Four Tips To Build a Better Chicken Coop

Do you know what these four important tips are? We will cover them in this article, and when you're completed you will be ready to move onto the next step, purchase some high quality plans, and getting out the toolbox.

Before we talk about any other aspects of building a hen house we need to discuss the size of the coop. The size of a coop directly effects the number of chickens you can raise. And building a coop that is too small can have drastic effect on your birds happiness. Once we have covered that you will be able to pick out the style that best suits your needs and the amount of space you have.

Once you have this information, you will want to look at building both a safe and health coop. Safety is important and something you won't want to neglect. Step 3 goes into more detail about covering this part of building a chicken coop.

The final step will cover the importance of building an aesthetically pleasing chicken coop. But you may be surprised when you find out how important this step really is.

Some of you may already be itching to break out the power tools, so I will get started and show you how to build a chicken coop.

Tip 1 - Building the Chicken Coop to Fit

I know what you're thinking, and to be honest I thought this myself once. If you know where you plan on placing the coop and you have a ballpark estimate of the amount of chickens you want to raise, isn't that all there is to it? If you've guessed that the answer is no you're correct. It doesn't matter if you already have a spot picked out, and the number of chickens set in stone. You may have to change your plans if the site isn't the most ideal. You may run into trouble if your desired hen house doesn't match the number of chickens you plan to get.

Each chicken requires at least 3 square feet of room inside of the chicken coop. As you can see, this will directly influence how many chickens you can hold, and where you can build your coop.

As you can imagine, if the chicken coop becomes too crowded, your hens will spend the majority of their time fighting for room rather than laying eggs. Since most people build chicken coops for the eggs, this would turn out to be a waste. So now is the perfect time to decide how many chickens you plan to raise.

If you find out later that the chicken coop you've built it too big (Something that is very unlikely) you can add another hen or two to the house.

Tip 2 – Choosing the Style That Fits


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. Let's look at the two types and you can get a better idea of what best suits your needs.

To start let's have a look at the portable versions. As you might have already guessed there are a couple of different benefits to building a portable chicken coop. Since you can move the coop around, maintenance is much easier. Have you ever lost a tool in the yard only to find it later with the lawn mower? When you build a portable chicken coop you have the option of bring the coop to you tools, rather than the other way around. Cleaning the coop is also easier with portable hen houses.

However, there is a downside to building a portable chicken coop and we will need to look at that, too. 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.

Strength and security is the major advantage a fixed chicken coop has over the portable versions. Planing is a big part of building a fixed chicken coop, so choose wisely. Once it is finished, moving it will be a very time consuming process.

Here are some things to consider when you build a static roost. For starters, access to sunlight is a big part in keeping your chickens healthy. Don't forget to build your chicken coop so that it get as much sun as it can each day. But you will also want provide your coop with protection from the other elements. 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.

A beginner's mistake, especially if this is the first chicken coop you've built, is placing it on a low spot in your yard. Make sure to build it on the a higher part of your yard. If you get strong storms, your chicken coop could become flooded. If this happens, you'll learn what the expression “madder than a wet hen” means.

Tip 3 – Keeping the Chickens in and the Vermin Out

One of the most important aspects of learning how to build a chicken coop is keeping your birds safe.

There are many different types of predators that will prey upon your hens if you aren't careful. The cats and dogs in your area an be just as much of a threat as the less likely threats such as rats. Of course rats are one of the smaller threats, if you live in the country you might also have to contend with larger predators.

These can include the likes of: foxes, coyotes, and badgers. The fencing you use plays a big part in how safe your chicken coop is. Don't use too weak of fencing or you will have to pay a big price later. 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, if you know you have them in your area you may also want to cover your chicken run.

Tip 4 – Make It a Looker

Learning how to build a chicken coop is more than throwing together some lumber.

A chicken coop is more than simply a comfortable safe home for your chickens. It should also add an element to your yard that few others share. That means you should take the time and make it also look nice. Nobody likes an eyesore, and if you don't take the time to finish out your chicken coop, you might get complaints rather than compliments from your neighbors.

