Housing/Night Shelter

Housing/Night Shelter

The basic requirements of night shelter are:

• Protection from weather
• Protection from predators
• Enough space to move around
• Adequate ventilation
• A clean environment
• Helps in converting poultry litter into manure
• Ensure reduced risk of diseases.

The following points would help in constructing the night shelter for the birds in backyard system of rearing.

• Utilization of locally available low cost resources like bamboo, wooden planks, polythene sheets etc. which will be easily available and involves minimum expenditure.
• Build the night shelter for the birds on higher, well-drained areas in order to prevent prolonged dampness and water saturation of the floor and outside areas. A shelter few inches above ground is preferred.
• Provide adequate space per bird and avoid overcrowding.
• For laying hens, a darkened, raised secure nesting area with nests containing clean nesting material should be available. Nests can be in the fenced area or in the shelter itself.
• Hens lay more eggs if artificial light is available in the morning and evening to give 15 to 16 hours of light each day.
• Remove any loose or projecting wire, nails, or other sharp-edged objects or projections from the house and run to avoid injuries.
• Provide a comfortable and stress free environment with optimum temperature, fresh air and sufficient light.
• A night shelter consisting of size- 4.0 ft length x 3.0 ft width x 3.5 ft height will be sufficient for 10 birds. The shelter should be 1.5-2.0 ft above the ground for keeping the floor dry. The roof should be weather proof and sloping down from 3.5ft to 2.5 ft edge above floor level.
• Arrangements should be made inside for drinker and feeder in the front and nests/basket must be arranged at the back corner of the shelter.