There are so many chicken coop designs floating around the internet, how do you know what to look for, and what you should run away from? The fact is, most designs are cheap, ineffective, and will probably cost you a lot of money in the long run in extra supplies and maintenance costs. Look for these 4 things when choosing or designing your own chicken coop:

#1 – Easy Cleaning

Is the chicken coop design you are looking at make it a snap to clean? This is where most chicken coop blueprints fail. A good design will always allow easy maintenance, and easy cleaning. Look for things such as a downward sloped floor, for proper drainage and runoff. And Be sure the main door opens inward.

#2 – Proper Ventilation

A good design will always allow for adequate ventilation. Poor ventilated chicken coops can spell disaster for your chickens and your entire project. If the coop has windows, be sure they can be easily opened or slided. The same goes for the door. A good door, whether it is made out of plexi, or wire mesh, should not be difficult to open when needed.

#3 – Proper Lighting

A good light source is always a plus when designing a chicken coop. This usually comes in the form of electric or fluorescent bulbs. One perk of a properly lit chicken coop is the fact that it can supply heat in cold nights or seasons.

#4 Sturdy Construction Materials

Be sure to use quality wood and materials when building your coop. This includes getting thick enough wire mesh if you plan to build your windows or doors out of mesh. The last thing you want is a pesky predator chewing through your wire mesh to get to your chickens.

These are just a few tips you should follow religiously. Obviously there are many more things to consider when you are looking at chicken coop designs.

For more essential tips on how to choose the best chicken coop design, or to discover the exact blueprint I use to create dozens of chicken coops, visit my chicken coop blog at: Build a Chicken Coop.