Chicken Coop Construction And Plans
Author: Beth Oneil
Author: Beth Oneil
Learning how to build a chicken coop is like anything else, you need to follow the steps to understand how it works. In this article we will explore these and other important aspects of building a chicken coop, and when you're done you will be ready to move onto the next step, purchase some high quality plans, and getting out the hammer and nails.
Before we talk about any other aspects of
building a hen house we need to discuss the size of the coop. Miss judging the size of the coop is generally a beginner's mistake so we will want to go into more detail about this part of raising chickens. After that you will be able to select the type of chicken coop that works for you personally, based on your skill level and needs.
When you have a better understanding of the first two steps you will be ready to tackle Step 3. Building a chicken coop isn't hard but you will want to look at building both a safe and health coop. More on that in a moment.
In the last step we will learn about building an visually pleasing chicken coop. You may be surprised to learn why this step is so important. Or you may already know why this is one step you don't want to skip.
I can already hear some of you breaking out the toolbox, so I had better get started!
Chicken Coop Construction And Plans 1
I know what you're thinking, and to be honest I thought this myself once. You know where you want to put the chicken coop and you know how many chickens you want, isn't that enough? If you've guessed that the answer is no you're correct. It doesn't matter if you already have a spot picked out, and the number of chickens set in stone. You may have to change your plans if the site isn't the most ideal. You may run into trouble if your desired hen house doesn't match the number of chickens you plan to get.
To avoid over crowding you will need to allow no less then 3 square feet of living space per hen. Going by this you will now have a better idea of the actual coop size, and if it will fit where you originally planned to build it.
It isn't any wonder that a crowded coop is a chaotic coop. Hens that are forced to spend their time fighting over room will be less likely to lay eggs. And the eggs that they do lay will leave something to be desired. If you build a chicken coop don't waste your time and money trying to squeeze the most hens into the smallest space. Make sure your chickens have the space they deserve. So now you are in the perfect position, you can now decide how many chickens you really want to house and build the appropriate coop.
Thought this is rather unlikely, if you end up building too large a chicken coop you can always add more birds later.
Chicken Coop Construction And Plans 2
As you already might know, there are two types of chicken coops. The first style we'll talk about is a portable one, which is often referred to as a chicken tractor. The other is fixed and is usually built to hold more chickens. Lets explore these two types of
chicken coop construction and plans and find out which one works the best for you.
First we'll look at the portable ones. There are several benefits to building a portable chicken coop, besides being portable they are easier to maintain. Maintenance is definitely much easier on the portable chicken coops. With that said it is also needs to be done more frequently. Have you ever lost a tool in the yard only to find it later with the lawn mower? When you build a portable chicken coop you have the option of bring the coop to you tools, rather than the other way around. Cleaning the coop is also a snap when you can move it wherever you want.
But there is a downside, and we need to cover that as well. Chicken tractors aren't built to last a long time so don't get your hopes up when it is finished. It should be clear that you will have to preform a lot of maintenance, and eventually completely replace your coop, if you choose mobility rather than stability. Portable chicken coops are not nearly as stable as their fixed counterpart.
The fixed, or sometimes referred to as static chicken coop are more stable than their movable counterparts. And can last for many years with regular maintenance. Planing is a big part of building a fixed chicken coop, so choose wisely. Though it can be moved at a later date, you will wish you didn't have to.
Here are a couple of tips for you when you build a static chicken coop. First, chickens need a lot of sunlight. Don't forget to build your chicken coop so that it get as much sun as it can each day. That doesn't mean you should put the coop in the middle of a field. Placing your chicken coop under a couple of trees or next to another larger building can help cut back on the amount of wind and rain it receives.
A beginner's mistake, especially if this is the first chicken coop you've built, is placing it on a low spot in your yard. I always recommend that you build the chicken coop on the highest spot in your yard. That way you can (usually) rest assured that you hens will stay dry. If you get strong storms, your chicken coop could become flooded. If this happens, you'll learn what the expression madder than a wet hen means.
Chicken Coop Construction And Plans 3
Learning
how to build a chicken coop is more than simply throwing together a roost and you're finished. No, it is also about keeping your chickens safe from predators.
You will find out just how many animals will be more than happy to prey upon your chickens if you're now cautious. Even though Spot is the nicest dog in the world, and the cat next door doesn't look like a cold blooded killed they can be a potential threat to your chickens. But they aren't the only danger, there are less likely threats such as rats. If you live in the country, you may also be at risk of attracting larger predators.
These can include the likes of: foxes, coyotes, and badgers. The fencing you use plays a big part in how safe your chicken coop is. Don't use too weak of fencing or you will have to pay a big price later. Make sure to bury your fence deep enough in the ground to keep out animals that try to dig their way into the coop.
Just like the danger from below there can also be a threat from above. Hawks will also prey upon chickens, so it might be necessary to cover your chicken's run with a roof or fencing.
Chicken Coop Construction And Plans 4
Learning how to build a chicken coop can be a really fun experience which also makes a great family project.
Well built chicken coops should be both functional and comfortable for your hens. However, it should also look nice. No one is fond of an eyesore, forcing you neighbors to live with one is both rude and risky. Wouldn't you rather get their compliments that be the reason for their complaints?
This would be a shame, since a chicken coop can add a unique element to your yard's landscaping. And how many people do you know that are blessed with the option of eating fresh eggs every morning for breakfast?
If you build your chicken coop in the city, you will want to check your city ordinances for any that regulate if and how you can build your coop.About the Author:
Chicken coop construction and plans don't have to be a headache, and in fact when you follow real plans it won't be. Ready to get your hands on a set? Click here to learn
how to build a chicken coop and get your hands on some plans!
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