One of the easiest ways to build a poultry house is to construct it in the open field, farm, or woodland. Nonetheless, you’ll want a location that is:

• Easy to access when feeding them and providing water
• Safe and free from their natural predators
• In constant CCTV surveillance if possible

2. Ensure Adequate Space and Proper Ventilation 

Whether you’re keeping geese, chicken, or turkey, one thing is certain about rearing poultry. They do best in spacious and comfortable living spaces. This often means building a house large enough to accommodate the number of birds you own without overcrowding them.
You will also want to ensure the poultry house is properly ventilated by leaving space for the air to get in and out. While traditional methods like creating vents with mesh wire still work, agricultural fans can be a better option because the demand for proper ventilation tends to increase with breeding.

3. Provide a Nesting Area

Once you’ve made sure you’ve got all the space for your flock, it’s time to think about a suitable place where the birds can lay their eggs. While nest boxes can be effective, the most popular location for laying eggs is the hen house itself. However, this can be a drawback because the holes for the nests can be easily dug out by predators.
In such a case, you’ll want to construct a dedicated nesting area for the hens. Some hens may choose to lay eggs outside, but it still is worthy to have a dedicated area in your poultry house dedicated to nesting.

4. Build a Separate Space for the Male Birds

For most egg-laying birds, the chicks grow up in the nest before they start taking their first steps, wandering about, and exploring the world on their own. However, the opposite is true for male newborn birds, which tend to leave their mother’s nests way much later.
Hence, male birds should be afforded space that is separated from the mother’s nest. This helps minimize the chances of mating between birds of the same immediate family.

5. Ensure Proper Insulation 

Last but not least, you can’t afford to overlook proper insulation when constructing a poultry house. The good part is that there are many insulation material options to pick from when starting a poultry farm.
While insulation materials like Tyvek, Spun, and Polypropylene are suitable options, their cost and weight are prohibitive. And when you’re living in an area of extreme climates, weight is one of the most important factors when it comes to building houses.
Therefore, it’s highly recommended to opt for insulation made from recycled plastics like shredded newspapers. The benefits are countless, including:

• It’s economical,
• It’s lightweight
• It lasts long

Poultry is among the easiest animals to keep as pets or a nutritious food source. Suffice it to say, a properly set up poultry house is the key to raising healthy poultry that will fetch big bucks from the market. These tips can help you build your poultry house right and watch your favorite birds thrive.