Building a backyard chicken coop is very simple to do, but people often have to redo their work because they started off wrong. I know it is very exciting when you first make a decision to start building, but take a minute to sit back and look at it from the big picture. Ask yourself, "Is what I am planning building going to be good for the chickens or is it just going to look good?" To avoid building a uninhabitable coop and having to build over again, you should follow these tips to get your coop built right. With the right chicken coop plans and the right forethought, you can have your coop up in no time if you keep the following points in mind.
Plan Where to Place Your Windows
Most people only think about windows until it's too late. One of the first things you should do is plan out where you are going to place your windows. The windows play a double role as the source of light and as ventilation. One thing you want to do is cut the windows into the walls before you put up your walls, that way you can check your work before building so you know you'll get it right. Also, think about the positioning of your windows themselves. Make sure to place windows on the sides of the coop so that your chickens get plenty of sunlight.
Watch Out for Predators
Keeping your chickens safe is a must. I mean if you want to maintain a flock, you need to make sure they stay alive. Make sure to build good defenses that will block any attack from local predators such as foxes, raccoons, weasels, even neighborhood animals like dogs and cats. Be sure that whatever chicken coop plans you use, it tells you the different predators you might have to deal with and exactly what defenses you need for your chickens. This will give you a good starting point for what to build so you can give your chickens maximum protection.
Get the Right Light
As you set up your coop, you will want to decide where you will get your light from. Natural light is always the best option, but it might not be enough depending on where you place your coop. Therefore, you will need to install artificial light for your chickens. Now, electrical lighting can get expensive quickly, so it is better to avoid this if you can. Just like most farm animals, chickens thrive if there are placed in an environment that does not get enough light, so be sure to find a way to make sure your coop is well lit.
Plan Ventilation
Don't overlook ventilation. This is the most important feature of chicken coop plans that is hardly built into a chicken coop. This allows your chickens to stay cool and the smell to dissipate, thus giving your chickens a fresh and clean environment. This also helps the chickens lay eggs as frequently as possible.