Don't leave this part of building a chicken coop to take care of itself, because it won't. Coops can add a wonderful aspect to your yard's landscaping, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it. And this is one piece of landscaping that will get you neighbors talking for all of the right reasons. They will also be envious over all of the fresh eggs you get to enjoy!

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.

Raising chickens is a fun and rewarding activity, get the full scoop by visit my website: http://build-a-chicken-coop.iqbanq.com/

How To Build A Chicken Coop That Will Withstand Time

There are several different factors that determine how long your home-made chicken coop will last. To make the most out of your money and effort, pick only high quality chicken coop plans to build from and keep the following tips in mind.

Depending on where you have planned on building a chicken coop, you will either have a location that is already landscaped, or you will have to landscape the area first. What you will need is a level ground that properly supports your chicken coop. If you are doing this right in the beginning, your chicken coop will last a lot longer and as such be a lot more cost effective than if you save on landscaping the area before you build.

For some situations building a portable chicken coop may be of advantage to you. In any case, only use quality chicken coop plans when you learn how to build a chicken coop, no matter if portable or static.

Learn what materials are cost effective and at the same time withstand the weather. When you learn how to build a chicken coop you will save a lot of money. However, take the suggestions serious and don't save too much on the coop's foundation. A quality structural base will give your chicken coop the strength to last a lot longer and save you even more money and effort in return.

Windows are an important part when you learn how to build a chicken coop. They are necessary to provide your chickens with the much needed sunlight. If your chickens do not get enough natural sunlight the egg production will definitely suffer. It is mandatory though for you to understand where to place windows in your construction to ensure that the coop itself stays sturdy. Again, a good quality chicken coop plan will show you how to properly place windows for the best results.

The position and design of the feeders is also something you should keep in mind. Besides the fact that you need to allot enough space, how high or low they are positioned will have an effect on how durable your chicken coop is. If the feeder is not easy to reach for your chickens, food may eventually get scattered on the floor.

Besides the space allowed for the feeders and waterer you will need to calculate a minimum of 3 square feet per chicken. More space is always better, but never go below 3 feet. This is often a mistake people make when they are learning how to make a chicken coop. When you miscalculate your chicken's living space egg production will suffer.

Don't break out the hammer and nails until you've fully informed yourself on what to expect when raising chickens. It is very important to choose the proper building plans that suit your location and needs.

Raising chickens is a fun and rewarding activity, get the full scoop by visit my website: http://build-a-chicken-coop.iqbanq.com/

The Four Crucial Steps to Build a Chicken Coop

When you learn how to build a chicken coop there are four main elements you will want to keep in mind. In this article we will explore these and other important aspects of building a chicken coop, and when you're through you will be ready to take things to the next stage, getting the plans (a crucial element) and breaking out the toolbox.

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!

Chicken Coop Plans – 5 Easy Steps To Pick The Right Chicken Coop Plans

Picking the proper chicken coop plans is the most important part when you want to build a chicken coop. Picking out the right plans is really not that hard, but make sure to only choose the best of the crop! Here is why:

The Size of The Chicken Coop

For your chickens to be comfortable the chicken coop plans need to give you a clear idea how many hens you will be able to keep in the coop. Picking too small a coop is not a good idea, since they birds will be crowded and the hygiene is going to be lacking.

This can very well lead to illnesses among the chickens, besides any social problems in your coop should the hens feel crowded.

Tips and Tricks to Minimize Your Work

Chicken coop plans should come with a selection of ideas on how to minimize your work. As an example, some chicken coops feature a slanted floor that will make it easier to clean the building.

The is a lot you can do to make your chicken coop less of a stressful and more of a joyful venture. Learn from the experiences made by professionals to not repeat their mistakes. You are not the first to build your own chicken coop, so fortunately there are some great resources for you to pick up and get started.

The Proper Location

Picking the proper location is an important factor in getting the most out of your chicken coop. For example, chickens need a lot of sunlight. Building your chicken coop in an area with little direct sunlight can hurt the egg production.

