How to Build a Chicken Coop
Having a chicken coop in your yard or farm is an excellent idea considering the numerous benefits. You can have fresh eggs and some meat if you want. In order to build a chicken coop you need to determine the space. You will need a room, like storage room and an open area where chickens like to run and socialise. Let's see a few tips on how to build a chicken coop for approximately ten chickens.
Things you will need: Net, Lumbar, Feeders, Straws, Plywood Sheets, Nails, Tape Measure and Hammer. If you do not want to construct the main body of the coop yourself you can opt for a prefabricated structure -- there are numerous options in the market and can cost you just a little money.
Building a Chicken Coop
- Once you select the place where you will build the coop, determine the overall size. If you want to house ten chickens, make a space for twelve. Chickens do not like being one very close to the other, especially when breeding and nesting. Count ten sq feet per chicken.
- Choose the location wisely, as chickens need to avoid humid and wet grounds and they do not stand extreme heat either.
- Design the chicken coop. Keep in mind that you have to create a large door to allow chickens to come in and out of the coop.
- Build the coop or place the prefabricated structure on the place you have chosen for the coop.
- Ensure that it is well protected; chickens should be protected not only from weather but also from predators or other animals. Make sure that the net you will use to enclose and fence the open space is high enough -- and also narrow enough so that it doesn't allow cats or other small animals to sneak in.
- Make sure that the chicken coop features windows, and leave space for additional heating source.
- Insulate the coop walls to keep the chickens safe and the room temperature pretty much stable all year long.
- Spread straws in the open and bare area to avoid accumulation of dirt as chickens are not the cleanest animals.
Further Reading on How to Build a Chicken Coop