Constructing A Chicken Shelter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Building an outdoor chicken shelter and run is a great way to keep your chickens safe, happy, and healthy. A chicken run is a fenced-in area attached to a chicken coop, allowing your chickens to roam, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors while being protected from predators and extreme weather conditions. When building a chicken shelter and run, it is important to consider factors such as space, location, design, ventilation, insulation, and predator-proofing. This project may feel daunting, but with proper planning, the right materials, and step-by-step guidance, you can successfully create a functional and secure outdoor space for your feathered friends.

Choose a location: flat, dry, and with enough space

When choosing a location for your chicken shelter, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, look for a flat and dry spot. This will ensure that the shelter is stable and that water does not pool inside or outside of it. In addition, consider the amount of space you have available and how many chickens you plan to keep. The more space you can provide, the better, as chickens need room to move freely and spread out, both inside the shelter and in any attached outdoor run. As a general rule, allocate a minimum of 1 to 3 square metres of usable floor space per chicken during the day, and 0.5 square metres per bird at night when they are perching and laying eggs. If you are creating an outdoor run, each chicken will need a minimum of 1 square metre of space in the run.

The climate you live in should also influence the location you choose. In warmer climates, consider building your chicken shelter under some trees or adding trees afterward to provide shade from the extreme summer sun and protection from hot temperatures. Alternatively, in colder climates, positioning the shelter in full sun will allow your chickens to warm up during the day. Additionally, be mindful of wind direction when selecting a location, as you want to ensure your chickens are protected from cold winds.

When deciding on a location, it is also important to consider the security of the area. Chickens need a safe, predator-proof space to roam, scratch, and dust bathe during the day. Building a fenced-in area with welded wire fencing or chicken wire can help keep out predators of various sizes. Ensure your fence is at least 1.8 metres high to prevent chickens from flying over it. Sinking fencing into a trench around the perimeter of the run will also deter burrowing predators.

Lastly, think about the accessibility of the location for yourself. You will need to regularly clean the shelter and collect eggs, so it is important to choose a spot that is easy for you to access. Additionally, consider placing compost bays and bins inside or next to the chicken enclosure to facilitate the removal of litter and the creation of compost. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the ideal location for your chicken shelter, ensuring the comfort and safety of your flock while also making maintenance more convenient for yourself.

Gather materials: wood, nails, a hammer, and a saw

To build an outdoor chicken shelter, you'll need a few basic tools and materials. Wood forms the essential structure of the shelter, so choose a type of wood that is durable and can withstand the elements. You'll need enough wood to build a four-wall structure with a pitched roof. While gathering your wood, keep in mind that you'll also need wood for fence posts, which will be sunk into the ground to support the fencing that encloses the chicken run.

Nails are another crucial component. Ensure you have nails of the appropriate size and type for securing the wood. U-shaped nails, also known as construction staples, are ideal for attaching fencing to the posts.

A hammer is necessary for driving in the nails and construction staples. If you're using a hammer for the first time, practice on a scrap piece of wood to get a feel for the force required to drive in the nails without bending them.

Lastly, a saw will be indispensable for cutting the wood to the required lengths. Depending on the size and design of your shelter, you may need to cut the wood to different sizes, so a saw will be essential for achieving the desired dimensions.

Design: a simple four-wall structure with a pitched roof

When building an outdoor chicken shelter, it's important to consider the amount of space you have and the number of chickens you plan to keep. The more space you can provide, the better. As a rule of thumb, each chicken should have a minimum of 8-10 square feet of space in the run.

For the design of a simple four-wall structure with a pitched roof, start by laying out the area with boards and adjusting the size as needed. This will give you a sense of the space you have to work with. The first step is to dig holes for your fence posts, spacing them about 6 to 8 feet apart and ensuring they are set straight and equidistant from each other. Use a level and measuring tape to get accurate measurements. Sink the posts into the ground, hammering them at least 1 foot deep.

