Constructing A Spacious Chicken House: 8 X 16 Feet Of Cluck-Tastic Comfort

Building an 8 x 16-foot chicken house can be a fun and rewarding project, providing a spacious home for a large flock of chickens. While the project requires careful planning and construction skills, it can be made easier with the help of free online plans and guides. This size of chicken coop can accommodate a large number of chickens, with some plans claiming to fit up to 20 chickens comfortably. The process involves measuring and cutting plywood, framing the structure, adding ventilation and nesting boxes, and ensuring protection from predators. With the right materials, knowledge, and dedication, anyone can build a functional and stylish chicken house.

Planning and materials

Planning:

Before you begin construction, it's important to have a clear plan and design for your chicken house. Determine the number of chickens you intend to keep, as this will influence the layout and size of the coop. Most breeds require at least 3 to 4 square feet of space per bird inside the coop, and if outdoor range space is limited, aim for 8 to 10 square feet per bird. Don't forget to consider the size of the chicken breed, as larger breeds like Jersey Giants may need more space.

Materials:

The materials you choose will depend on your budget and the desired durability of the chicken house. Here is a list of materials commonly used:

• Wood: Plywood, lumber (2x4, 2x2, 4x4, etc.), and pallets or scrap wood for a budget-friendly option.
• Metal: Galvanized roofing, metal roof panels, and chicken wire for protection against predators.
• Other: Straw, screws (3-inch and 1 5/8-inch), nails, paint, and an incandescent or low-wattage bulb for lighting.

When selecting wood, consider high-quality options such as cedar, pine, or redwood, especially for components that will be exposed to various weather conditions. Additionally, ensure you have the necessary tools for construction, such as a saw, drill, and measuring equipment.

Remember to refer to specific chicken coop plans or guides for detailed step-by-step instructions on assembling the materials and constructing your 8 x 16-foot chicken house.

Building the frame

Building an 8 x 16 foot chicken house is a fun project that will provide a safe and comfortable home for your feathered friends. Here are the steps you can follow to build the frame:

Start by carefully measuring and cutting your plywood pieces. You will need two 4 x 8 sheets of plywood for the frame. Mark the layout on the plywood before cutting to ensure efficient use of the material. Cut each piece individually, accounting for the width of the saw blade.

Use 2x4 lumber to build the floor frame. Cut the pieces as shown in the diagram and join them with 3 1/2" screws. Ensure the corners are square, and place the joists every 16" on center.

For added stability, use 4x4 lumber for the legs. Cut the legs to your desired height, typically around 24". Secure the legs to the corners of the floor frame with screws, making sure the floor frame is perfectly horizontal.

Now, it's time to attach the floor. Use 2x6 lumber for the floor and secure it to the frame with 2 1/2" screws. Make sure the edges are flush with the frame.

Next, you'll build the walls. Use 2x2 lumber for the frame and secure the pieces together with screws. Follow a similar process as the floor frame, ensuring the structure is sturdy and stable.

Once the walls are up, you can add the roof support. Measure and mark the center point on the front and back of the coop. Place a 38 5/8-inch board with parallel angles cut at both ends as the roof's center support. Secure it with two 3-inch screws at each end.

Your frame is now taking shape! Remember to take your time and ensure each step is secure before moving on.

Constructing the walls

Prepare the Materials and Cut the Plywood:

Start by measuring and cutting your plywood sheets according to the required dimensions for your walls. Mark the layout on the plywood before cutting to ensure efficient use of the material. It's generally recommended to mark and cut each piece individually, accounting for the width of the saw blade. However, for angled sides, you can include an extra 1/8 inch in your measurements.

Wall Framing:

Use 2x2 lumber to create the frame for the walls of your chicken coop. Cut the lumber to size, ensuring that the pieces fit together squarely. You can use a power saw for accuracy and speed, but make sure to take the necessary safety precautions.

Assemble the Walls:

Assemble the walls by attaching the 2x2 lumber pieces together with screws. Ensure that the corners are square and secure. It's a good idea to use pilot holes, especially when working close to edges or ends, even if you're using self-drilling screws. This will help prevent the wood from splitting.

Attach the Plywood Panels:

Once your wall frames are assembled, it's time to attach the plywood panels. Carefully align the edges of the plywood with the wall framing, making any necessary cuts around gable ends and door openings. Secure the plywood panels to the framing using screws, typically 1 5/8" or 2" screws, depending on the thickness of your plywood.

Tips for a Sturdier Structure:

To enhance the stability of your chicken house, consider using galvanized nails or decking screws to secure the walls to the floor frame. Additionally, you can add diagonal braces made from lumber cut to size and secured with screws. These braces will provide additional support to the walls and improve the overall rigidity of the structure.

Remember to take your time, work in a safe manner, and always follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen chicken house plan.

Adding the roof

Now that the frame of your chicken coop is ready, it's time to add the roof.

First, you'll need to cut and measure the plywood pieces for the roof. Using two 4 x 8-foot sheets of plywood, carefully measure and mark the layout before cutting to ensure efficient use of the material. The roof will require two angled sides, so it's important to account for this in your measurements.

The next step is to identify the center point on the front and back of the coop. You'll then place the 38 5/8-inch board with parallel angles cut at both ends, which will serve as the roof's center support. Secure this piece with two 3-inch screws at each end. This step is crucial as it provides support for the roof and prevents the galvanized roofing from coming into contact with the treated lumber, which could lead to rusting.

Once the center support is in place, it's time to attach the plywood panels to form the roof. Place the 43-inch plywood square on top of the coop, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side and 3/4-inch on the front and back. Secure this square by driving screws into the 2 x 4's surrounding the roofline.

For the final touches, you'll need to cut the metal roof panel in half, creating two 4-foot-long pieces. You can use tin snips, an abrasive wheel in a circular saw, or a cutoff wheel on an angle grinder for this task. These pieces will form the galvanized roofing that protects the coop from the elements.

Now that the roof is in place, you can move on to the finishing touches, ensuring your chicken coop is ready for its new occupants.

Final touches

Once the basic structure of your 8 x 16-foot chicken house is in place, there are several final touches you can add to make it a comfortable and functional home for your chickens.

Firstly, ensure that you have a secure door in place. You can attach a gate frame for the entrance using 2x6-foot rectangles and 2x2 planks, securing them with galvanized gate hinges. You may also want to consider adding a ramp to the entrance, which should be at least 8 inches wide, to make it easier for the chickens to enter and exit the house.

Next, focus on the interior. Nesting boxes are essential and should be placed along the front wall, at least 24 inches above the floor. You will need at least one 12-inch square box for every four birds, stuffed with straw or sawdust to prevent eggs from breaking. A roosting bar should be placed higher than the nesting boxes, as chickens like to roost on the highest point. You can create a roosting bar using 2x2 wood along the back wall. Additionally, consider adding a few "dust boxes" filled with sand to encourage chickens to engage in "dust bathing", which helps keep them clean and mite-free.

Finally, think about the exterior of the chicken house. Cover all sides of the open-air run with chicken wire to keep predators out, and consider burying some hardware cloth underground to keep out digging predators. Place a thick layer of straw on the ground of the run to absorb chicken droppings and moisture. If the run is not under a tree, add a layer of shade cloth above the chicken wire ceiling to provide shade. You may also want to paint the exterior of the chicken house to protect it from bad weather and add interest to your backyard.

Frequently asked questions