Having chickens is becoming a popular hobby which has many benefits for the whole family, and it may be simpler than you think. The first thing you need to consider if you’re thinking about looking after chickens is investing in appropriate housing for the amount of chickens you wish to keep. The team at Cotswold Chickens have a range of chicken coops that offer different advantages and are suitable for all; whether you are an experienced chicken keeper or are just starting out.

The purpose of chicken coops is to provide an area that will offer protection and shelter from the weather and predators, whilst also giving your chickens somewhere warm to nest. There are many different designs available but there are certain features that you should find in all of them.

Ventilation is important as chickens that are comfortable will inevitably produce more eggs and stay healthier for longer. With this in mind, when looking for housing you should ensure that it provides adequate warmth in the winter whilst also keeping them cool in the summer. The Omlet Eglu Classic that you will find at Cotswold Chickens is a perfect example of this through its twinned walled insulation; an ideal ventilation solution.

Positioning is also something to consider when thinking about chickens. Before introducing chickens, you may wish to consider undertaking garden landscaping Northampton to ensure that your outdoor space is fully prepared.

If you’re looking for top quality chicken coops, whether you are a beginner or an experienced chicken keeper, contact the team at Cotswold Chickens to find out about the products available.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

For the majority of the year your chickens will be quite self-sufficient, but during the winter, they will require a little extra attention to keep them clucking contentedly. Winter chicken coops from Cotswold Chickens can provide your hens with the comfortable home they require, and can keep your hens happy throughout the colder months.

We have a range of chicken coops which are ideal for winter, and have detailed some of their features below.

Warm and Cosy

Winter weather can make life uncomfortable for chickens who love pecking in the garden, but a chicken coop can provide them with a cosy home to retreat to when temperatures fall. Cotswold Chickens are stockists of Omlet chicken coops, which are designed to keep your hens warm in the winter and cool in summer.

Twin-walled insulation can provide the protection from the elements that your chickens will require, whilst roosting bars and a nesting box can help your hens to carry on laying happily throughout the winter.

Added Security

During the winter, hungry foxes may become more determined to access your hen house; sneaking under wooden gates and burrowing under fencing. This is why it is important to invest in a secure chicken coop to keep your hens safe from pesky predators. The sturdy design and high-quality materials used in the fabrication of our range of chicken coops means that you can rest assured that your hens will be kept out of harm’s way.

Easy Access and Cleaning

Just as your chickens will be reluctant to remain outdoors for too long, you probably won’t be too eager to spend a long time in the cold cleaning your chicken coop or collecting eggs. The Omlet Eglu Classic and Cube are both easy to clean, which can help you to maintain your chicken coop without freezing, whilst our best-selling chicken coop, the Shipston Hen House, features a large front door and a good height to enable you to quickly and easily collect the eggs.

For cheerful chickens throughout the winter, look no further than one of the winter chicken coops on offer at Cotswold Chickens.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

If you have welcomed some feathered friends into your family, then you will be looking to treat them to a comfortable home where they can live in style. Chicken coops from Cotswold Chickens can allow your chickens to live in luxury, and can help your hens to be much happier. Read on to learn about the benefits of treating your chickens to that little bit of extra space.

Keep Fit

Your chickens need room to wander at their leisure, and a run is the ideal way to let them stretch their legs. Chicken coops with runs can also allow your chickens to come and go as they please during the day, so you won’t have to worry about letting them out for some much needed exercise.

Easy Cleaning

Cleaning your chicken coop will be much easier if you have a place to keep your chickens whilst you tidy up. Simply move your hens into the run and you will have plenty of room to clean their house.

Safe and Sound

A chicken run can allow your chickens to enjoy the fresh air in safety. A high-quality chicken coop from Cotswold Chickens, such as the popular Omlet Cube with 1m or 2m additional run, can keep your chickens safe from pesky predators even when they are outside. This makes coops with runs an ideal choice for gardens which are less secure, or communal gardens without fencing Oxford.

Whatever the Weather

During the summer months, your chickens will love to wander around the garden, but when the wet and windy weather sets in they will want to retreat indoors. A chicken coop can allow them to venture outside without getting blown away by a gale.

Happy Hens

Even though they will be living in luxurious chicken coops, your hens will be much happier if they can get out every now and again to enjoy the sunshine, and the happier your chickens are, the more eggs they are likely to lay.

Don’t keep your chickens cooped up in their house throughout the year; treat them to one of the high-quality chicken coops with runs from Cotswold Chickens.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

If you want a new, feathery addition to the family then chickens are a great choice. With lots of care and attention they will come accustom to being handled, and with freshly laid eggs in the morning they offer you something which no other pet can. However, as with all pets you need to consider what you will need in order to keep them happy, and a nice, cosy and comfy home is definitely a priority. So, the big question is – will you buy or build your own chicken coop? As experts in all things ‘chicken’ related, we at Cotswold Chickens have decided to answer your questions surrounding chicken coops.

If you are planning on building your own chicken coop, then there are a few deciding factors which need to be considered; time, budget, resources and expertise being amongst them.

