Keeping chickens in a greenhouse can be a viable option, especially for those with limited space in their garden or for those looking to keep their chickens sheltered from the elements. However, it’s important to consider several factors before making the greenhouse their permanent home. This guide covers the key considerations to ensure both your chickens and your plants thrive in a greenhouse environment.
1. Space Requirements
Chickens need enough space to move, stretch their wings, and engage in natural behaviors like scratching, dust bathing, and foraging. A greenhouse can be an ideal space for chickens if it is large enough to accommodate them properly.
Coop and Run Setup: If you decide to keep chickens in a greenhouse, make sure they have enough room for both a sleeping area (coop) and an outdoor run. The minimum space required per chicken inside the coop is around 2–3 square feet, and for the outdoor run, at least 8–10 square feet per chicken is recommended. Ensure that the greenhouse is large enough to provide both a comfortable sleeping area and space for chickens to roam during the day.
Ventilation and Airflow: Adequate ventilation is crucial for chickens’ health. Greenhouses, especially during the warmer months, can become very hot and humid. Ensure there is sufficient airflow, either by opening windows or adding fans, to keep the temperature stable and prevent the buildup of moisture and ammonia from chicken droppings.
2. Temperature Control
One of the biggest concerns when keeping chickens in a greenhouse is managing the temperature. Greenhouses can get very hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so temperature control is vital to ensure your chickens are comfortable and healthy.
Summer Heat: During warmer months, greenhouses can quickly overheat. Chickens are prone to heat stress, and extreme heat can be harmful to them. To prevent this, make sure your greenhouse is well-ventilated and consider adding shade or cooling systems such as fans or a misting system to keep the temperature down.
Winter Cold: While chickens can tolerate cold temperatures, they need protection from drafts, especially during winter. Insulate the greenhouse to maintain a more stable temperature, and provide additional heating if necessary, especially for younger or more vulnerable chickens. You can use heaters or heat lamps to keep the temperature from dropping too low, but always monitor the environment to avoid overheating or fire hazards.
3. Ventilation and Air Quality
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the buildup of ammonia and moisture, which can create an unhealthy environment for your chickens. In a greenhouse, where heat and humidity levels can rise quickly, ventilation is even more important.
Ventilation: Greenhouses are often designed to trap heat, but for chickens, this can cause problems. Ensure your greenhouse has enough ventilation to allow fresh air to circulate. This can be done by installing vents in the roof or walls that can be opened and closed to control airflow. You can also install an exhaust fan to help remove excess heat and humidity.
Moisture Control: Chickens produce moisture through their droppings and breath, so it’s essential to manage humidity levels. Use proper bedding, like straw or wood shavings, to absorb moisture and keep the area dry. You may also want to use a dehumidifier if humidity becomes too high.
4. Impact on Plants
If you are planning to keep chickens in a greenhouse that is also used for growing plants, you will need to consider the potential impact on your plants and crops.
Access to Plants: Chickens love to scratch the ground and forage for food, which means they could potentially damage plants in your greenhouse. If you want to grow plants alongside your chickens, you should consider creating a designated area for the chickens that is separate from your growing space. A secure run or raised platforms for plants can help protect your crops.
Manure Management: While chicken manure is an excellent fertilizer, you need to manage it carefully. Fresh manure can be too strong for plants and may damage them. Consider composting the manure and using it as a fertilizer for your garden or planting areas outside of the greenhouse, or use it after it has broken down.
Feeding and Waste: Chickens can also create waste in the form of food scraps that could potentially attract pests. Make sure to clean up any leftover food and manage waste effectively to avoid attracting rodents or other animals into the greenhouse.
5. Security and Predator Protection
Chickens housed in a greenhouse still need to be protected from predators. Even though greenhouses are often sturdy, they can have vulnerabilities, especially if there are gaps in the structure or unsecured windows and doors.
- Fencing: Ensure that the chickens’ run is securely fenced to protect them from outside predators like foxes, raccoons, or even neighborhood dogs. Make sure the greenhouse is fully enclosed or has secure, predator-proof doors and windows.
- Predator-Proofing: If your chickens have access to the outdoors through the greenhouse, you may need to install additional predator-proofing, such as fine wire mesh or hardware cloth around windows and vents to prevent predators from entering.
- Nighttime Safety: At night, make sure to securely lock the greenhouse to keep chickens safe from nocturnal predators. You can also check the structure regularly for any potential weaknesses that animals could exploit.
6. Waste Management
Chickens produce a lot of waste, and managing it effectively in a greenhouse environment is essential to maintain cleanliness and a healthy environment for both the chickens and your plants.
Cleaning the Coop: Keep the chicken area in the greenhouse clean by regularly replacing bedding and removing manure. Use straw or wood shavings as bedding, as they absorb moisture and help control odors. Clean the coop at least once a week to prevent the buildup of waste.
Composting Chicken Manure: Chicken manure is high in nitrogen, making it an excellent fertilizer for gardens when composted. However, fresh manure can be too strong for plants, so it’s important to compost it before use. Keep the composting area separate from the greenhouse to avoid contamination of the growing plants.
7. Benefits of Keeping Chickens in a Greenhouse
Despite the challenges, there are several benefits to keeping chickens in a greenhouse, especially if you have limited space or want to keep your chickens safe from predators and harsh weather:
- Protection from the Elements: A greenhouse offers shelter from harsh weather conditions like rain, wind, and extreme heat or cold, providing a stable environment for your chickens year-round.
- Space Efficiency: If you don’t have enough space for a dedicated chicken coop or run, a greenhouse can be a great way to use the space you already have to house your chickens while keeping your plants separate.
- Winter Shelter: Chickens can suffer from extreme cold, and a greenhouse can provide them with protection in the winter months. With proper insulation and ventilation, it can be a suitable option for year-round housing.
8. Conclusion: Is a Greenhouse Suitable for Chickens?
In conclusion, a greenhouse can be a viable option for housing chickens if the proper adjustments are made. You’ll need to provide ample space, adequate ventilation, temperature control, and waste management to ensure that your chickens stay healthy and happy. Additionally, if you plan to grow plants in the same space, you must ensure they are protected from the chickens’ scratching and foraging behaviors.
By setting up a secure, comfortable space for your chickens in the greenhouse and addressing these important considerations, you can enjoy the benefits of having both chickens and plants in the same area.