15/06/2003
The terms 'Paradis' and 'Poulailler', while seemingly unrelated at first glance, share a fascinating historical connection, particularly within the context of the theatre. Beyond the stage, 'Poulailler' has also taken on a more domestic meaning, referring to chicken coops. This article delves into the etymology of these terms, their cultural significance, and explores the quality and practicality of French-made chicken coops from a company like France Poulailler.
The Theatre's 'Paradis' and 'Poulailler'
In the realm of theatre, the 'Paradis', also known as the 'Poulailler', refers to the highest gallery in a theatre, situated above the boxes and balconies. This uppermost section of seating is typically the least expensive due to its considerable distance from the stage. The name 'Paradis' is thought to stem from its proximity to the theatre's ceiling, which was often adorned with mythological paintings depicting the abodes of the gods, thus creating a sense of being closer to the heavens.
The term 'Poulailler', in this theatrical context, reportedly originated from the wire mesh or netting that once separated this upper tier from the rest of the audience. This barrier was reputedly installed to prevent spectators from throwing their food or other items onto the performers below, a common reaction to a poor performance. Imagine a chaotic scene where disgruntled patrons might hurl their snacks – hence, the 'chicken coop' analogy, evoking a space where creatures (or people) are kept in a somewhat confined and less desirable area.
The evocative atmosphere of this part of the theatre was famously captured in Marcel Carné's 1945 film Les Enfants du Paradis (Children of Paradise). Set in the Théâtre des Funambules, the film brilliantly portrays the popular and often boisterous environment of the 'Paradis', bringing to life the social dynamics of those seated in the theatre's highest reaches.
The Domestic 'Poulailler': A Haven for Hens
Shifting focus from the theatrical to the agricultural, 'Poulailler' also commonly refers to a chicken coop, a structure designed to house and protect domestic fowl. In this sense, the term retains a hint of its earlier meaning – a dwelling place for birds. However, modern chicken coops are far from the rudimentary enclosures of the past. Today, they are designed with the well-being of the chickens and the convenience of the owner in mind.
When considering purchasing a chicken coop, several factors come into play: durability, ease of maintenance, security, and the quality of materials used. Companies like France Poulailler have built their reputation on addressing these very needs, offering high-quality, French-made chicken coops and runs.
The Craftsmanship of France Poulailler
France Poulailler prides itself on being a small, passionate company dedicated to the world of poultry and environmental stewardship. Their commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their product design and manufacturing. They specialise in wooden chicken coops, manufactured entirely in France, specifically in Alsace, using premium materials.
Materials Matter: The Wood of Choice
France Poulailler primarily uses two types of wood for their coops:
| Wood Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Spruce (Épicéa) | A coniferous tree known for its longevity, with an average lifespan of 300 years. It's a versatile wood used in joinery, carpentry, and even instrument making. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for robust structures. |
| Douglas Fir (Douglas / Pin D’Oregon) | This wood is highly resistant to time and possesses excellent mechanical properties. It is naturally rot-resistant and repels most insects and fungi. With a density of 500 kg/m³, it is significantly more robust than other pines and actually hardens over the years, offering unparalleled strength and longevity. |
Panel Thickness and Stability
A key differentiator for France Poulailler is the thickness of the panels used. While many low-cost alternatives, often imported from Asia, utilise thinner boards (6-12 mm), France Poulailler constructs its coops with solid 19 mm thick panels. This superior thickness provides:
- Enhanced Rigidity: The coop is more stable and less prone to warping.
- Improved Durability: A longer lifespan for the structure.
- Natural Thermal Insulation: Helping to regulate the temperature inside the coop.
- Resistance to Deformation: Less susceptible to changes in climate and humidity.
- Stability: The significant weight of the solid panels ensures the coop remains stable, even in windy conditions.
Furthermore, the use of solid panels is crucial for combating red mites, a common pest in chicken coops. The absence of gaps and crevices prevents these parasites from establishing themselves and multiplying, offering a natural defence mechanism.
