Tips for using a plastic dog kennel as a coop?

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jktowey

jktowey

In the Brooder
Apr 26, 2015
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Since we only have our one chicken for the time being, I'm thinking about using our dog's unused, large plastic kennel as a coop... I was thinking to place newspaper on the bottom and have hay in the back as bedding. Our 8-9 week old pullet would only be in the kennel/coop at night. Would this arrangement work? Do I need to put something in the kennel for her to roost on? I currently have the kennel in our sun room which has open but screen windows (so lots of fresh air). Do I need to have a blanket covering the side holes of the kennel to help keep her warm on colder mornings?
 
If it is only for nightly roosting that is fine. She would definitely need a roost. Also, you will need to train her to come to you at night so you can put her inside. A lot of people use treats such as sunflower seeds in a can. Shake and can and feed treat, chicken will be trained that the shaking can means treats and soon will come running to you at the sound. Chicken are flock animals so you might want to consider her getting a friend, and eventually she will need a nesting box. It can be located outside in her range area. If she is indoors at night i wouldn't worry about chilly mornings, chickens can handle it. IMO, i would consider getting her a permanent coop that would house about 4 hens (which really means about 2-3 if it is a prefab coop) so she can some buddies.
 
curious chickee said:
If it is only for nightly roosting that is fine. She would definitely need a roost. Also, you will need to train her to come to you at night so you can put her inside. A lot of people use treats such as sunflower seeds in a can. Shake and can and feed treat, chicken will be trained that the shaking can means treats and soon will come running to you at the sound. Chicken are flock animals so you might want to consider her getting a friend, and eventually she will need a nesting box. It can be located outside in her range area. If she is indoors at night i wouldn't worry about chilly mornings, chickens can handle it. IMO, i would consider getting her a permanent coop that would house about 4 hens (which really means about 2-3 if it is a prefab coop) so she can some buddies.
Click to expand...



Okay, thank you! This set up is definitely temporary. We are planning to get more chicks, and are using the kennel until we can afford a large coop and the other chicks. Based on the number of suggestions to get her some friends, we are working on doing just that ASAP!
 

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