Building a Simple Backyard Chicken Coop

The first step to keeping chicken in your back yard, whether you want them from the eggs or just for the amusement of having chicken is to construct a sturdy and safe coop in your backyard. This doesn’t necessarily have to be en elaborate structure, but there are a few things you must keep in mind. Actual construction is a relatively straightforward task; you can get the structure ready over one weekend only if it has been planned out from top to bottom. However, you will realize that the fencing which is for the chicken run must go in later on.

The next step is planning. This is essential if you want to have the coop ready without any hassle. Consider how many chickens you want to keep and the number of nests they will need. From this amount, you will be able to know how many feeders and water containers you will need. You have to plan out their placement in the coop. Do not forget that your chickens require plenty of light and proper drainage under the coop to remain healthy and comfortable. Also, the wire mesh around the run should go one foot deep into the ground to ward off any predators, as they can pose a major threat to the safety of your chickens.

Now that you have your design planned out, draw it out on paper to calculate the precise dimensions. Doing this will enable you figure out what goes where and will avoid any problems later on. Ensure that you will be able to enter it and that you have access to all the materials you will need. Also make certain that you have enough space for your design in your backyard too. Chicken coops are moderately inexpensive to build and you can always upgrade to a larger one once you have gained a little experience.

Gather all the materials you will require before building the coop. Some of the things you will need are nails, screws, hinges, some kind of insulation, wire mesh, concrete cinder blocks and wood.

After this, all that you have left to do is a weekend consisting of hard work. Ask a few friends over to help you out and you will realize that time just passes by. Remember, the better planned out your coop is and if you have thought your design through thoroughly, the easier it will be to build.