, choosing the chicken coop materials is one of the most important decisions to be made. Chickens will live in just in about any type of structure that is dry and protected from the elements. The size and configuration of the coop is only limited by the imagination of the builder.
Wood is generally the most popular material used to build chicken coops. The wood chosen should be safe for the chickens. In areas where the chickens have direct access to the material, avoid using treated lumber. Many of the treatments contain harmful chemicals and may injure or even kill the chickens. Try to use this material for the substructure of the coop - mainly the floor frame and exterior walls, but nothing where a chicken is able to peck at it. For non-treated wood where there is worry about exposure to the elements, a simple wood sealer can be applied.
The roof of the coop can be any type of material that can repel water. Popular choices are asphalt shingles and metal sheeting. Metal sheeting is a good choice when weight is a factor. Metal will also outlast asphalt shingles though will be more costly initially.
The windows in the coop can be Plexiglass, clear plastic or regular house windows. Plexiglass might be a better choice for safety reasons. Plexiglas will not shatter like glass and it will be one less safety hazard to think about.
To protect your birds from predators an outside wired area will be required. The wire needed can range from the standard chicken wire to a less expensive stucco wire with small squares. This wire can also be used to cover any ventilation openings on the coop to allow lots of fresh air all while keeping out predators.
If you live in a climate with cold winters, one last thing to consider is insulation. Popular choices for insulation are a batt style insulation or sheet Styrofoam. Whatever the choice, the insulation should be covered to keep the chickens from getting at it.
Keep in mind that this is going to be the home for the lifetime of the flock so try and build the best home possible for the flock.