Chickens are mostly reared in farms. Chicken coops are retreats for chickens, where hens can breed as well as lay eggs. The chicken coop is usually accompanied by an open-area, or space called a ‘run’. The use of the ‘run’ depends on the area where the coop is located, and the hazard from predators who feed on chicken. A chicken coop should comfortably house around 8 chickens.
Required Materials
- straw
- net
- plywood sheets
- lumbar
- feeders
Required Tools
- tape measure
- sledge hammer
- nails
Instructions
- Finding the Right Place for the Chicken Coop – Before starting with the construction, make sure that you select a cool and shady place to build the chicken coop. When choosing the location, ensure that rain water does not stagnate near the coop and the surroundings.
- Determine the Size of the Chicken Coop – After selecting the location, it is important to determine the size of the chicken coop. The coop should easily house 6-8 chickens. However, the size can be bigger if you have more birds or chicken in the farm. It is estimated that about eight to ten square feet of space is required per chicken.
- Material for the Coop – It is important to carefully choose the building material for the chicken coop. The material should be easy to clean and disinfect. The material of the floor should be easy to spray and hose down without creating puddles.
- Designing the Coop – Design the coop based on whether it is built on a farm, or a house. If it is going to be built for the house, make sure that it is clearly visible and aesthetically designed so as not to distract the neighbors. The door should be large enough for you to enter for the collection of eggs and also for the cleaning process.
- Ensuring Protection of the Coop – A chicken coop should be well built and well ventilated. However, it should also protect the chicken against varying weather conditions like cold, heat, and rain. It should have a proper mesh and fence so as to protect the birds against predators who like to feed upon them.
Tips and Warnings
- In winter, make sure that the windows of the coop are closed. It is also important to install a proper heating source during cold weather.
- To keep the area and the birds clean, spread out straws in the bare areas as chicken have a tendency to scratch the dirt.
Further Reading on How to Build a Chicken Coop
Leave a Reply