Next, attach the fencing to the posts. For a predator-proof pen, use either 1/2" or 1" welded wire fencing, attaching it to the posts with construction staples every 6 inches. Make sure to dig a trench around the perimeter of the run and sink the fencing down a few inches to deter predators from digging their way in.

Now, you can start building the shelter's frame. Begin with the foundation, then frame the walls, add the roof, and finish with the walls. For the pitched roof, you'll need to get the correct angle or slope to ensure its durability. A chicken coop roof should have a minimum pitch of 3:12 or 14° in most climates. This means that for every 12 units of roof run, the roof rises 3 units in height. For climates with heavy snow, a minimum pitch of 4:12 or 18.5° is recommended. Avoid making the roof too flat, as it may cave in, and avoid making it too steep, as it will be more challenging to build and require more roofing material.

Use durable materials for the shelter, such as wood, nails, a hammer, and a saw. Keep windows to a minimum, especially for your first project. Don't forget to consider ventilation and insulation to protect your chickens from extreme temperatures while also providing fresh air.

Build: start with the foundation, then frame the walls, add the roof

Building a chicken shelter is a great DIY project that will provide your chickens with a safe and comfortable living space. Here is a step-by-step guide to constructing an outdoor chicken shelter, focusing on the key stages of foundation, framing the walls, and adding the roof:

Foundation

Start by choosing a suitable location for your chicken shelter. Look for a flat, dry spot in your backyard, considering factors such as sunlight, wind direction, and the amount of space available. It's important to ensure that your chickens will have enough space to move freely inside the shelter and in the attached outdoor run. The recommended space is about 2-3 square feet inside the shelter and 8-10 square feet in the run per chicken.

Framing the Walls

Once you've determined the location and size of your shelter, it's time to frame the walls. Gather your materials, including wood, nails, a hammer, and a saw. Decide on the design of your shelter—a basic four-wall structure with a pitched roof is a simple and effective choice. Begin by measuring and cutting the wood to the required length for your wall frames. Use your hammer and nails to assemble the frames, ensuring they are sturdy and secure.

Adding the Roof

After your wall frames are in place, it's time to add the roof. Measure the dimensions of your shelter to determine the size and shape of the roof you'll need. Cut the wood to create a simple pitched roof structure, using supports or trusses to hold it in place. Cover the roof with a suitable waterproof material, such as shingles or metal sheeting, ensuring that it is securely attached to provide protection from the elements.

Remember, when building your chicken shelter, it's important to consider ventilation, insulation, and protection from predators. Windows can be kept to a minimum, but ensure there is adequate ventilation to maintain fresh air and comfortable temperatures for your chickens. Use durable materials, such as welded wire fencing or chicken wire, to prevent predators from accessing the shelter and outdoor run.

Final touches: access, ventilation, insulation, and protection from predators

When building an outdoor chicken shelter, there are several factors to consider to ensure the comfort and safety of your chickens. Here are the final touches to keep in mind:

Access

The chicken run should be attached to the coop, with a small door allowing chickens to move between the two areas. This door should be big enough for chickens to pass through but small enough to prevent predators from entering. The door will enable chickens to lay their eggs in the coop and provide shelter during inclement weather. Ensure the coop is easily accessible for cleaning and egg collection.

Ventilation

Chickens need fresh air, so consider the wind direction when designing the shelter. Windows should be kept to a minimum, especially in colder climates, to balance ventilation with insulation.

Insulation

The shelter should protect chickens from extreme temperatures, rain, and wind. In warmer climates, consider building the shelter under trees or adding trees nearby for shade. In colder climates, positioning the run in full sun allows chickens to warm up during the day.

Protection from Predators

To make the chicken run predator-proof, use welded wire fencing with a gauge of 1/2" or 1". This will keep out both small and large predators. Attach the fencing securely to the posts and the coop using construction staples. Dig a trench around the perimeter and sink the fencing a few inches underground to prevent predators from digging their way in. Additionally, build your fence to a minimum height of 1.8 meters to prevent chickens from flying over and to deter jumping predators.

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