subject: Build a Backyard Chicken Coop-How to Get Started [print this page] Want to build a backyard chicken coop but you aren't sure how to get started? Don't worry, most of us don't know where to even think about getting started when taking on a project such as this one. But it can be a lot easier if you follow a short check list to get you started.
First, you have to decide what size coop you need and this is based off of how many chickens you plan on having. The general rule of thumb is that each chicken requires 4 square feet of space, so if you want to have 5 chickens you need an area of 20 square feet. Regardless of how many chickens you want to have you'll be able to design a coop that meets your needs.
Second, ventilation is very important. Without enough air vents the conditions of the coop can become unsanitary and eventually it can become a place festering with disease. Proper ventilation keeps the chickens happy and healthy, and the same goes for your family. Breathing in ammonia like fumes is unhealthy!
Finally, you have to keep your chickens safe. Unfortunately there are too many critters out there that see chickens as easy prey, you can't take any chances. There are many things you can do to protect your chickens from predators and it starts with building the best chicken coop possible. If you want to build a backyard chicken coop that is effective and safe you've got to find some blueprints to get you started.
