Build a Backyard Chicken Coop - Step 2

The Two Styles Of Chicken Coop

You might already know this but let's say this for those who don't know. But there are two designs of chicken coops to pick from. The first is portable, and 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 and find out which one works the best for you.

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 backyard chicken coop. Since you can move the coop around, maintenance is much easier. Instead of bringing the tools to the coop, you can bring the coop to your tools. 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. Chicken tractors are not constructed as rigidly as the fixed version, and it is only to be expected that transportation and movement will take its toll.

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 for your backyard, so choose wisely. Once it is finished, moving it will be a very time consuming process.

Here are a couple of tips for you when you build a static chicken coop. The first thing is that sunlight is very important to your chicken's health and happiness. Be sure to position your chicken coop so that it gets the most sunlight possible each day. With that said I should also mention you have to position the coop so it gets the most protection it can from the elements. 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.

One more thing to remember when you are learning how to build backyard a chicken coop is never place it on low ground. 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. 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.