175+ Buying A Chicken Coop

www.chickencoopcompany.com

Introduction: Building Your Own Chicken Coop So, you're thinking about raising chickens and need a coop? Building your own is a rewarding project, offering customization and cost savings compared to purchasing a pre-made one. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring your feathered friends have a safe and comfortable home. Let's get started!

Step 1: Planning and Design Before you grab any tools, careful planning is essential. Consider these factors:

• Number of Chickens: A general rule is 4 square feet of coop space per chicken and 8-10 square feet of run space per chicken.
• Location: Choose a well-drained area with partial shade. Consider sun exposure in winter and wind protection.
• Predator Protection: Design with sturdy materials and buried wire mesh to deter digging predators.
• Climate: Adapt your design to your local climate. Consider insulation for cold climates and ventilation for hot climates.

Sketch your coop design, including dimensions, materials, and features like nesting boxes, roosting bars, and access doors for cleaning. Use online resources for inspiration and free coop plans.

Step 2: Gathering Materials Create a comprehensive materials list based on your design. Common materials include:

• Lumber: Pressure-treated lumber for the base and framing. Untreated lumber is fine for the coop structure, but ensure it's weather-resistant.
• Plywood or OSB: For walls and roofing.
• Hardware Cloth: For the run, and potentially for lining the coop walls for predator protection. Use 1/2 inch mesh or smaller.
• Roofing Material: Shingles, metal roofing, or even tar paper.
• Nails and Screws: Choose exterior-grade fasteners.
• Hinges and Latches: For doors and nesting boxes.
• Nesting Box Material: Plywood or scrap wood.
• Roosting Bars: Round or oval wooden bars.
• Chicken Wire (optional): For the run, but hardware cloth is preferable for better predator protection.
• Paint or Stain (optional): To protect the wood and improve aesthetics. Choose non-toxic options.

Purchase your materials from a local hardware store or lumberyard.

Step 3: Building the Base and Frame Start by building the base of the coop. This will provide a solid foundation.

• Cut Lumber: Cut the lumber according to your planned dimensions.
• Assemble the Frame: Use screws or nails to create a rectangular frame. Ensure it's square and level.
• Elevate the Coop (optional): Raising the coop off the ground improves ventilation and helps prevent moisture damage. Use concrete blocks or build a raised platform.
• Build the Wall Frames: Construct the frames for the coop walls, incorporating openings for the door, windows (if any), and nesting boxes.
• Attach Wall Frames to Base: Securely attach the wall frames to the base, ensuring they are plumb.

Step 4: Constructing the Walls and Roof With the frame in place, it's time to add the walls and roof.

• Attach Sheathing: Cover the wall frames with plywood or OSB, securing it with nails or screws.
• Cut Openings: Cut out openings for the door, windows, and nesting boxes.
• Build the Nesting Boxes: Construct nesting boxes and attach them to the coop wall. A good size is about 12x12x12 inches.
• Build the Roof Frame: Construct a roof frame, ensuring it provides adequate slope for water runoff.
• Attach Roof Sheathing: Cover the roof frame with plywood or OSB.
• Apply Roofing Material: Install your chosen roofing material according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overlap the material properly to prevent leaks.

Step 5: Building the Run The run provides a safe outdoor space for your chickens to roam.

• Build the Run Frame: Construct a frame for the run using lumber. Ensure it's securely attached to the coop.
• Enclose the Run: Cover the run frame with hardware cloth, burying it at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter to prevent digging predators. Secure the hardware cloth tightly to the frame.
• Add a Door: Install a door to the run for easy access.
• Add a Roof (optional): A roof over the run provides shade and protection from the rain and snow.

Step 6: Adding the Finishing Touches Now it's time to complete the coop with the essential features.

• Install Roosting Bars: Place roosting bars inside the coop, about 2-3 feet off the ground.
• Build and install a door Build a secure door and install it on the coop ensuring it locks tightly.
• Paint or Stain: Apply paint or stain to the exterior of the coop to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation inside the coop to prevent moisture buildup. Add vents near the roofline.
• Bedding: Add bedding material to the coop floor, such as straw, wood shavings, or pine needles.

Conclusion: Your Chicken Coop is Ready! Congratulations! You've built your own chicken coop. Remember to regularly clean the coop, provide fresh food and water, and monitor your chickens for any signs of illness. Enjoy the rewards of fresh eggs and the companionship of your feathered friends.

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