Articles
Chicken House
Most chicken house plans that are available online for free are generally poorly designed by individuals that have never been trained to correctly build a chicken house. We have outlined a few tips that will help you to be able to spot quality designs that will get the best results with your chicken coop.
One of the first points that a chicken coop design should offer is to make sure that it includes a complete protection from predators. A quick look at the outside construction of a design should give you a good idea of how much that plan can protect your chickens from the type of predators that are in your area. The plan should give you a number of different options to build protection in and around your chicken house.
The design should offer a method to easily keep the coop clean. All chicken coops should be cleaned as often as needed. The design should include a way to build the floor that will be sloped downward towards the door so that any water you use to clean it will drain out of the house.
Another point that a good design program should offer is information on what type of wood to use and how to protect it. This is a very important point because you do not want your wood to rot out on you. It is very easy to protect your wood from rotting.
You should make sure that the plans that you select offer enough light and ventilation for your project. Different areas of the country will need more sunlight or shade. You will need to protect your chickens from any cold wind drafts as much as possible. A plan should give you the option to build a coop based on the weather conditions of your area.
Many designs do not offer a way to protect the food and water supply for the chickens. This becomes more important during the freezing periods of the year. Try to pick a plan that offers options to protect the food supply of your chickens year round.
Chicken House
Video Chicken House Designs
By: Larry Kearney
About the Author:
One of the first points that a chicken coop design should offer is to make sure that it includes a complete protection from predators. A quick look at the outside construction of a design should give you a good idea of how much that plan can protect your chickens from the type of predators that are in your area. The plan should give you a number of different options to build protection in and around your chicken house.
The design should offer a method to easily keep the coop clean. All chicken coops should be cleaned as often as needed. The design should include a way to build the floor that will be sloped downward towards the door so that any water you use to clean it will drain out of the house.
Another point that a good design program should offer is information on what type of wood to use and how to protect it. This is a very important point because you do not want your wood to rot out on you. It is very easy to protect your wood from rotting.
You should make sure that the plans that you select offer enough light and ventilation for your project. Different areas of the country will need more sunlight or shade. You will need to protect your chickens from any cold wind drafts as much as possible. A plan should give you the option to build a coop based on the weather conditions of your area.
Many designs do not offer a way to protect the food and water supply for the chickens. This becomes more important during the freezing periods of the year. Try to pick a plan that offers options to protect the food supply of your chickens year round.
Chicken House
Video Chicken House Designs
By: Larry Kearney
About the Author:
My name is Larry Kearney and I have been working in the credit and loan related business for over 15 years.
Building A Chicken House? – Chicken House Requirements
While the recession has wreaked global havoc, the art of self-sufficiency has made a dramatic comeback. Faced with depleted earnings and rising bills, people have responded by taking steps to support themselves. Back garden smallholdings have sprung up to produce food and/or rear chickens. As a result of the latter, the sales of chicken house have spiralled and, not surprisingly, more and more people are building their own. If you are considering taking this DIY step, it is essential to examine the different factors you should think about when trying to determine the type of chicken house you want to build. Before you go ahead with putting together a house, you must be sure you’re getting some key factors right so you finish up with what is required to meet your needs.
BASICS TO GET STARTED:
Most people have a tendency to think you need a lot of expensive materials to successfully build a chicken house; however, this is not the case at all. Houses can be made from a variety of different materials, including such things as an old shed, scrap lumber, PVC pipes, or other recycled materials you may have around the house already. Usually, wood is the most common material used to build the chicken house, but it’s also the priciest so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons. If you want your chicken house to last for years and years to come, it may be a good idea to invest in a wooden one to ensure that it withstands various climate changes. Keep in mind, though, that wood varieties will also differ in price and that will influence your decision so looking at the different types of wood is also important.
BUILDING A HOUSE TO LAST:
One problem that many people run into when building their chicken house is that they do a decent job, but the structure does not stand up in the long run. Gaining a better understanding of the construction process and exactly what’s needed to build one that lasts will ensure that your money is well spent.
PROPER LANDSCAPING:
Before starting to build the house, you need to make sure the land you want to build on is level and landscaped properly. You have two options here – either landscape an area that you really want the chicken house to stand on or look for a piece of land to build on that needs no landscaping at all. The latter is going to be cheaper than the former, but again this will come down to personal preference. By doing this first though, you’ll build a chicken house that lasts for a longer period of time since it will have a more sturdy foundation.
SPEND MONEY ON THE BASE STRUCTURE:
Next, one area that needs a little more investment is the structural base. Choosing to opt for very cheap building materials here could come back to haunt you in the long run. There are definitely cheap options you can certainly consider and will work well, but there are still limits. Knowing which cost-effective materials stand the test of time will help.
MAKE USE OF WINDOWS:
Windows are a critical element within the chicken house because they are going to allow for enough light so your chickens continue to lay eggs. When they are not getting enough light, you’re more likely to run into problems. Making use of windows in the house not only helps ensure the chickens stay happy over the long haul, but can also reduce your building costs if you’re using proper materials. It’s important that you consider the structural design with the windows, however, because placing them in the wrong position could cause the walls to be less sturdy so having a proper plan to guide you is critical.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT FEEDERS:
Finally, choose your feeder position wisely. When the feeders are at an incorrect height level, the chickens will either not be able to get to their food comfortably or they may start to scatter it all around the floor. When that happens, they’re bound to start picking at the floor and possibly other areas of the house which could lead to damage over time. By taking the time to properly plan your chicken house so it lasts over the years you will prevent yourself from having to spend more money down the road fixing issues that you come across.
