What sort of a coop will you like for your chickens? It can be as simple or as fancy as you like. Here is a quick guide to building one.
The Size
What is a suitable size for the coop? That depends on the number of chickens you plan to have and the amount of space which you already have. As a rule of thumb, you should keep around an area of 2 square feet for each of your chickens, and accordingly determine the area of the coop. The nest boxes should take up an additional area of a square foot, and their quantities should be sufficient for your hens.
The Design
What kind of design do you want for the coop? You could have it any way you want, but whatever it is, jot it down on paper before you start constructing it.
Also mark the ground where you will construct the coop. Consider sun exposure as well; if this is towards the southern side, it ensures greater amounts of sunlight and more warmth. If there are any nearby structures, you should consider those as well. Be sure to add doors to the plan, which you can make from plywood. It should be large enough to allow you to enter easily and leave with eggs in the basket.
The coop should be constructed on elevated ground so that you don’t have to deal with mud and water problems.
Ventilation
Ventilation is an important aspect. The chicken coop that you build should have openings so that air is circulated. Generally chickens enjoy temperatures of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also install dowels across the coop so that chickens can roost at night.
The Construction
When your plans have been finalised, it is time to hit the backyard or wherever you want with the designs. Make the walls from plywood; the roof can also be made from the same material, but you have to cover with a metal piece or roof shingles.
If the area of your coop is 20 by 5 feet, you can keep around 6 to 8 hens. Obviously, the greater is the space, the better your hens will feel. For keeping away the predators, burry chicken wire under the coop; it should be around 6 inches deep. Weasels and ferrets can be kept out with an offset layer of about 2 inch, or you could use a 1 inch wire. Make sure there are no holes in the walls of the coop.
Accessories
Your coop will need drinkers, feeders, nesting boxes and the like.
