If you are struggling to build your very own chicken coop then read on as we outline 3 easy steps to follow to get you going today.
Use these 3 easy to follow steps to build a good chicken coop that is both pleasant looking and safe for your chickens.
1. Start by Building A Safe Haven for your Chickens
Your chickens need protection from the harsh environment and marauding predators. Your should provide a place of refuge where they can rest and be safe from the rain, heat and cold. First, you must consider your location. You must be able to build a chicken coop in an elevated, well-ventilated area, free from moisture so that your chickens are kept dry and warm. If possible have this chicken coop face the direction of the sun. Obviously they need to be fenced in but also consider using wire under the coop to prevent foxes from burrowing under.
2. Build Something That Can Be Easily Cleaned
You do not want your chickens catching any disease or be plagued with an epidemic by failing to create a chicken coop that’s completely unmanageable. Bear in mind, that you must keep your chicken coop clean as often as possible to do away with harmful bacteria that can spell disaster or worse, death for your chickens.
To make cleaning easier, design the chicken coop floor with a low angled slope so that cleaning water and disinfectants will drain quickly with gravity. Building a sloping rooftop in a similar fashion also ensures that rain water runs easily down the sloping rooftop and thus preventing water from pooling and damaging the roof.
3. Always Maintain A Bright and Warm Chicken Coop
A well-lit and well-ventilated chicken coop is essential for healthy chickens. This is even more important in the cold winter months as your chickens are essentially outdoors and vulnerable to the harsh natural environment. Ensure adequate insulation for your chicken coop walls with thick construction materials in an elevated position. This will allow the cold wind and cold ground to pass by and do away with moisture whilst trapping the warm heat inside. Adding windows also allows heat from the sun to penetrate especially plastic or glass which keeps the living quarters sealed.
So there you go, 3 important key points to keep in mind when building your very own chicken coop. Involve the family and have some fun as your work together to building something you all can be proud of, your very own chicken coop.
For more tips on how to build a chicken coop, visit Howie Kingsly’s guide to building chicken pens and chicken coops.
