Good housing for your birds is very important for their health, well-being and security. This guidance is for large fowl; bantams require about half as much.

1. Size: birds need an absolute minimum of 1 square foot each, preferably more. A 4' x 3' house is the absolute minimum for 12 birds but they will be playing sardines. Birds will also want somewhere to be when the weather is nasty, so more room will be wanted.
   When deciding about house size, think seriously about the maximum size you want your flock to be and buy a house with that number in mind. It will save you a lot of money, time and effort in the long run. Birds will roost closer in cold weather.
2. Ventilation: the more ventilation without draughts the better. Insufficient ventilation can lead to infections and a sickly flock. Ideally the ventilation should be higher than the perching birds.
3. Perches: allow at least 12" per bird. Square timber should have the top edges rounded so that the birds are comfortable. Height is also important - too high and the birds can bruise their feet when jumping down and get an infection called Bumble Foot. Guides suggest a maximum height of 2', but this will need to be less for heavier birds. To reduce the chances of birds roosting in and fouling nest boxes, the perches should be higher than the nest boxes.
4. Access: do think of youself as the chickens won't clean their own mess! How easy is it to get at the inside either to clean, reach sick, injured or dead birds or collect eggs that are not in the boxes?
5. Siting: houses might benefit from being on a solid base such as concrete or slabs. Open bottom types can be put on bricks or concrete blocks. This can protect the floor from being in permanent contact with wet ground and also discourage vermin. Which way does the prevailing wind come from? The birds won't appreciate it blowing in through the open pop hole.

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