Time

If you already brought your chickens and you are merely waiting to collect them, then you probably don’t have a great deal of time to sort out their accommodation, and time is definitely something you require if you are planning on making your chicken coop with your very own hands.

Budget

If you have a budget you need to stick to, look at the cost of materials and resources and compare how much it will cost to make your own chicken coop with the cost of buying one. You may be surprised at how expensive building your very own coop actually is. However, there are ways which you can reduce the cost of building a chicken coop, and recycling wood whether from an old shed or from a reclamation yard Bedford is an effective way of cutting costs.

At Cotswold Chickens we have a whole range of chicken coops, which you can view via our online shop. They come in a variety of sizes, finishes and styles to suit both your chicken’s requirements and your own. So what are you waiting for? Check it out today.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Although the end of September peppered us with a late flurry of summer, winter seems to have well and truly set in with the windy and wet weather scattering much of the country. It’s this time of year that you need to ensure that your chicken houses are well protected, safe and secure. To help, our team here at Cotswold Chickens have put together a helpful guide of how to look after your chickens throughout winter through to spring next year.

Housing:

Whilst you and your family are sat in-front of the fire or with the central heating warming up the house, think about your chickens outside in their coop. As this is where they’ll be spending the majority of their team, it’s important to make sure that it’s in the best condition for them.

Before the frost starts to settle in and prevent you from getting out with your garden equipment and carrying out garden work whilst your chickens roam free, we recommend checking the coops for any draughts or leaks, whilst also making sure that the ventilation is above head height. For added protection purchase our coop covers.

Runs:

Due to the ground likely to be either frozen, solid or waterlogged due to the winter weather, it’ll be difficult for your flock of feathery friends to enjoy the freedom that they experienced during the summer months. But this doesn’t mean that you should keep them cooped up in their homes until 2012; instead fit a chicken run onto the coop and allow them to go in and out as they please.

Here at Cotswold Chickens we have a range of chicken runs available, including the Windsor and Broughton runs.

The Windsor model is a 6foot by 6foot by 3foot mesh run complete with a front opening door and hinged top, which enables easy access for you to clean the area, whilst also providing enough room for your birds to roam. If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, then the Broughton run could be perfect as it is 6foot by 3foot by 3foot, with a small pop hold which will allow chickens to gain safe access from their coop.
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If you’d like more information as to how to pick the perfect chicken houses for your birds this winter contact our team here at Cotswold Chickens by calling 01608.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

If this is your first winter with your new feathered friends, it’s understandable to be worried about whether there are certain measures to take to ensure their continued health when the snow comes and the temperature drops below freezing. They may be covered in beautiful feathers, but it doesn’t stop them feeling the cold – which is why we at Cotswold Chickens have devised this ‘how to’ guide, to ensure that your chickens are happy all year long.

Step One: Check the Coop

‘Home sweet home’ is a saying we commonly refer to when speaking of our own abode and like us, chickens do not like cold drafts blowing through their home. To prevent feathers being ruffled, check the coop thoroughly for any drafts and leaks. To increase your chicken’s comfort we always recommend that you invest in a premade coop which is water tight, rather than trying to make one yourself. You don’t need heat pumps to keep them warm, just a well-built chicken coop.

Top Tip: If you have an old piece of carpet lying around the house, cover it in plastic and secure it to the roof of your chickens’ coop. This acts as extra insulation and ensures that drafts and leaks are avoided.

Step Two: Prevent Frostbite

Chickens are more affected by the heat than the cold, yet the one concern which plagues many chicken keepers is frostbite. To prevent your chickens from getting frostbite there are a few steps to take. The first is to add extra straw in the coop, so that your chickens have something to snuggle down into. The second is to clear out daily any droppings, so your chickens remain happy.

Top Tip: Place Vaseline on the ear tips, wattle and comb to prevent frostbite.

If you need a little guidance on how to keep your chickens happy all year round then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Cotswold Chickens. We are always happy to help, and we have a vast selection of chicken coops which are ideal for the upcoming winter months. Visit our website for more information.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

More and more people are realising the benefits of adopting chickens into their families. These delightful creatures make friendly companions for children and grown-ups alike, and also provide delicious fresh eggs for your full English breakfast. Once you have invited these feathered friends into your home, it is important to make sure they have somewhere comfortable and warm to live, since happy chickens lay the very best eggs. Cotswold Chickens are specialist providers of chickens and their accessories, so when you are looking for high quality chicken coops, look no further.

We have a wide variety of chicken coops available to buy which suit all budgets and requirements. Whether you are searching for a hen house which will look like part of the garden furniture, or a coop which will really stand out, we can help. We can even provide eco-friendly chicken coops for the family who are really embracing the good life.

Chicken coops can be either wooden for a traditional look, or plastic for easy cleaning. These houses will protect your chickens from the elements and any pesky foxes. Choose from the new hen arch, which makes a distinctive-looking hen house, or the Fenwick coop, which can be painted or stained in a colour of your choice and which can also be provided with a matching run.

One of our most popular chicken coops is the unique Eglu. Available in five bright colours, these coops offer fantastic insulation for those harsh winters, and are the most energy efficient coop available. Also, they are made of a material which is 100% recyclable, so when your chickens fancy a change of address, there is no need to worry about disposing of your coop.

