A great coop comes from the details. Sure, you could put up any old structure and call it a coop, but it would not be suitable for keeping chickens for very long. The small things about a coop are what make it something that you will want to keep for a long time. But since the small things usually aren't that long, here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions about chicken coop plans.
How tall should my fences be?
Six feet is the traditional height for chicken coops. Some people opt to build a seven foot for safely, since most predators cannot jump over a fence that high. Keep in mind that here have been reports of chickens flying over fences that high, but those cases are extremely rare. If you are really looking to keep your chickens in and predators out, install netting or a layer of chicken wire over the entire coop; that way you will keep your chickens safely in and the predators completely out.
What material should I put on the coop floor?
It's surprising that many chicken coop plans do not mention what to put on the coop floor In my opinion, natural substances like pine shavings or hay. Hay is ok to use, but the downside is that it is hollow inside which are breeding grounds for mites and other pests. If you do use hay then you will have to change it out more frequently that you would pine shavings. You always want to avoid using any artificial materials as the chickens tend to peck and consume whatever is on the ground.
How big do I need to build a coop for "X" amount of chickens?
Due to new agricultural regulations, the simple answer is "big enough for each chicken to flap their wings". Measurement-wise this means a minimum of 2 sq. feet per chicken inside the coop and a minimum of 10 sq. feet outside the coop. Make sure that whichever chicken coop plans you use are up to date with the current laws and regulations.
Can I just use a garden shed as a chicken coop?
No and yes. Garden sheds, as they are sold, are not good for keeping chickens. The typically have no windows, ventilation, chicken doors, nesting boxes, or room for the chickens to move around. However, you can convert a standard garden into a coop. Remember to follow the space guidelines I mentioned above. If you find that you cannot give your chickens the room they need, you will have to look at some other chicken coop plans and not use the garden shed.
I can paint the inside of the coop to make it look nicer?
You can definitely paint the inside of the coop to give it a brighter atmosphere. But be sure to use paint that is non toxic. Any fumes that the paint gives off can potentially harm your chickens so make sure that before you introduce your chickens to the coop, the paint is well dried an that you have installed good ventilation. Most chicken coop plans do not call for a painted interior but it can add a nice touch.
