How Should You Build a Chicken Coop?

Ranked #131,223 in Healthy Living, #1,264,320 overall

Building your own Chicken Coop

Building your own chicken coop rather than buying a ready made one can save you some money. Whether you are deciding to build a chicken coop small enough to start with or you are looking into a larger picture, you can decide on buying ready made ones or building them with your own hands.

Things to consider

1. Number of Chickens- It is important to know exactly how many chickens you plan to raise. The number of chickens that you are to put in the chicken coop will determine the size of the coop. The actual size of the coop shouldn't be that big, but it should be big enough for the chickens to run around.

2. Size- If you are a beginner, you may want to build a chicken coop just as small as you like, or one that is just big enough to accommodate a number of chickens. This can be an option, but it is recommended that you build a chicken coop a little larger than you would. Most chicken raisers end up raising more and more chickens, which means that it is wise to plan ahead.

  • Small or Mobile Coop- small enough to be brought in other places. This is ideal for starters who want to raise only a few chickens. This looks like a cage in most instances.

  • Mid or Medium Coop- this type is less "cagey" than the mobile coop. Since it is designed for a relatively higher number of chickens, it is bigger. This is ideal for those who want to harvest more eggs or raise more chickens.

  • Large Coop- this is ideal for chicken poultry businesses. Poultry usually requires more space since they raise thousands of chicken.

    3. Location and Breed of Chicken- The areas where you will build the chicken coop or how you are supposed to build your chicken coop matter. Make sure that the positioning of the chicken coop is in such a way that the chickens receive enough sunlight, as this make them lay eggs, even more.
  • What to Do?

    Your chicken coop doesn't need to be that elaborate at all-that is, according to your preference. You can build a simple chicken coop or a fancy one that fits your style. If you're a handyman, you can start making one yourself by creating a box made of wood, and build it just the way you like it.

  • The chicken coop should be made such that it faces the south. The roof should be sloped so that the water will not go through the door.

  • Place a latch on the door.

  • Put nest boxes with straw. Perches should be placed at about four feet above the ground.

  • To protect the chicken coop from other predators, fence it with wire that is also 4 feet high. Foundation should be 12 inches deep into the ground.

    Chicken coops come in various designs, shapes and sizes. Depending on your needs, there are some factors to consider and things need to be done. Lastly, you have to remember that a chicken coop is going to serve as the home for your chickens. This is where they will eat, sleep and rest, so you have to make their house as adequate as it can get.
  • Ideas for a chicken coop

    Here's a few photos from flickr that might give you some direction

    Loading

    Any questions?