How to build a chicken coop

INTRODUCTION
A chicken coop is a place to keep the chickens from being harmed from their predators. It's also a nice shelter from the hot sun and the heavy rain. In addition, it`s a place for the hens to lay their eggs safely. Follow the steps below to build a chicken coop.

INSTRUCTION
Medium to hard

STEPS
Step One
See that you have some kind of construction skills and tools to build a chicken coop.

Step Two
Find a good area in your backyard big enough to fit the chicken coop so you can have room to work around the premises and to give room for the chickens to run. Choose a good place that can help protect the chickens from predators and thieves. The coop can also help keep them cool or dry from different weather conditions.

Step Three
Decide on the size of the chicken coop to build according to how many chickens you have. How many nests will you need for your hens?

Step Four
As soon as you know about the size of the chicken coop, decide how many nests you will need for your hens, how many feeder or water containers you need to provide and how many windows to add to give enough light inside the coop. Ask yourself if you are also going to build a chicken run for easy access for your chickens into and out of the coop.

Step Five
Find a design you like in books or on the internet. If this is your first time building a chicken coop then draw a very simple design that's easy to understand and that takes less work to build. As you get better at building, you can either expand your chicken coop or just start over and build a new one.

Step Six
Go to your local hardware store to buy the materials necessary to build the chicken coop. You usually will need wood like 2 x 4 boards, chicken wires, nails, screws, hammer and saw. Make sure to use treated lumber to be able to handle the moisture. After you gather all your materials, only then you can start the construction of your chicken coop. Follow the design and make sure you include everything such as good ventilation, easy access for the chickens to get in and out of the coop, the nests for the hens to lay their eggs and allowing enough room for you to clean the chicken coop, to collect the eggs and to feed the chickens.

TIPS

1. Sketch your design before starting the construction of the chicken coop.
   
2. Make sure that you use materials that are easy and fast to clean.
   
3. The door should swing open in and not out. It makes it easy for the chickens to enter the coop and hard for them to get out.
   
4. A well built chicken coop can protect your chickens from bad weather or from predators.
   
5. Install windows that can be easily closed for bad weather or opened to let air freely circulate in the chicken coop.
   
6. Build your chicken coop in an area where there is good drainage and where water can dry quickly after it rains.
   
7. Build your chicken coop where the chickens can get plenty of light to warm them in the winter time.
   
8. Raise hens that can produce enough eggs for your family to enjoy
   
9. Place water and feeder containers where it's easy for the chickens to get access.

WARNINGS

• Find a great and ample area to build the chicken coop. If not, you will find yourself not having room to work around or for the chickens to enjoy running happily.
  
• Choose materials suitable for outside for different kinds of weather.
  
• Always clean around your chicken coop. Remove any weeds or unwanted garbage for a good looking place.