What type of flooring is best for these livestock buildings?

The choice of flooring depends on the species, but concrete pads or well-compacted hardcore are common for easy cleaning and drainage. Ensuring a slight fall in the floor prevents moisture build-up and keeps bedding dry for longer periods.

How is air quality maintained in a fabric-covered structure?

The design allows for excellent airflow through eaves and ridge vents, which prevents the build-up of ammonia and heat. This natural ventilation is far superior to traditional low-roof sheds, significantly reducing the risk of pneumonia in young stock.

Can the interior layout be changed after the building is installed?

Yes, because the interiors are clear-span with no central columns, you have total freedom to move gates and pens. This allows you to reconfigure the space for different livestock or storage needs as your requirements change over the seasons.

Do these buildings require significant maintenance over time?

Maintenance is very low compared to timber or tin sheds. The steel is galvanised to prevent rust, and the fabric covers are designed to resist UV damage and tearing. A simple annual check of the tensioning is usually all that is needed to ensure longevity.

Are these structures suitable for extreme wind or snow loads?

Yes, each building is engineered to meet specific site requirements, taking into account local wind speeds and snow probabilities. This bespoke engineering ensures the building remains secure even in the most exposed Australian rural environments.

Dedicated housing for chickens that supports animal welfare

Create a safer, cleaner, and more efficient environment for your poultry with housing structures designed for modern farm needs.

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Balancing animal welfare with operational efficiency is not just a preference, it’s a necessity. For poultry farmers, housing for chickens plays a vital role in achieving this balance. Whether you run a large-scale operation or a small free-range farm, investing in purpose-built chicken housing can have measurable benefits for flock health, growth rates, and daily farm management.

Generic shelters or makeshift coops may provide temporary cover, but they often lack the airflow, insulation, and space optimisation needed to truly support your birds. In contrast, dedicated poultry structures like the McGregor Agri Span are designed to meet the evolving standards of livestock welfare and sustainability. They provide a clean, dry, and naturally lit space that promotes healthier, happier chickens and a better working environment for farmers.

We’ll walk you through the top reasons why dedicated housing for chickens makes a meaningful difference on farms, and show how McGregor’s Agri Span structure supports both welfare and productivity across seasons.

How can dedicated chicken housing improve welfare and efficiency?

Better ventilation supports flock health

Purpose-built chicken housing typically incorporates natural ventilation systems, such as the stack effect, which creates continuous air movement through the structure. This airflow prevents the buildup of ammonia from droppings, reduces humidity levels, and maintains cleaner, oxygen-rich air. Poor ventilation in generic shelters often leads to respiratory issues, especially in densely populated flocks. Dedicated housing creates a healthier microclimate that reduces disease transmission and keeps chickens more comfortable, ultimately leading to improved flock performance.

More hygienic, easier-to-clean spaces

Structures designed specifically for poultry farming use materials and layouts that support proper sanitation. Sealed surfaces reduce the risk of bacterial build-up, while efficient drainage systems help prevent standing water, which attracts pests and promotes mould. Cleaning routines become more effective, which helps maintain a pathogen-free space. Clean housing supports better disease control and reduces biosecurity risks. For farms needing to meet welfare certifications or pass health inspections, dedicated housing helps meet those hygiene standards consistently.

Optimised space use and bird management

Unlike retrofitted or multi-use shelters, dedicated chicken housing is designed around the needs of the birds and the workflow of the farm. From access paths for feeders and water lines to appropriate stocking densities, everything is optimised to reduce competition and improve safety. Structured layouts improve efficiency during feeding, health checks, and cleaning routines. Properly designed space also reduces the risk of overcrowding, which is a leading cause of behavioural problems, injury, and underperformance. It makes life easier for both animals and caretakers.

Compliance with animal welfare standards

As regulations surrounding poultry farming grow stricter, housing that meets or exceeds welfare guidelines is no longer optional for many operations. Purpose-built structures are developed with industry standards, like those set by the RSPCA, in mind. This includes features like adequate ventilation, lighting, space allocation, and flooring considerations. Having dedicated chicken housing means your operation is more likely to stay compliant with audits and inspections, retain market access, and benefit from higher welfare labelling that appeals to conscious consumers.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of using dedicated housing for chickens?

Dedicated chicken housing improves air quality, cleanliness, lighting, and protection from the elements. It also supports easier management, leading to healthier flocks and more efficient operations.

Can McGregor Agri Span housing be used for free-range poultry?

Yes, Agri Span is suitable for both housed and free-range setups. It provides covered space for rest, feeding, or laying, while allowing integration with outdoor ranging areas when needed.

Can I relocate the Agri Span structure to a new part of the farm?

Yes. One of the standout features of Agri Span is its re-deployability. It can be disassembled and moved without permanent fixings, making it perfect for rotational or multi-site farming operations.

Why is McGregor Agri Span ideal for chicken housing?

When it comes to providing a safe, efficient, and welfare-friendly environment for your flock, McGregor’s Agri Span delivers on all fronts. Purpose-built with decades of livestock housing expertise, Agri Span combines speed, strength, and adaptability, making it a standout choice for modern poultry farming.

Natural lighting and clean air for better livestock health

Each Agri Span structure is designed to maximise natural daylight through a translucent roof system. This ensures even light distribution without harsh glare, which supports calmer, healthier birds. Combined with a passive ventilation design based on the stack effect, the structure constantly refreshes internal air. The result is a cleaner, low-humidity environment with fewer airborne contaminants, leading to reduced respiratory issues, improved immune response, and enhanced comfort for the birds.

Rapid deployment for urgent housing needs

Whether due to a sudden increase in flock numbers, changing regulations, or emergency housing requirements, speed matters. Agri Span structures are pre-manufactured in the UK and kept in stock for quick dispatch. Once delivered, they can be assembled in three to four days. This fast turnaround reduces disruption to operations and gets chickens housed safely, sooner. Rapid deployment helps farms meet tight deadlines or respond flexibly to unexpected changes without compromising welfare or compliance.

Re-deployable for rotational or seasonal use

Agri Span’s re-deployable nature means you can pack it down and relocate easily. Because there are no permanent fixings required, the entire structure can be dismantled and rebuilt on another part of the farm, or another farm entirely. This is particularly valuable for operations using rotational grazing or seasonal poultry production, where land use changes throughout the year. You’ll get the full value of your structure year-round, without having to reinvest in new buildings or compromise on quality.

Built to withstand UK weather conditions

Agri Span isn’t just fast and flexible, it’s incredibly durable. Each structure is tested against European snow and wind load standards (BS 6399 & EN 13782), meaning it holds up in even the toughest UK conditions. From coastal gusts to inland frost, your flock and equipment stay protected in a dry, secure environment. Robust framing and weather-resistant materials ensure longevity with low maintenance, reducing repair costs and giving you confidence that your investment will perform year after year.

Designed with poultry welfare in mind

At its core, Agri Span is built to support the well-being of your birds. From its breathable structure and natural light access to its layout flexibility and cleanable interior, every element is designed with the animal’s health in mind. McGregor’s design approach incorporates RSPCA and livestock housing standards to help farmers meet both welfare and operational targets. For poultry producers aiming to grow sustainably, Agri Span offers a welfare-first solution that delivers measurable outcomes.