Roofing and Foundations
The roofs of France Poulailler coops are covered with 'shingle', also known as Canadian shingles. This material is fully waterproof, UV-resistant, and typically asphalt-based with a gravel coating, available in colours like brick red and slate grey. This ensures a completely watertight seal, preventing any water infiltration, unlike some designs that use protective strips which can lead to leaks.
To protect the wooden structure from ground moisture and premature decay, the coops are equipped with adjustable galvanised steel legs. These feet can be raised by up to 3 cm, keeping the wood elevated and away from direct contact with damp soil.
Practicality and Ease of Use
Beyond the robust construction, France Poulailler coops are designed with user convenience in mind:
- Simplified Assembly: Pre-assembled fittings on the panels mean assembly is straightforward, typically requiring only a screwdriver.
- Easy Cleaning: The coop is divided into distinct sections (sleeping area and nesting box), and a hinged side door provides excellent access. The roof is also fully removable for a thorough clean with a squeegee or even a hose. A hinged side door allows for easy sliding of the OSB floor for quick cleaning. Placing a piece of linoleum on the floor can further simplify litter removal.
- Convenient Egg Collection: The removable roof of the nesting box makes collecting eggs easy and accessible, even for children.
Additional Features and Benefits
Most France Poulailler coop models (excluding the Lina and Lina+ models) feature an undercroft area, providing shelter for the hens from wind and rain. The access door to the sleeping area is designed to pivot, allowing for easy opening and closing from the outside, and is compatible with automatic coop doors.
A ramp provides easy access for the chickens to their sleeping quarters. Thoughtful ventilation is also incorporated: a 1 cm gap at the roof ridge allows for air circulation and the evacuation of condensation without creating drafts.
For ease of relocation, two transport handles are integrated into the design.
Chicken Runs: Security and Modularity
France Poulailler also offers chicken runs, distinguishing themselves as manufacturers of 6-sided runs. This means the run is protected not only by wire mesh on the sides but also on the base and the roof. This comprehensive enclosure is designed to prevent predators such as foxes, dogs, cats, stoats, weasels, and birds of prey from accessing the chickens. The ground-level mesh can be removed if desired.
The wire mesh used is robust: 1.40 mm hot-dip galvanised steel wire with 19 mm x 19 mm mesh, designed to withstand attacks from larger pests. These runs are easy to install, attaching securely to the coop with a hook system.
Modularity is a key advantage. The assembly system allows for the main access door to be positioned on either the left or right side. It's also possible to expand the coop by adding an extra nesting box with a simple, user-friendly modification. Chicken runs are available in various sizes and can be extended at a later date, offering flexibility as your flock grows.
What is the Surface Area of a Chicken Coop?
The required surface area for a chicken coop can vary significantly depending on the type of farming and the breed of chicken. For instance, a 'Label' farm might have a ground surface area of 400 m² per bird, while standard or visited farms might range from 1,000 m² to 1,500 m². These larger areas are typically covered and often consist of packed earth or straw bedding, providing ample space for the birds to roam and forage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why are the highest seats in a theatre called 'Paradis' or 'Poulailler'?
A: 'Paradis' likely refers to their proximity to the decorated ceilings, resembling the heavens. 'Poulailler' may stem from the historical use of netting to prevent food from being thrown by spectators, akin to a confined space.
Q2: What makes France Poulailler chicken coops stand out?
A: Their use of high-quality, durable French wood (Spruce and Douglas Fir), thick 19 mm panels for stability and insulation, robust roofing with shingle, and thoughtful design features for ease of assembly, cleaning, and predator protection.
Q3: Are France Poulailler chicken runs secure against predators?
A: Yes, their 6-sided runs, including roof and floor protection, and strong wire mesh are designed to prevent access by common predators.
Q4: Is it difficult to assemble a France Poulailler coop?
A: No, the coops are designed for simplified assembly with pre-assembled fittings, typically requiring only a screwdriver.
Q5: What is the recommended space for chickens?
A: While specific regulations vary, larger spaces are generally better for the welfare of the chickens, with figures ranging from 400 m² to 1,500 m² per bird in different farming contexts.
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