Mulling over easy chicken coop plans? You’re NOT alone:
As the prices of chickens and eggs rise at the grocery store, more and more people are looking for an alternative to get their produce.
One of the ways is to build your very own chicken coop in your backyard.
KEEP READING to learn more about easy chicken coop plans (You can’t miss this!)…
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Building your chicken coop can be a cost-effective way to get fresh eggs and chicken produce.
- Research is vital to finding the best chicken coop plan that suits your needs and budget.
- Consider the size of the coop, the space outside, the placement of feeder and water basins, and predator-proof screens to ensure the safety and comfort of your chickens.
Easy Chicken Coop Plans: An Introduction
Ready to cluck? Here’s how a well-built chicken coop can make your backyard a farm!
Dr. Johnson-Walker, a respected expert in poultry care, emphasizes the significance of a dry, draft-free, and well-ventilated shelter for your feathered companions.
In her words, ‘Shelter needs to be dry and draft-free, with good ventilation,‘ highlighting the importance of providing your chickens with a safe and comfortable home. (1)”
Understanding Chicken Coops Chicken coops are enclosed structures that provide chickens with a safe and comfortable living space.
They come in various shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to protect chickens from predators and provide them with a comfortable environment to lay eggs.
I will cover all the necessary steps to build a simple backyard chicken coop that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Better yet, I will provide a comprehensive materials list, including chicken wire and nesting boxes, to ensure your coop is safe and secure for your chickens (just read and enjoy)!
Ensure you’re providing the best care for your flock by diving into our article, “Can I Use Hay for Chicken Bedding?” where you can learn about optimal bedding choices to keep your chickens happy and healthy.
The Must-Haves of a DIY Chicken Coop
Hearing the word “build” might seem difficult to most people, especially those without prior experience building something.
It’s easier than you think ― believe it OR NOT ― and if you follow directions, you can build your chicken coop.
But first, let me get past this metal bolt and show you the 3 things you need to know:
#1 Cluckin’ Good Coop Plans: Choosing the Perfect One for Your Chickens
Chicken coop plans are the best way to ensure you have a safe place to raise your chicken.
If this is your first time building a chicken coop, you will want to find the easiest coop plan available.
The easy one is usually a tiny coop that doesn’t require much labor and materials.
However, before deciding on the coop size, you must determine how many chickens you plan to raise. A small coop will likely house 2-3 chickens.
You will want at least 2 feet of space between each chicken and the chicken coop. That will give them enough room to move around.
Another thing to consider is the space outside of the chicken house. Chickens need a chicken run as well.
A chicken run is an area for the chicken to run around. They can’t stay in the chicken house all day long. That will cause the chickens to be stressed and unhappy.
So be sure to have enough space outside for them to run around.
#2 Water and Diet: Ensuring Your Chickens’ Nutrition and Hydration Needs are Met
The chickens need plenty of water all day, especially when it’s hot outside. They use the water basins to cool themselves down when it gets hot outside.
If possible, the feeder should be placed on the opposite end of the water basin to prevent water from splashing into the food.
Another solution will be to place the feeder above the water basin if impossible.
#3 Predator-proofing: Keeping the Crooks at Bay
Be aware of any predators that might be in the area when planning out your chicken coop. You must put predator-proof screens around and at the top of the chicken coop.
Foxes are intelligent animals and will find a way to break through the screen. Use high-quality screens to prevent any predators from getting inside the coop.
Another thing to consider is your pet if you have one. Dogs and cats are natural predators; when they see chickens, they will go after them when they can.
So be sure not to leave your pets unattended when they’re around the chickens.
Easy chicken coop plans are easy to find online and might be available at local home improvement stores.
Remember that the smaller the chicken coop is, the easier the chicken coop plans will be…
Step-by-Step Instructions for Building an Easy Chicken Coop
Here’s the bitter and sweet to all you need to build your very own chicken coop:
Gathering Your Supplies: Everything You Need to Build a Perfect Chicken Coop
You’ll need the right materials and tools to build the perfect coop. For a SIMPLE chicken coop that can withstand strong winds, you’ll need the following:
- Lumber (2x4s, 2x6s, and 4x4s)
- Plywood or OSB (oriented strand board)
- Roofing material (shingles, metal panels, or corrugated plastic)
- Screws, nails, and other fasteners
- Chicken wire or hardware cloth
- Hinges and latches for doors and windows
- Saw, drill, hammer, and other basic tools
Ensure you have all the materials and tools on hand before you begin construction to avoid delays.
Construction Process to Building Your Coop
Building a chicken coop may seem daunting, but with these step-by-step instructions, you can create a simple one that will keep your chickens SAFE and HAPPY. Here’s what you need to do:
- CHOOSE a suitable location for the coop. It should be in a well-drained area with good air circulation and shade. Calculate the required square feet for the chickens you plan to raise.
- BUILD the frame using the lumber, following the dimensions you’ve planned. Use screws to attach the pieces, ensuring the coop is sturdy and level.
- ATTACH the plywood or OSB to the frame to create the walls and roof. Cut openings for windows and doors.
- INSTALL the windows and doors, using hinges and latches to secure them.
- COVER the windows and any other openings with chicken wire or hardware cloth to prevent predators from getting in.
- INSTALL the roofing material, making sure it’s secure and watertight.
- ADD finishing touches, such as nesting boxes, perches, and a chicken run.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Design
To ensure a successful construction process, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- Plan and create a detailed material list and design to avoid mistakes and save time.
- Use strong and sturdy materials to withstand the elements and predators.
- Consider building a sloped roof to prevent water from pooling on the top.
- Add insulation to keep your chickens warm during the colder months.
- Use sand or other absorbent material in the chicken run to keep it dry and clean [2].
- Keep the coop and run clean and debris-free to prevent disease and pests.
For more, if you’re the creative, visual type, feel free to check out this video on assembling an easy DIY chicken coop:
Follow these step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to build a simple, strong, and safe chicken coop for your feathered friends. Get cracking!!
Master the art of poultry housing by visiting our articles “Simple Chicken Coop Plans” and “Multiple Chicken Coops,” perfect for those seeking practical advice on creating a cozy, secure home for their flock.
FAQs
1. What is the minimum size for a chicken coop?
A small coop that houses 2-3 chickens should be at least 4 square feet. Give at least 2 feet of space for each chicken and provide a chicken run area.
2. How can I protect my chickens from strong winds?
Ensure the chicken coop is built with solid, sturdy materials, including chicken wire and predator-proof screens. Choose a sheltered location and place the coop in a direction away from strong winds.
Conclusion
Now that you know something about easy chicken coop plans, here’s a wrap-up:
Building an easy chicken coop can be a fun and rewarding experience for any backyard chicken farmer.
Following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article and utilizing the recommended materials and tools, you can create a perfect coop for your feathered friends to call home.
Keeping your chickens safe and comfortable is crucial, especially in areas prone to strong wind or predators. Until next time…
Resources
1. Care and Feeding of Backyard Chickens [Internet]. Veterinary Medicine at Illinois. Available from: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet-health-columns/care-feeding-backyard-chickens/
2. Backyard Poultry | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC [Internet]. www.cdc.gov. 2020. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/farm-animals/backyard-poultry.html
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