We do all know that there is a wealth of information on the internet about building your own backyard chicken coups. You will be able to sift through thousands of websites devoted for DIY chicken coup creation. So, get started by scouring the World Wide Web for the basic information on how to create your own chicken coup.
Most of my chickens are free ranging, so I needed to give them plenty of space to scratch outside in the fresh air for insects and bugs during the day. This means that they need an enclosed run attached to their living quarters. The chickens need somewhere to roost inside the enclosed part of the coop, which means pegs or poles raised off the ground. So, I wanted a design that incorporated a hatch for me or my kids to lift and take out the eggs easily.
So finally when we’d agree on the backyard chicken coup plans we would follow, I had to go out to the local hardware store and purchase the materials. The materials you need will depend largely on the design you will finally choose, but most materials will be the same as the one I picked – wood, chicken wire, hinges, nails and screws. This time, I was delighted with the bill from the hardware store. I purchased everything I needed for under $100.
After I have assembled all the necessary tools and materials, I read through my chicken coup plans once more, to en sure that I knew what I was doing. I started with the nesting boxes first, and gradually built up the coup piece by piece, so that by the end of the day I was putting the finishing touches to a respectable looking home made chicken coup.
After I have completed the entire project I can feel a sense of pride and fulfilment. I did not spent a fortune creating one, and I have well secured my chickens on a chicken coup designed to cater to my chicken breed’s specific needs and protection.
Keeping chickens in a chicken coop can be a fun and rewarding activity. Let Jasun Armstrong teach you how to build a chicken coop and chicken house.
If you want to get started in, or have already started raising chickens, it’s certainly an advantage to download some plans for chicken house construction. You can build a chicken house extremely cheap, and it doesn’t take particularly good handyman skills. This article helps you get the ball rolling.
Prerequisite List
It pays off to take a systematic approach to building a chicken house. Small mistakes at the beginning can mean a lot of time wasted later on. Focus on the following items before you begin:
1) Figure out how many birds you’re going to have, then add 5! Your coop should give roughly 4 square feet per chicken. Without this kind of space you can expect significantly reduced egg yields, as the birds will be too stressed out to lay.
2) Make sure that your coop is built in a position that will take advantage of any morning sunlight you might have. Chickens are very sensitive to subtle changes in light, and lay their eggs according to the time of day.
3) The flooring of the coop will be different depending on the climate you live in. There are typically 3 types of floor coverings: sawdust, straw, and sand. Sawdust is a good all-rounder, but requires a lot of cleaning. Straw drains pretty well, but can get dirty fast. Sand is similar to sawdust, but doesn’t require as much cleaning.
4) Make a list of all predators in your area. Foxes, snakes, wolfs, etc.. Many of these animals can burrow under the coop fence and eat your chickens. Make sure to build security measures into your coop, such as burying a length of mesh around the perimeter to prevent dig ins.
5) Build the coop close to a water and electricity source. You will probably need a warming light in winter, which will need power. Alternatively you could connect it to a mini solar panel which you can either buy or also build yourself.
For the best plans for chicken house construction, check out this Build A Chicken House website now.
Steve Kennett is a dedicated family man with a passion for writing. He runs the Chicken Coop Corner website.
- Designed for up to 4 chickens
- Versatile! Use as starter coop, hospital, or broody house
- Designed for happy owners…
- …And happy chickens
- Predator protection
Product Description
A My Pet Chicken exclusive! Since we founded the company in 2005, we’ve been looking for a well-designed, full service chicken coop, complete with attached run, for under $450. We’re thrilled to finally bring it to you in “The Saltbox” and its sister model, “The Foursquare”. Perfect for up to 4 chickens, this coop offers everything you need to make your small flock of chickens at home…. More >>
My flock of Rhode Island Red, Welsummer, Partridge Rock and Golden Laced Wyandotte hens along with 1 beautiful Golden Laced Wyandotte Rooster. Filmed eating their favorite snack of POPCORN.
