| Have you joined the "chicken underground" as you | | | | will prevent other animals from digging under the |
| look for ways on how to build a chicken coop? | | | | fence to get at your birds. |
| If you're interested in raising chickens in your | | | | Even in cold climates, ventilation is a must as the |
| backyard - in the city, you're not alone. The "urban | | | | birds produce wastes that can build up dangerous |
| chicken movement" is gaining ground in major cities | | | | amounts of ammonia and moisture that can sicken |
| across the U.S. with the goal of allowing city residents | | | | and kill your chickens if not properly removed. |
| to keep a number of chickens in their backyards. | | | | Provide Heat And Light |
| Proponents of this movement say that it's a part of | | | | I live in a cold-winter climate, and the warmth from |
| the "back to earth" movement that's been gaining | | | | several light bulbs at night provided enough heat to |
| popularity as the country goes "green." | | | | allow the chickens to survive even the coldest of |
| Fresh eggs are a definite benefit of this movement. | | | | nights. Of course, our coops were well-built and had |
| If you want to keep chickens in your backyard, you'll | | | | insulation to help keep in what little heat was |
| definitely need a coop - a place for your chickens to | | | | generated. But, it was enough heat - you don't need |
| call home. Like any other do-it-yourself project, | | | | to go to extremes when winter sets in. |
| learning how to build a chicken coop - and building one | | | | Another benefit of the artificial light from light bulbs |
| are something the average homeowner can do with | | | | was additional egg productivity. As fall turns to |
| a little planning, and some common sense. | | | | winter, the amount of time the sun shines decreases |
| As someone who has raised chickens myself - and | | | | dramatically, and chicken's egg-laying tapers off. If |
| built a few coops in the process - I can offer a few | | | | they have a light available past sundown, their egg |
| tips on how to easily and safely build a chicken coop | | | | productivity doesn't decrease as much. |
| yourself. | | | | You don't need a fancy electrical system - just make |
| Safety Counts - For Your Chickens | | | | sure it's done in a safe manner that's compatible with |
| Like any other animals, chickens need good care and | | | | building codes in your area. |
| nurturing. Since they won't be living inside your home, | | | | Make It Easy To Clean |
| you will have to provide them with a coop that will | | | | Surprise - chickens produce a lot of waste along with |
| provide protection from extreme weather and other | | | | fresh, great-tasting eggs. You can't have one without |
| animals that like to eat chickens - predators. | | | | the other. And a build-up of wastes that are allowed |
| Chickens can survive winter's cold and summer's | | | | to gather can promote disease and sickness in your |
| heat, but only if they have a well-built chicken coop | | | | chickens. To avoid foul smells and disease, regular |
| to live in. Solidly built, with quality materials and | | | | cleanings will be needed. So, why not design and build |
| thoughtful design, this structure, if designed well, will | | | | your chicken coop to be easy to clean - from the |
| make it easy to care for your flock. | | | | start? |
| If you live in the Northeast where winters can be | | | | Use materials that are easy to clean like plastics, |
| especially brutal, a Southern exposure on those cold | | | | treated lumber, galvanized steel, aluminum and |
| winter mornings can really help warm up those cold | | | | concrete. You can also design-in features that can |
| birds. Likewise, if you live in the warm and dry | | | | make cleaning much easier such as floors sloped |
| Southwest, you'll want to protect your chickens from | | | | towards a door or hatch (for easy hosing out), |
| excessive summer heat by avoiding Southern | | | | access panels or windows that allow access to the |
| exposure. | | | | entire interior, and drip pans that are easy to remove |
| Also, don't forget about predators. Even in the most | | | | when full of waste. |
| domestic of inner-city neighborhoods, stray dogs, | | | | When planning on a location for your chicken coop, |
| cats, raccoons and a variety of wildlife flourish and | | | | pick a well-drained spot that gives easy access to all |
| would love to make a quick meal out of your | | | | sides. |
| chickens. To prevent this slaughter, your coop must | | | | Learning how to build a chicken coop is not difficult or |
| be built off the ground and with positive-locking | | | | costly. Most people who can read and hold a hammer |
| doors, hatches and windows. As a first line of | | | | can most likely get the job done - and do it well. |
| defense, bury the first 6 to 12 inches of the chicken | | | | Take action and join the "chicken underground" |
| wire that surrounds your coops in the ground. That | | | | today. Breakfast never tasted so good! |