There are other things you can do to ensure your coop stays nice and is easy to clean. One thing you can do is build your chicken coop on top of a hill to ensure no rain water will flood your coop. High quality chicken coop plans should give you more idea such as this to help you find the best location in your yard.

Protection For Your Chickens

Your chickens need to be protected. That's true both for pet predators and wild animals, depending on if you live in the city or the country. Dogs, cats, badgers, foxes and so on are all a potential threat to your chickens. Since some predators will dig their way into your chicken coop you will need to take all necessary precautions to protect your chickens.

You wouldn't want to wake up one day to find all your chickens slain in the yard, would you?

The Design of The Coop

Alright, the design doesn't seem that important, but let's not kid ourselves... it is! You wouldn't want to have some ugly eye sore in your backyard. And I can tell you, neither would your neighbors. Better pick a nice design that everybody can live with than some ugly box that your neighbors will hate you for.

If you get this right, chance is your neighbors will envy you for your awesome looking chicken coop. And you made it all by yourself!

Build a Backyard Chicken Coop - Step 4

Step 4 – Don't Neglect Your Coops Appearance

When you learn to build backyard 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 backyard chicken coop is more than simply a comfortable safe home for your chickens. It should also add an element to your yard that few others share. That means you should take the time and make it also look nice. Even if you think the chicken coop you've built is the cutest thing you've ever seen take a step back, what would other people say? Many people, especially when they've learned how to build a chicken coop for the first time, are blind to how their coop really looks. Is the coop really as nice as you think?

This would be a shame, since a chicken coop can add a unique element to your yard's landscaping. And this is one piece of landscaping that will get you neighbors talking for all of the right reasons. They will also be envious over all of the fresh eggs you get to enjoy!

When you live in the city and build a chicken coop the looks might even be a must. Many cities have ordnances dictating how you may build your coop. And the number of birds you may hold.

Build a Backyard Chicken Coop - Step 3

Better Safe Than Sorry

One of the most important aspects of learning how to build a chicken coop is keeping your birds safe.

There are many different types of predators that will prey upon your hens if you aren't careful. This can be anything from the neighborhood cats and dogs to less likely threats such as rats. Of course rats are one of the smaller threats, if you live in the country you might also have to contend with larger predators.


These can include foxes, coyotes and badgers. The fencing you use plays a big part in how safe your chicken coop is. Don't use too weak of fencing or you will have to pay a big price later. Make sure to bury your fence deep enough in the ground to keep out animals that try to dig their way into the coop.

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.

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.

Build a Backyard Chicken Coop - Step 1

Size, How Many Chickens Do You Want?

I know what you're thinking, and to be honest I thought this myself once. You know where you want to place the hen house, and you know how many chickens you want to hold, is that not enough? The answer is quite simply, no! Even if you already have a location in your yard picked out, this doesn't mean it is a match made in heaven. To put it simply the chickens and the size of your coop might just be incompatible. And if your hope is for fresh health eggs every morning, there is a very good reason why you will want to avoid over crowding your roost.

Each chicken requires at least 3 square feet of room inside of the chicken coop. Going by this you will now have a better idea of the actual coop size, and if it will fit where you originally planned to build it.

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. If you build a backyard chicken coop don't waste your time and money trying to squeeze the most hens into the smallest space. Make sure your chickens have the space they deserve. 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 for your backyard.

If you find out later that the chicken coop you've built it too big (Something that is very unlikely) you can add another hen or two to the house.

Build a Backyard Chicken Coop - An Introduction

When you build a backyard chicken coop, there are four main elements that you want to keep in mind. In this article we will explore these and other important aspects of building a chicken coop, and when you're completed you will be ready to take things to the next stage, purchase some high quality plans, and breaking out the hammer and nails.

The first step we will cover is size. The size of a coop directly effects the number of chickens you can raise. And building a coop that is too small can have drastic effect on your birds happiness. 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.

Once you have this information, you will want to look at building both a safe and health coop. More on that in a moment.

The final step will cover the importance of building an aesthetically pleasing chicken coop. But you may be surprised when you find out how important this step really is.

I see that you of you are already to get the plans and get building, so I had better get started!