kandang

Kandang is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to refer to an enclosure or shelter designed to house animals. In English-language contexts it is often translated as pen, coop, cage, or barn. The kandang serves to confine livestock or poultry and to facilitate feeding, watering, breeding, and protection from predators and the weather.

Common types include kandang ayam (chicken coop), kandang sapi (cattle pen), kandang kambing (goat pen), and kandang babi (pig pen). These structures range from simple, open-sided pens to more substantial buildings. Materials vary by region and climate and may include wood, bamboo, metal mesh, brick, and concrete; floors may be dirt, packed earth, concrete, or raised platforms. Good design emphasizes ventilation, drainage, and ease of cleaning.

Welfare and management: Proper kandang design reduces disease risk, controls ammonia from wastes, and minimizes injury risk. Regular cleaning, bedding replacement, pest control, secure latches, and appropriate space per animal are common practices.

Regional use and cultural context: In rural areas, kandang is central to smallholder farming and animal husbandry. In urban settings, portable or modular kandang systems are used for backyard keeping and hobby farming. See also: poultry coop, livestock pen, barn.