build a chicken coop
Overview
There are many different factors you should think about when trying to determine the type of chicken coop you want to build.
This is important because before you go ahead with the building process you will want to be sure you’re getting some key factors right so you build what is required to meet your needs. There are Do-it-Yourself guides [1] that you might find useful and other information in the resources section of this site.
But , this article will talk a little more specifically about the building materials for your chicken coop. This is going to make a big impact on how much money you spend on the chicken coop in total so understanding the different types of materials will be vital to making an informed decision.
This is covered in much greater detail in the many of the suggested DIY chicken coop guides, [1] but here is some of the basics to get you started.
Here are the three basic steps:
- First, take metal or wood posts and place them in the ground in a rectangle shape in any size you want. Now, wrap chicken wire around the 4 posts.
You need to mound at least 3 inches around the outside and inside of the chicken wire. -
Step 2
Next, place the posts in the ground. You then nail a 2×4 across the wooden posts slightly below the height of the metal posts to make a slope. This will allow rain to fall off the tin roofing. You do the same on the opposite side, you just nail the 2×4 at the same height of the posts.
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Step 3
Now, nail the tin roofing across the 2 2×4s. You can make a door, but It’s optional, as long as you have at least 4 inches hanging over the exit area. Now you can get pieces of plywood as long and as tall as the coop and place them loosely against the metal posts.
How Much Does it Cost?
If you buy one pre-built it can be a thousand dollars or more. If you do it yourself and build your own chicken coop then it is much less money. Many individuals do have a tendency to think you need a lot of expensive materials to successfully build a chicken coop, however this is not the case at all. Chicken coops can be made from a variety of different materials including such things as an old shed, scrap lumber, PVC pipes, 50 gallon barrels, or other recycled materials you may have around the house already.
Usually wood is the most common material used to build the chicken coop however it’s also the priciest, so you’ll have to weight the pros versus the cons. If you want your chicken coop to last for years and years to come, it may be a good idea to invest in a wooden coop to ensure that it does withstand various climate changes.
Keep in mind with this though that wood varieties will also vary in price and that will influence your decision, so looking at the different types of wood is also important.
If you are thinking about just building a smaller coop, you might even be able to get away with using recycled timber instead. Asking around for scrap pieces of wood can also be one way to locate some materials to use, but bear in mind if you’re going to go this route there is a higher chance you’ll have to pull some nails and may wind up with a chicken coop that isn’t exactly matching. If you’re really looking for the absolute most cost effective method though, then it’s likely something that you will want to think about and consider.
Many times you can save over half the price of the coop just by looking carefully for building materials that will meet your needs effectively.
So, before you rush out to buy whatever you think you need for building supplies, give some careful consideration to this first. It’s important that you have a firm understanding about building materials for your chicken house before you even get going. In some cases it can get hard to start with a certain type of material and then switch over halfway through, even between the different types of woods, therefore getting it all figured out before you begin will be your best bet.
If you are interested in complete steps, materials lists and easy to follow instructions, please consider buying an [1]online coop guide.
More chicken Coop Resources
When building a chicken coop, it is suggested that you follow the guidelines below for a successful endeavor.
Element #1. – Appearance and Design:
Sketch out your design on a sheet of paper before you do anything else. Think of the colors you will paint the roof and chicken coop walls. Always keep in mind that if your chicken coop is clearly visible to your neighbors, (unless you live in a farm it will most likely be visible to your entire neighborhood,) it shouldn’t ever serve as a distraction or defacement of its utmost surroundings. So make sure to design an aesthetically looking chicken coop so that your neighbors do not complain of its detracting appearance. Once finished, always remember to remove and dispose of any types of garbage or weeds from around your chicken coop. Try to maintain an appealing landscape around it to enhance its overall appearance.
Element #2. – Using Sound Judgment:
When designing your chicken coop structure, you must use sound judgment in almost every aspect of the way.
For instance, you want to use building materials in which the cleaning and disinfecting procedures will be quick and easy. The doors you install should open inwards, not outwards. You don’t want your chickens roosting on your windows, so it is best to install sliding windows.
A question many people ask is how to build a chicken coop who’s floors are easy to hose and spray down without much puddling? Well the secret to that is to slightly slope the flooring toward the door. This way, when you spray out the chicken coop, the water will flow out, hence solving your puddling problem.
