Part two of the "before your first pair" series — if you have not read part one yet, start there.

The three rules

Whatever the size of the loft, it must satisfy three things:

  1. Dry: damp is the root of coccidiosis and fungal disease. Floor and walls stay dry, and water stays away from the nests.
  2. Ventilated without draughts: fresh air through high and low openings, with no direct draught on the birds, especially at night.
  3. Protected: from direct midday sun, and from cats, rats and stray pigeons.

Space

A practical rule: half a cubic metre per pair as a minimum, and 0.5 m² of floor per pair. A 2×2×2 m loft comfortably holds 6–8 pairs — overcrowding brings disease and fights over nest boxes.

Orientation and light

In Egypt the front should face east or south-east: morning sun warms and disinfects, and you avoid the afternoon heat. Direct sun should reach part of the loft for an hour or two a day.

The floor

  • Timber or smooth concrete that is easy to scrape.
  • Avoid smooth wet tiles — birds slip and break legs.
  • An optional layer of clean sand or dry shavings, changed weekly.

Nest boxes

  • Two boxes per pair: the hen lays again while the first squabs are still in the nest.
  • A suitable size is 30×30×30 cm with a small lip at the front so eggs do not roll out.
  • A nest bowl (clay or plastic) with a base of straw or pine needles.
  • Boxes sit high off the floor and spaced apart — a box directly facing another one causes fights.

Perches

One perch per bird plus 10% spare. Separate perches (V-shaped or small boxes) beat long rails because they reduce squabbling and stop droppings landing on another bird.

Drinkers and feeders

  • A closed drinker (fountain type) so droppings cannot get into the water — open water is the fastest route to canker.
  • A covered feeder or a trough feeder that birds cannot stand in.
  • A separate small grit dish.
  • A bath put in for an hour twice a week and then removed.

Entrance and wire

If you will fly the birds, build a trap entrance (bob wires or a sputnik) that lets birds in but not out. Wire mesh with a 1.5 cm opening keeps out sparrows and rodents.

Before the first bird arrives

  • Wash and disinfect the loft and leave it to dry for 48 hours.
  • Prepare a separate quarantine cage for new birds (part four).
  • Make an equipment list: scraper, broom, disinfectant, sprayer, gloves, record book.

Next part: basic feeding.