subject: How to Build a Chicken Coop in 4 Simple Steps [print this page] Author: Beth Oneil Author: Beth Oneil
When you learn how to build a chicken coop there are four main elements you will want to keep in mind. This article will give a complete understanding of what they are, and when you're finished you will be ready to move onto the next step, getting the plans (a crucial element) and getting out the power tools.
Before we talk about any other aspects of building a hen house we need to discuss the size of the coop. This has a direct effect on the number of birds you can hold and is often one of the first mistakes beginners make. Once we have covered that you will be able to pick out the style that best suits your needs and the amount of space you have.
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. Safety is important and something you won't want to neglect. Step 3 goes into more detail about covering this part of building a chicken coop.
The final step will cover the importance of building an aesthetically pleasing chicken coop. But you may be surprised when you find out how important this step really is.
I see that you of you are already to get the plans and get building, so I will get started and show you how to build a chicken coop.
Step 1 Picking The Right Size
I can hear what you're saying, isn't this an understood part of building a chicken coop? You know where you want to put the chicken coop and you know how many chickens you want, isn't that enough? The answer is no. Even if you already have a location in your yard picked out, this doesn't mean it is a match made in heaven. To put it simply the chickens and the size of your coop might just be incomputable. And if your hope is for fresh health eggs every morning, there is a very good reason why you will want to avoid over crowding your roost.
Each chicken requires at least 3 square feet of room inside of the chicken coop. As you can see, this will directly influence how many chickens you can hold, and where you can build your coop.
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. Since this is the reason, most people build chicken coops, it will waste both the money and time you've invested. 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.
If you find out later that the chicken coop you've built it too big (Something that is very unlikely) you can add another hen or two to the house.
Step 2 Chicken Coops Come In Two Flavors
Maybe you already know this but there are two types of chicken coops to choose from. The first is portable, and is often referred to as a chicken tractor. The next one we'll talk about is the fixed or static chicken coop. This one is built to last but it also has it draw backs. Let's look at the two types and you can get a better idea of what best suits your needs.
To get started we will take a few minutes and learn more about the chicken tractors. As you might have already guessed there are a couple of different benefits to building a portable chicken coop. Maintenance is definitely much easier on the portable chicken coops. With that said it is also needs to be done more frequently. Rather than dragging all of your tools out into the yard, you can pull the chicken coop into the driveway and fix it there. As you can imagine this also make cleaning the coop out much easier.
But there is a downside, and we need to cover that as well. Don't build a portable chicken coop and think that it will last forever, it won't. 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. Of course you need to plan the location for your chicken coop very carefully. Once you have your chicken coop fixed to the ground it will be a nightmare if you ever need to move it to a new location.
Here are a couple of tips for you when you build a static chicken coop. First, chickens need a lot of sunlight. Be sure to position your chicken coop so that it gets the most sunlight possible each day. That doesn't mean you should put the coop in the middle of a field. Strong rain or wind can be a problem, that's why it is a good idea to build your coop under a group of trees or next to a larger building.
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. Make sure to build it on the a higher part of your yard. When not placed on high ground you run the risk of having your chicken coop flood. If this happens, you'll learn what the expression madder than a wet hen means.
There are many different types of predators that will prey upon your hens if you aren't careful. The cats and dogs in your area an be just as much of a threat as the less likely threats such as rats. If you live in the country there are always larger predators that may attack your chickens.
Foxes are well know for trying to break into chicken coops, but they aren't the only ones. Coyotes and badgers also have an appetite for chicken. You will want to assure that you use strong enough fencing to keep the more determined wild animals out. You will also want to bury your fence deep enough underground. Some animals will try very hard to dig their way into your chicken coop, make sure that doesn't happen!
Don't forget the threat from above. Hawks will also prey upon chickens, if you know you have them in your area you may also want to cover your chicken run.
Step 4 Make Sure Your Coop Looks Nice
Learning how to build a chicken coop is more than throwing together some lumber.
A well built chicken coop should be both healthy and comfortable for your chickens but also look nice. Nobody likes an eyesore, and if you don't take the time to finish out your chicken coop, you might get complaints rather than compliments from your neighbors.
This would be a shame, since a chicken coop can add a unique element to your yard's landscaping. And this is one piece of landscaping that will get you neighbors talking for all of the right reasons. They will also be envious over all of the fresh eggs you get to enjoy!
Besides the fact you don't want to look at a mess chicken coop you might also have to contend with city ordnances. These ordnances might play a direct role in how your chicken coop can look.About the Author:
Building a chicken coop can be a joy to build with the proper plans. 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!