Element # 3. – Protection from Hazardous Elements:
So you want to learn how to build a chicken coop with maximum protection?
Then listen up.
As you may know, a well built chicken coop will protect your chickens from hazardous elements such as bad weather (heavy rain, wind, hale, snow, cold climates, etc,) but they will also protect them from hungry predators, theft and injury.
So how do we accomplish that?
Easy. You want to build a draft free chicken house with windows and doors that can be opened and closed as needed. Make sure the windows and doors both have proper screening systems installed in them such as a heavy gage mesh wire. Building the chicken coop on a high yet well drained area with ensure the least amount of dampness of the coop. Be sure to build your chicken coop in an area that faces the sun which will help warm and dry the soil and coop itself after it rains.
To protect your chickens from predators, the best thing to do is to bury your outside runs with chicken wire all around the coop about 1 foot deep. This will prevent some very hungry predators such as raccoons, cats and even dogs from digging underneath it.
Strategy # 4. – Coop Ventilation:
You may be wondering how to build a chicken coop that will not only keep your chickens locked up and protected from bad weather and predators yet receive the proper ventilation it requires. If so, then you already understand the importance of draft free air movement from within the coop. Chickens, much like humans, need fresh air and oxygen. The same goes for the removal of unwanted excessive moisture and carbon dioxide. A chicken coop with ample air movement and proper ventilation will help remove the ammonia build up and dampness that may grow inside its walls.
Speaking of walls, the chicken coop walls should have proper insulation installed which will help keep the chickens dry. As long as chickens are dry, they can handle cold climates very well, but humidity plus cold weather will cause health issues for your poultry. Therefore, insulated walls are a must!
Strategy # 5. – Light Source:
If you want a good source of light and warmth for your chickens during the cold months of the year and a solid source of ventilation during the hot months, then be sure to install the chicken coop windows facing the southside where they will receive direct sunlight throughout the day.
On another note, if your goal is to raise chickens that will produce great eggs all year round, then you should look into an electrical source of light. You should be able to easily install an electrical light at the height of the chicken coop’s ceiling which will help keep your chickens warm and help them lay better chicken eggs throughout the year. One ceiling light should be enough for a small scale chicken coop, for larger chicken coops though, try to install one electrical ceiling light per every 30 – 40 feet.
Strategy # 6. – Conveniently placed Wateres and Chicken Feeders:
Chicken feeders and waterers should be placed where your flock will have easy access to them. However, you have to becareful where you place them because chickens like to make a mess of everything they eat due to their chicken scratching instincts. I’m sure you don’t want to see your chicken feed mix all over the coop floors so, to avoid this, place the chicken feeders at the height of the chicken’s back. This way they will have to stretch their necks up to eat but won’t reach the feeders with their feet. Same goes for the waterers. Just make sure to keep the waterers full of fresh clean water throughout the day.
There you have it folks. 6 quick and easy strategies that will show you how to build a chicken coop fast and efficiently. Whether you’re building a large scale chicken coop or a small one, these tips should get you moving in the right direction.
Folks, did you know that the average american spends about $300 to build a chicken coop? Some even invest over 2 months of work trying to assemble the darn structure and in the end aren’t even fully contempt with their product. Not very enticing is it? A great chicken coop plan can cut your time and efforts in half while saving you a vast amount money on building materials. To learn how to build a chicken coop with maximum benefits for your flock without investing a magnitude of your time and money , click here:
how to build a chicken coop.
Dale Higgins has been raising chickens and poultry for over 20 years and is an expert in building chicken coops. You can visit his website here: http://www.mybackyardchickenfarm.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Higgins
If, like many people, you have looked around at the cost of buying a chicken coop or ark and want to save some money, this is for you. These detailed plans for hen coop that will house 6-8 hens, complete with perches, nest box, pop hole, door and run will enable you to construct your own coop for a fraction of the cost.
Backyard Chicken Coops forced to move:
“A months-long cockfight over a proposed backyard chicken coop came to an end Monday as the La Cañada Flintridge City Council voted 5-0 to deny a side yard setback variance that would have allowed the installation of a coop to go forward.” – Read more regarding “backyard chicken coops” at the original site
How to Build a Chicken Coop – Chicken Coop Plans – Watch more funny videos here
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