Starting at £120, our chicken coops are affordable, high quality products which offer your chickens a comfortable place to call home. They are all designed to be easy to use, with convenient access for collecting eggs and features such as removable perches for straightforward cleaning. Take a look at our Cotswold Chickens online store today to find the perfect pad for your new pets.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

With winter drawing in it’s important as chicken owners that you have adequate shelter and housing for your flock. As chicken lovers ourselves, here at Cotswold Chickens we know how important it is to find the perfect chicken coops which offer everything you require. This is why we stock a wide variety of coops, all of which have been designed to protect your flock from the wet and windy conditions; along with offering them protection from their natural predators.

Coops Available:

Our range of chicken coops varies from the traditional through to the eco and more contemporary Eglu range, so whether your chickens show a fun and frivolous personality or a more conservative approach, you’ll be able to find the perfect housing for them.

How to Choose a Coop:

All of our chicken coops are designed with both the animals and owners in mind, which is why they’re all aesthetically pleasing, spacious and easy to clean thanks to the pull out trays which have been incorporated.

We appreciate that this may make it difficult for you to choose the perfect home for your poultry, which is why we’ve compiled this brief guide of things to consider.

Space:

Birds which are squashed together will squabble and this can lead to feather pecking. It’s therefore advisable as a rule of thumb, to leave 3 square feet of space per bird within the coop.

Features:

Whilst lack of space can lead to your birds fighting, so can boredom. With this in mind you need to consider what features you’d like, such as do you want to attach a run or not?

Materials Used:

Chicken coops come in various materials from plastic to CNC wood, each of which has various qualities. However they also have drawbacks, such as wood can leave cracks where red-mite can hide, so it’s important to select the right material for your surroundings.

Choosing chicken coops is a lot like choosing a home for your family, which is why we recommend looking at various options before selecting the one which suits your birds, their lifestyle and the space that you have available. If you’d like more help, contact our team today on 01608 683912.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

When it comes to finding gifts, whether for a friend, work colleague or family member, many of us will find ourselves walking up and down the local High Street for hours on end until we find something which we think they may like. For many this is usually a voucher for a certain shop; however if you want to find the perfect gift for the chicken fan amongst your family and friends, then the range of chicken gifts available through us here at Cotswold Chickens are a must.

As chicken specialists and also lovers of our feathered friends ourselves, the team here at Cotswold Chickens appreciate that having a gift which is related to the hobby of chicken care can make a great personal gift, which is why via our website you’ll find a range of gifts from the sensible and useful to the quirky and funny – and without a bird table in sight.

Quirky and Funny:

Our range of quirky and funny gifts range from those which can be used within the kitchen, such as our stunning egg skelter which is capable to hold up to 24 hen’s eggs (depending on size of eggs) and comes in a range of colours, including pink and light blue. To complement the egg skelter, why not consider the set of four spotty hen egg cosies or one of our egg cups, including the “cracked egg” cup.

Sensible and Useful:

Along with the range of quirky and funny gifts which we have available, we also have a selection of sensible and useful gifts which make the perfect present for both veterans and newbies to chicken care. Some examples of the gifts which fall into this category include advice books, from “how to avoid the vet” through to a guide to getting started with chickens.

Whatever chicken gift you opt to purchase, why not continue on the theme of poultry by purchasing the chicken gift wrap and cards that we have available? We guarantee that the special someone in your life who loves chickens will appreciate and cherish these gifts.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Chickens – regardless of whether you want them for eggs, meat or just to keep you occupied, need some tender loving care to ensure they remain in tip top condition, and one of the main ingredients to ensure a happy and healthy chicken is food. So, what exactly do they need feeding? Although chickens will devour pretty much anything, it’s best to maintain a healthy diet for optimum well-being as the team here at Cotswold Chickens will endeavour to explain.

As experts, we know from hands-on experience that a healthy chicken is a happy chicken, and happy chickens will produce better eggs and poultry. Like us, food plays an important role in a chicken’s life – if they are not given the correct nutrients or indeed the occasional treat, they will not be impressed.

Nutrients

So, the big question is – what nutrients are needed to maintain a balanced diet? The greatly anticipated answer is the following;
•    Carbohydrate
•    Protein
•    Oil
•    Fat
•    Vitamins
•    Minerals and Water
Generally speaking, all of these nutrients can be found in a good quality feed. So, it should be a top priority to source high quality chicken feed rather than expecting your chickens to forage in your garden and turf Richmond.

Feed Types

There are various feed types, including mash/meal, pellets and crumbs. Here at Cotswold Chickens, we believe in a varied diet, and although we would recommend the organic pellet food supplied by The Smallholders Allen and Page, if you mix things up a bit now and again it shouldn’t have an adverse effect on your chickens’ health.

For professional help on how to keep your chickens happy and above all healthy, be sure to get in touch with us here at Cotswold Chickens. With our years of experience rearing and handling chickens, we are on hand to offer advice that we are more than happy to impart with to our customers. Call us today on 01608 683912 for more information.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.