Before we go any further we need to decide how big we are going to make the coop. Miss judging the size of the coop is generally a beginner's mistake so we will want to go into more detail about this part of raising chickens. From there you will be able to choose a style that you will be happy with and more importantly fits the location you have chosen for it.
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. More on that in a moment.
In the last step we will learn about building an visually pleasing chicken coop. But you may be surprised when you find out how important this step really is.
I can already hear some of you breaking out the toolbox, so I had better get started!
Step 1 – Size, How Many Chickens Do You Want?
You may be thinking that this is 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? If you've guessed that the answer is no you're correct. Just because you have a spot picked out, that doesn't mean it is the most ideal. You may run into trouble if your desired hen house doesn't match the number of chickens you plan to get.
Every chicken that you plan on keeping needs at least 3 sq. ft. of room in the 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.
In the event that there is too much room in the coop later you always have the options to add another hen or two.
Step 2 – Chicken Coops - Which One Is Right For You?
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 style we'll talk about is a portable one, which 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. Lets explore these two types of chicken coop and find out which one works the best for you.
First we'll look at the portable ones. Portable chicken coops have several advantages over the fixed versions, let's take a look and see what those are. Maintaining the chicken coop can be much easier when it is portable. And this has to be the biggest benefit of the chicken tractor 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. However, there is a downside to building a portable chicken coop and we will need to look at that, too. 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.
Strength and security is the major advantage a fixed chicken coop has over the portable versions. Now it is very important to point out that you need to have a clear idea where you will be building this type of chicken coop. 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. First, chickens need a lot of sunlight. Make sure to build the chicken coop so that it gets as much sun as it can each day. That doesn't mean you should put the coop in the middle of a field. If you have strong storms in your area you will need to build your chicken coop under a couple of trees or parallel to a bigger building.
Another thing to keep in mind when you build a fixed hen house is that it shouldn't be built on low ground. Always build the hen house on the higher parts of your yard. Strong storms may cause your chicken coop to flood. If this happens, you'll learn what the expression “madder than a wet hen” means.
Step 3 – Keeping Your Birds Safe
One of the most important aspects of learning how to build a chicken coop is keeping your birds safe.
Chickens can have a way of drawing predators, and unless you are careful you may find you're chickens have been eaten. This can be anything from the neighborhood cats and dogs to less likely threats such as rats. If you live in the country, you may also be at risk of attracting larger predators.
These can include the likes of: foxes, coyotes, and badgers. 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, to keep this from happening you can cover the run with more fencing or with a roof.
Step 4 – Don't Neglect Your Coops Appearance
When you learn to build a chicken coop you are building a fun family project. One that will provide you with many fun memories and experiences. But it should also be more.
A well built chicken coop should be both healthy and comfortable for your chickens but also look nice. No one is fond of an eyesore, forcing you neighbors to live with one is both rude and risky. Wouldn't you rather get their compliments that be the reason for their complaints?
This would be a shame, since a chicken coop can add a unique element to your yard's landscaping. One that will have your neighbors talking for all of the right reason, and your family supplied with fresh eggs every morning for breakfast.
If you build your chicken coop in the city, you will want to check your city ordnances for any that regulate if and how you can build your coop.
So get your plans and get started today!
Click Here to Get Chicken Coop Plans Today!
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