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, � <br /> Chickens need to be tended to twice daily. Will you have a person ready to substitute for you when you have a <br /> reason to be absent? <br /> HOW TO RECOGNIZE HEALTHY CHICKENS <br /> Smooth, shiny and full plumage. <br /> Intensely colored red comb and wattles. <br /> Alert and shiny eyes, . <br /> Relatively firm, well formed;they must be clean; animals must be active, curious, busily picking or scratching <br /> for food; chickens should be actively dusting and preening their plumage; birds should be free of ectoparasites <br /> like mites, fleas or ticks. <br /> THE RIGHT PLACE FOR THE COOP <br /> Chickens require light, warmth and shelter from wind and drafts. The coop should be constructed with a . <br /> southern exposure for the front (including a window and door);this will provide some heat and light to the <br /> coop. To protect the coop from winds,hedges, shrubs or bushes should be placed toward the northeast and <br /> western sections of the coop. Despite their love of warmth, chickens tolerate heat poorly, as they have no sweat <br /> glands to allow for perspiration. For summer heat you must provide access to shade. <br /> • Space Requirements: If you plan to raise large breeds, at least four square feet will be needed for each <br /> . bird. If the chickens will be confined to the coop for a great portion of the time, they will need more room: � <br /> allow ten square feet for each bird, or six to eight square feet per bantam. <br /> • Nesting Box: Some kind of nesting box will be needed in the coop. Supply one nest for every four hens. <br /> • Perches/Roots: Perches or roosts will also be needed; a good rule of thumb is one per bird. <br /> • Heat: You might consider running electricity to your coop. This is especially desirable if it tends to get <br /> very cold in the winter, as chickens are prone to frostbitten combs and wattles. A few properly placedheat <br /> lamps, kept burning at night, will keep chickens warm and may prevent their drinking water from freezing. <br /> • Walls: Avoid building materials that permit absorption of moisture, as this will have a bad effect on the <br /> health of your chickens. Chemically treated wood is the most suitable building material for coops. Treatment <br /> of the wood should be done only with chemical compounds that are non-toxic to animals. A good compound <br /> with antifungal agents is good for humid areas. Clear varnish is also good. Everything should be treated or <br /> painted before it is assembled. Wooden structures should be built with double walls that have a one and one- <br /> half inch insulated layer between them. All bantams need warmer coop temperatures than larger chickens. � <br /> • Roofing: The coop roof should be made.of a material that will not collect and hold heat. The roof <br /> surface should be covered with an insulating tar paper to protect from heavy rains. The roof should be slightly <br /> , inclined to allow water to run off; if it overhangs at the front wall, it will protect from downpours. A few small <br /> openings along the eaves allow moisture to escape and provide fresh air. <br /> • Floorings: The floor should be one that will not collect and hold moisture, is easy to clean, and that the <br /> chickens will not have trouble walking on. A dirt floor fulfills most to the essential demands, a concert floor is <br /> ideal, especially since it discourages rodents. A wood floor is adequate;provided it is at least on foot off the <br /> 4 <br />