Planning the chicken coop is vital. Elevating, or placing the coop on higher ground, is the first step. Doing this will keep the rain from puddling around the chicken runs and structure. Deciding how large you want the coop is your next step. One and one half to two square feet per chicken is the space the birds will need in the coop. Eight to ten square feet per bird is how big the yard should be.

Next, sketch your design on paper. You will need to occasionally clean the coop and collect eggs, so be certain to build a door large enough to use. If you put windows in they need to face the south. This gives good ventilation when it is hot, and the sun will warm the eggs when it is cold.

Components are key, but they don’t have to become costly. Any scrap wood you’ve around your property will work, as nicely as plywood or even an old storage creating. Following draw the region within the framework, and keep in mind that laying hens will need a nesting box. For each and every four to five birds a single box is required. Perch areas are essential, as well, and make certain you consist of six to ten inches of room per bird.

Buy whichever materials you need. You can use chicken wire to seal the yard of the chicken coop. Feeders, watering providers, and straw are vital, as well. You can start to build your coop once your plan and materials are ready. The coop’s yard and front wall need to be pointed towards the south.

Remember, too, that you probably do not want rain pouring over the entrance of the door, so while you are constructing the roof make sure it has a good slope to it. If possible try and cover the windows with chicken wire, for this will aid in ensuring predators stay out of the coop. A latch on the door is important since it will let you secure it when you want. Nesting boxes and perches should be put by the coop’s inner walls. Also be sure the perches are three to four feet high, and the boxes contain straw.

Following the framework is completed, enclose the outer lawn with either chicken wire or fencing components. The fence ought to be a minimum of four feet higher. It is necessary that the fence is buried a foot beneath ground and tilted away from the lawn region. This can assist in keeping predators away, for it’ll then be a lot more hard to dig beneath the fence. Birds of prey are also an issue, and to maintain them at bay it is necessary that you simply cover the lawn region with some kind of netting. Planting higher growing grass will also give your birds a location to hide.

Lastly, make sure the feeders and watering providers are installed fairly high, generally at the level of the chicken’s back. This will keep the food and water from being contaminated by dirt and debris, and you are finished. Building chicken houses does not need to be a very stressful or complicated process. Just follow the quick and easy steps listed above and your chickens will soon be enjoying their coop.