Building A Country Walk-In Chicken Coop

Building a walk-in chicken house is a simple and affordable project that can be completed in a weekend. It is a cheaper alternative to buying a pre-made chicken coop, and it can be customised to fit your needs. When building a chicken coop, it is important to consider space, protection, access, air, light, and nutrition. The coop should provide shelter and protection for your chickens, while also being convenient for you. It should also have good ventilation and access to fresh feed and water. With the right plans and materials, anyone can build a comfortable and safe home for their chickens.

Planning and design

Space and Size: Determine the number of chickens you plan to house and allocate adequate space accordingly. As a general rule, each chicken should have at least 4 square feet of indoor space and 5–10 square feet of outdoor space. Consider the size of the walk-in chicken house and whether it will accommodate your flock comfortably. You can find free chicken coop plans online that offer various sizes, ranging from small to large.

Protection and Security: Ensure that your chicken house is predator-proof. Use sturdy materials such as welded wire instead of chicken wire to secure windows, vents, and runs. Bury wire underground to prevent burrowing animals from accessing the coop. Install secure locks and latches on doors to keep predators out. Consider adding a covered run to provide a safe outdoor space for your chickens when you are not around to supervise.

Access and Convenience: Designate areas for feeders and waterers, and plan for feed storage. Make sure the chicken house is easily accessible for both your chickens and yourself. Include wide doors for easy cleaning and maintenance. If you live in a cold climate, consider the need for water heaters to prevent water from freezing.

Air and Ventilation: Provide ample ventilation to ensure a constant supply of fresh air. Consider adding windows and ventilation holes to promote air circulation and prevent stale air from building up inside the chicken house.

Light and Aesthetics: Choose a spot that provides adequate natural light and shields your chickens from harsh elements. Consider the overall design and aesthetics of the chicken house to complement your country setting. You can opt for a charming cottage-style or Cape Cod-inspired design that blends well with your surroundings.

By carefully considering these planning and design aspects, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing country walk-in chicken house that meets the needs of your flock.

Materials and cost

Building a chicken coop is a fairly simple and low-cost project that can be completed in a weekend. It is also cheaper than buying a pre-built coop and can be customised to your liking.

When building a chicken coop, it is important to keep in mind the following: space, protection, access, air, light, and nutrition. Each chicken should have at least 4 square feet of indoor space and 5-10 square feet of outdoor space. The coop should be well-ventilated and have access to continuous feed and water.

• Wood: This is the most common material used for building chicken coops. You can use stock building materials from your local home improvement store. The amount of wood you need will depend on the size of your coop.
• Mesh or welded wire: Use durable mesh or welded wire to secure windows and vents, and to create a mesh-enclosed free-range space for your chickens. Avoid using chicken wire as it can stretch and allow predators access.
• Bolts and locks: Use super-secure bolts to hold the structure together and secure the doors. You can also use carabiners or padlocks for added security.
• Perches and nesting boxes: You will need to build perches for the chickens to roost and nesting boxes for laying eggs.
• Roof: A slanted roof is ideal for drainage. You can use shingles or metal roofing material.
• Concrete: For extra security, you can use concrete footings below the structure.
• Paint or wood stain: You can customise the look of your coop by painting it or using a wood stain.

The cost of building a chicken coop can vary depending on the size and materials used. Some plans can be completed for under $100, while others may cost around $1,600. You can also find free plans online that provide step-by-step instructions and material lists to help you build a budget-friendly chicken coop.

Construction

Constructing a country walk-in chicken house is a fairly simple project that can be completed in a weekend. It is also a cheaper option than buying a pre-made coop and can be customised to your preferences.

First, you need to decide on the size of your chicken house. This will depend on the number of chickens you plan to keep and the amount of space you have available. Chicken coops can range from very small to large, with some plans catering to up to 30 chickens. Each chicken should have at least 4 square feet of indoor space and 5-10 square feet of outdoor space.

When constructing the chicken house, it is important to consider the following:

• Space: Ensure that there is enough room for the chickens to move around comfortably, with designated areas for feeders, waterers, and feed storage.
• Protection: The chicken house should provide shelter and protection from predators and the elements. Use durable materials such as welded wire instead of chicken wire to secure open windows and vents, and bury wire underground to prevent burrowing animals from accessing the coop.
• Access: The chicken house should be easily accessible for both the chickens and yourself. Consider adding a full-height entry door and wide cleaning doors.
• Air: Good ventilation is essential, so include windows or ventilation holes to allow for air circulation.
• Light: Natural light is important, so ensure there are enough windows or sources of natural light.
• Nutrition: Provide continuous access to fresh feed and clean water. If you live in a cold climate, consider using water heaters to prevent the water from freezing.

Additionally, you may want to include features such as nesting boxes, perches, and a covered run to provide an outdoor space for your chickens to roam.

Predator-proofing

When building a country walk-in chicken house, it is important to consider the safety of your chickens. Predators such as raccoons, snakes, hawks, and even bears pose a significant threat to your flock. Here are some detailed instructions for predator-proofing your chicken house:

Use Sturdy Materials

Chicken wire is not sufficient to keep predators out. Instead, use 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch welded wire or hardware cloth to secure open windows, vents, and other openings. Hardware cloth is more expensive than chicken wire, but it provides better protection. Cover all openings greater than 1/4 inch with hardware cloth, and use screws and washers for a secure fit.

Secure the Perimeter

To deter digging predators, create a barrier around the perimeter of the chicken house. You can dig a 12-inch trench and bury hardware cloth, or extend a 12-inch hardware cloth apron from the perimeter. For added protection, bury hardware cloth at least 12 inches beneath dirt floors.

Cover the Run

Maximize security by covering the run with a solid roof or hardware cloth. This will protect against flying and climbing predators, such as hawks and owls. Ensure there are no gaps between the fencing and the roof to keep climbing predators out.

Implement Secure Doors

Use secure latches on doors that open in different ways. An automatic door can be convenient, but ensure it is reliable and closes properly. A two-step latch system is ideal for added security.

Train Your Chickens

Teach your chickens to return to the coop at night, as they are most vulnerable when they are asleep. You can use food-driven training methods, such as shaking a bucket of treats, to encourage them to return to the coop.

Maintain a Clean Environment

Do not leave food out overnight, as it can attract predators. Always clean up and put away any food to avoid attracting unwanted visitors that could harm your flock or spread diseases.

Maintenance

To keep your chickens safe, happy, and healthy, it's important to regularly maintain their coop. This includes checking for warping or damage, especially in the mesh or wire fencing that keeps out predators. It's also important to check that the coop is still sturdy, with no gaps that might let in the weather or animals.

If you've built your coop with wood, it's a good idea to elevate it off the ground to prevent the wood from rotting. Raising the coop 8 to 12 inches will also prevent snakes and other predators from breaking in from underneath. You can build the legs of the coop with pressure-treated lumber, or use non-pressure-treated lumber if the legs sit on bricks or concrete and are not in direct contact with the ground.

To save money on maintenance, you can use pallets and reclaimed wood to repair any damage. You can often find these materials for free at local construction sites or lumber stores. Just make sure to avoid lumber coated with lead paint or any other chemicals.

It's also a good idea to provide a covered run for your chickens. This will keep their outdoor space dry and clean, and prevent snow from piling up in the winter. A covered run can also help reduce the risk of frostbite and keep spilled water from causing damage inside the coop.

Frequently asked questions