| Are you going to build a backyard chicken coop as | | | | sturdy first - beauty second. Do any of your |
| part of the Urban Chicken Movement? | | | | neighbors (or friends out in the country) have |
| It's the "chicken underground" that's sweeping the | | | | chickens and coops? It can be a great to copy what |
| nation! City folks are re-discovering the benefits of | | | | works - you'll get a lot of good design tips if you |
| raising chickens in their own backyards. Fresh eggs | | | | look at something already built. |
| are only one of the many benefits of having these | | | | Get Materials |
| domesticated birds living in your backyard. | | | | Notice this section is titled "Get" Materials? If you're a |
| For me and my children, involvement with 4-H was a | | | | thrifty person, you may look at local newspapers and |
| great way to help teach responsibility to my kids and | | | | maybe even Craigslist to see if anyone is selling (or |
| get fresh eggs! The chickens are also gentle and | | | | giving away) a chicken coop. Be cautious here, you |
| very entertaining! They'll come when called (a little | | | | don't want someone's junk, but I personally have |
| food here helps) and they really don't make much | | | | seen a number of nice-looking and very usable |
| noise - or mess. As long as you do your part in | | | | chicken coops sold very cheaply - or even given |
| keeping them and their coop clean. Which brings us | | | | away. |
| to my main subject - building your own chicken coop | | | | If it isn't possible to find a used coop, then you'll have |
| - 4 simple steps to a great chicken coop. | | | | to build from scratch. From the sketches you made, |
| Plan, Plan - Then Plan Again | | | | try and write down a list of materials you'll need - |
| Remember that old saying "measure twice, cut | | | | everything! From 2x4's to nails to chicken wire, if you |
| once?" The same applies when building your chicken | | | | have what you need on paper, you really can avoid |
| coop - except it starts with planning. | | | | some trips to the hardware store. One thing that has |
| How many chickens do you intend to keep? This has | | | | really helped me is to take the sketch to the |
| a direct relationship to the size of the coop you'll | | | | hardware store in addition to the list I've put |
| need. What breeds of chickens will you have? | | | | together. If I can't get the exact bracket or piece of |
| Bantam chickens are small birds, but Wyandotte | | | | lumber that I planned on using, the sketch can help |
| chickens are large - you'll need to make sure you | | | | me substitute something I can get. |
| have enough space for either bird you are planning to | | | | Don't forget tools! Besides the basic tools - hammer, |
| raise. | | | | screwdrivers, square, saw, tape measure, etc., I |
| The location of your coop is very important. For | | | | always have my 18 volt electric screw gun. Over the |
| example, if you live in a colder part of the country, | | | | years, I have really depended on that tool to help |
| you may want to take advantage of the sun on a | | | | build tons of projects. While screws are definitely |
| cold winter day to help warm up your chickens. You'll | | | | more expensive than nails, only screws allow you to |
| need to choose a spot in your backyard that has | | | | take something apart without ruining the wood! This |
| good Southern exposure for those frosty mornings | | | | has saved me many times. |
| Remember that you'll need to clean under and around | | | | Now - Just Build It |
| your chickens. This means you'll have to have good | | | | I can't stress enough the need to protect yourself - |
| access from all angles for a good cleaning. Speaking | | | | eye protection is critical, ear protection is nice, and a |
| of access - determine before you build where the | | | | good set of leather gloves can be a lifesaver on a |
| access door or hatch will be - then you can orient | | | | cold day. |
| your chicken coop conveniently in the yard. | | | | Take your time with the construction, and don't be |
| Don't choose an area of your yard that puddles | | | | afraid to modify your design as you go. Sometimes |
| moisture - constantly wet chicken waste doesn't | | | | we miss critical features or other things, and as you |
| make for a healthful situation. Pick a spot that's high | | | | build your chicken coop, you may find out you really |
| and dry - for the health of your birds. | | | | missed something that you'd like to add - or correct. |
| These and other very basic questions should be | | | | It's always easier to make small changes as you go, |
| answered before you buy materials and start building. | | | | than end up with a severely compromised chicken |
| Use Paper - Put Your Design On Paper | | | | coop. |
| With measuring tape in hand, sketch out basic shapes | | | | Get help, if you can. Often, two heads are better |
| and dimensions on a piece of notepaper. It's ok to | | | | than one - and 4 hands are definitely useful if you're |
| crumple up and throw away many sheets before | | | | dealing with large or bulky items. I've learned that if I |
| you settle on a good design. Transferring your | | | | follow some basic steps like these I outlined, my |
| thoughts to paper can mean the difference between | | | | chicken coop projects usually turn out a lot better |
| success and failure - and failure is not what this is all | | | | than the ones I've seen hacked and band-aided |
| about! | | | | together. And, your chickens will be happier. |
| Don't be too concerned if your sketches aren't | | | | Remember - happy chickens make more and bigger |
| classical pieces of art - we're looking for practical and | | | | eggs. And, that will make YOU happy. |