but ensure that there are no drafts. Be aware that hens create a lot of moisture, including high levels of ammonia and carbon dioxide which must be removed regularly, as well as ensuring these elements are vented out. Use removable perches; this is so that they can be taken out and disinfected regularly to kill off mites and other parasites. Build nest/laying boxes where your chickens can cozy up and lay their eggs. The box should be large enough to hold a hen (around 12 inches/30cm square) and include a small lip at the front to help stop eggs from rolling out once laid. A little bit of straw, sawdust or pine needles (not hay as it's not absorbent enough) to make litter for the nest goes a long way. You only need one nest box per four hens. Keep the boxes dark. If you build laying boxes that can be accessed from outside as well as in, you won't need to go inside every time to collect the eggs. The floor should be lined with untreated pine wood chips (cedar can be toxic to chickens), sawdust, straw or pine needles and cleaned once a week. You can use dropping boards to catch droppings under perches; these are easier to remove and clean. Litter collected from the hen house can be turned into great compost for your garden! Prepare adequately for your chickens for the whole year. They will need shade in the summer and heat in the winter .