Constructing A Chicken Coop: Step-By-Step Guide

Building a chicken coop is a rewarding project for homeowners looking to house their chickens and collect their eggs. It is also cheaper to build your own chicken coop as you can choose cost-effective materials and avoid pre-construction costs. Before you start building, it is important to plan your chicken coop carefully and consider factors such as location, nesting boxes, roosting bars, and size. You can use free chicken coop plans that are designed to make the building process easy and affordable, providing safety and comfort for your birds while requiring only basic construction skills. You can also recycle materials to keep costs down.

Planning and location

The size of your chicken coop will depend on the number of chickens you plan to house and the space available on your property. As a general rule, provide 4 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken in an outside run. For example, if you have 4 to 5 chickens, a 4'x8' coop and run under a single roof would be suitable. If you have a larger flock of 10 chickens, you may want to consider a movable hen house with a secured aviary, an indoor area, and nesting boxes.

The number of nesting boxes and roosting bars will also impact the size and layout of your chicken coop. Plan for one nesting box per four to six hens and allow 8-10 inches of space per chicken for roosting bars. You can use doors from an old cabinet or cabinet-style doors to minimize building costs and maximize access for cleaning.

When planning the materials for your chicken coop, consider using reclaimed or recycled wood to reduce costs. Lumber stores may have scrap lumber or cut-offs that you can use, and you can also visit house construction sites to look for discarded lumber. Just be sure to avoid lumber coated with lead paint or any other chemicals. In addition, consider using light-colored roofing materials to reflect sunlight and help regulate the temperature inside the coop.

Overall, careful planning and consideration of the location will help you create a safe, comfortable, and functional chicken coop for your flock.

Materials and tools

The materials and tools you will need to build a chicken house include:

• Safety gear: Safety glasses and gloves.
• Lumber or plywood. You can use recycled or scrap wood to reduce costs.
• Corrugated metal for roofing.
• Welded wire to secure open windows and vents.
• Super-secure bolts, carabiners, padlocks, and spring latches to secure doors and hinged exterior nesting box lids.
• Nesting boxes: Plan for one box per four to six hens.
• Roosting bars: Allow 8–10 inches of space per chicken.
• Bedding to keep the coop warm and dry.
• Insulation materials for the coop walls.
• A heated waterer for a consistent water supply.
• Tools for cutting and assembly: a circular saw, jigsaw, straightedge, and power drill.
• Corrosion-resistant deck screws, glue, and other fasteners.
• Paint or coatings for finishing the exterior (optional).

Remember to plan your chicken coop carefully and purchase a bit more material than you need to account for any mistakes or adjustments. Choose a spot that is easily accessible, protected from predators, and offers some shade.

Building the frame

Building a chicken coop is a rewarding project that can be completed in a few days with the right tools and materials. Before you start, it is important to plan carefully and consider the location, size, and features of the coop.

When it comes to building the frame, here is a step-by-step guide:

• Start by determining the size of your chicken coop. Common sizes include 4x6 feet, 4x8 feet, 6x6.2 feet, or larger, depending on the number of chickens and your available space.
• Gather the necessary materials, including plywood or "battens" for the frame. For a 4x6 feet coop, you will need 18 pieces of plywood for the frame and 8 pieces for the angular roof.
• Take your measurements and plan to a lumber store, where they can cut the plywood to size, saving you time and effort.
• Begin constructing the frame by cutting and assembling the plywood according to your plans. Ensure that you take your time and don't rush this step, as the quality of the frame is crucial to the overall structure.
• Use corrosion-resistant deck screws or glue to fasten the pieces together. For example, attach the angled sides to the bottom of the frame at a 90-degree angle, being careful to avoid gluing or screwing the area where the door will be placed.
• Decide on the placement of the door within the frame. You can place the door on the left or right side, or even create alternating doors for side-by-side houses.
• Cut out the door after assembling the frame. This ensures that you don't accidentally glue or screw the door shut.
• Continue building the frame by adding wall and floor supports, following the specific measurements and instructions provided in your chosen chicken coop plan.
• Once the frame is complete, you can move on to the next steps, such as adding the roofing, nesting boxes, and other features.

Remember to refer to your chosen chicken coop plan for specific measurements, techniques, and additional steps that may be required for your particular design.

Insulation and ventilation

If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider adding insulation to your chicken house to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer. You can use materials such as foam boards or fibreglass insulation to keep temperatures consistent. Chickens enjoy moderate temperatures of around 55°F, but they will survive cold winters, as their feathers keep them warm.

For the floor of the chicken coop, you can use plain, unfinished plywood with a deep layer of shavings. Plywood is a good option as it is cheap, durable, and easy to cut holes in for ventilation. To insulate the floor, you can place a sheet of foam insulation board underneath the plywood and cut through it with a saw.

To keep the coop warm and dry, you can also add more bedding. In the summer, you should ensure that part of the run provides shade to protect chickens from excessive heat.

Nesting boxes and perches

Nesting boxes are one of the most important parts of your chicken coop. You can build them yourself or buy pre-made boxes. If you're building them yourself, you can use materials like plywood and 2x4s, or upcycle items like milk crates, buckets, or kitty litter containers. Boxes should be placed inside the coop, not the run, and should be well-ventilated, secluded, and quiet. They should also be waterproof and not receive direct sunlight. You can use straw, wood shavings, or pine shavings for bedding.

When creating a safe space for your chickens, perches are also important. You can buy pre-made perches or make your own from items like milk crates. Ensure that the perching area is well-ventilated and has adequate perching space for your chickens.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, you can purchase metal nesting boxes with removable plastic bottoms for easy cleaning. These boxes are made from heavy galvanized steel and often have plastic perches. They are fully sanitizable and affordable.

The number of nesting boxes you need will depend on the number of chickens you have. For example, a 4 x 8 ft chicken coop is best suited for 8-10 chickens and would require at least three nesting boxes.

Frequently asked questions