We Installed an Aviary!

 

Just last week, the metal "shelving unit" on the left in the photo got built and installed! This shelving unit (called an aviary) has a wire floor on each of the three levels to get rid of manure buildup. 

In total, this addition added an extra 216 square feet of space to the existing 350 square feet in this barn, which now allows for roughly 230 chickens the ability to live comfortably in this barn. However, once our new flock takes over the residence this fall, there will only be about 200 in this barn. 

This aviary allows the chickens a place to crawl and jump around on, as well as more space to get away from each other, as they can separate themselves amongst the floor, and the three different levels. The final setup isn't quite finished yet, since there is supposed to be a humongous rollout nest box going into the open space at the front of the barn, which will allow for the collection of eggs from the outside of the barn. 

All of these new additions are aimed at creating a better working environment for both myself and the chickens. The goal is to continue to limit any sources of stress as much as possible so that the chickens can stay healthy and happy! It also makes my life easier because chickens that are stressed are ten times more difficult to be around and work with versus calm, de-stressed chickens! 

Perhaps the most frequent question I have been asked this year is "how do you know if a chicken is happy?" Well, ultimately, the less stress any animal (or human) has in their life, the more happy they are! If you have any further questions regarding upgrades, future upgrades, bird health, and who knows what else, please feel free to ask!