By: Jackie Strong
About the Author:
BASICS TO GET STARTED:
Most people have a tendency to think you need a lot of expensive materials to successfully build a chicken house; however, this is not the case at all. Houses can be made from a variety of different materials, including such things as an old shed, scrap lumber, PVC pipes, or other recycled materials you may have around the house already. Usually, wood is the most common material used to build the chicken house, but it’s also the priciest so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons. If you want your chicken house to last for years and years to come, it may be a good idea to invest in a wooden one to ensure that it withstands various climate changes. Keep in mind, though, that wood varieties will also differ in price and that will influence your decision so looking at the different types of wood is also important.
BUILDING A HOUSE TO LAST:
One problem that many people run into when building their chicken house is that they do a decent job, but the structure does not stand up in the long run. Gaining a better understanding of the construction process and exactly what’s needed to build one that lasts will ensure that your money is well spent.
PROPER LANDSCAPING:
Before starting to build the house, you need to make sure the land you want to build on is level and landscaped properly. You have two options here – either landscape an area that you really want the chicken house to stand on or look for a piece of land to build on that needs no landscaping at all. The latter is going to be cheaper than the former, but again this will come down to personal preference. By doing this first though, you’ll build a chicken house that lasts for a longer period of time since it will have a more sturdy foundation.
SPEND MONEY ON THE BASE STRUCTURE:
Next, one area that needs a little more investment is the structural base. Choosing to opt for very cheap building materials here could come back to haunt you in the long run. There are definitely cheap options you can certainly consider and will work well, but there are still limits. Knowing which cost-effective materials stand the test of time will help.
MAKE USE OF WINDOWS:
Windows are a critical element within the chicken house because they are going to allow for enough light so your chickens continue to lay eggs. When they are not getting enough light, you’re more likely to run into problems. Making use of windows in the house not only helps ensure the chickens stay happy over the long haul, but can also reduce your building costs if you’re using proper materials. It’s important that you consider the structural design with the windows, however, because placing them in the wrong position could cause the walls to be less sturdy so having a proper plan to guide you is critical.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT FEEDERS:
Finally, choose your feeder position wisely. When the feeders are at an incorrect height level, the chickens will either not be able to get to their food comfortably or they may start to scatter it all around the floor. When that happens, they’re bound to start picking at the floor and possibly other areas of the house which could lead to damage over time. By taking the time to properly plan your chicken house so it lasts over the years you will prevent yourself from having to spend more money down the road fixing issues that you come across.
By: Jackie Strong
About the Author:
If you are even thinking about How To Erect A Chicken House and are interested in a new up-to-date, step-by-step guide on how to build one, then please visit my site for further information http://www.squidoo.com/HowToErectAChickenHouse
Build A Chicken House
Want to build a chicken house for your chickens but you don’t know how to do this? Well…Basically you’ve got 2 ways to do this. You either let a certified company build a chicken coop for your chickens, or you will actually do it all by yourself.
Build a chicken house by a certified company?
What you could do is that you let a company build a chicken coop for you. Although, this may sound like a great option, and it is… But it’s also very expensive. You see, when you do this, you don’t have to pay only for the materials, but also for the employee who’s building the chicken coop. So this makes this option not really attractive as it sounds like. You want an option that’s cheaper, right?
Build a chicken house by myself?
Actually, this is the most cheapest option that you’ve got. Also, it’s the fastest one. When you do this, you won’t have to pay lots of money extra, you only have to pay for the materials, that’s it. It’s highly recommended that if you want to build a chicken house all by yourself, to have a chicken coop building plan next to you. This will basically give you step by step instructions that’s also coming along with detailed photo’s. This way, the building process will be made a lot easier.
Why don’t you see it for yourself? Visit: Get chicken coop Building Plans
So if you want to build a chicken house, it’s the cheapest and the fastest way to do it actually by yourself. As I’ve said before, it’s highly recommended to use a chicken coop building plan when you do this. So if you want to start building a wonderful house for your chickens…Today… Visit: Hen House Plans
By: Bill Keen
About the Author:
Build a chicken house by a certified company?
What you could do is that you let a company build a chicken coop for you. Although, this may sound like a great option, and it is… But it’s also very expensive. You see, when you do this, you don’t have to pay only for the materials, but also for the employee who’s building the chicken coop. So this makes this option not really attractive as it sounds like. You want an option that’s cheaper, right?
Build a chicken house by myself?
Actually, this is the most cheapest option that you’ve got. Also, it’s the fastest one. When you do this, you won’t have to pay lots of money extra, you only have to pay for the materials, that’s it. It’s highly recommended that if you want to build a chicken house all by yourself, to have a chicken coop building plan next to you. This will basically give you step by step instructions that’s also coming along with detailed photo’s. This way, the building process will be made a lot easier.
Why don’t you see it for yourself? Visit: Get chicken coop Building Plans
So if you want to build a chicken house, it’s the cheapest and the fastest way to do it actually by yourself. As I’ve said before, it’s highly recommended to use a chicken coop building plan when you do this. So if you want to start building a wonderful house for your chickens…Today… Visit: Hen House Plans
By: Bill Keen
About the Author:
Simple Chicken Coop – Build a Chicken House Myself?
Want to build a simple chicken coop by yourself but you don’t know how? Well, you’ve basically got 1 option to do this by yourself. Get a building plan. This won’t only help you to build a chicken house, but it also will help you to make a comfortable house for your chickens.
Build A Simple chicken coop By Myself With Building Plans?
When it comes down to build a house for your chickens, you don’t only have to think about the house, but also the things that’s coming around it. Like:
- Protection
- Feeder system
- The light
All these things do matter for your chickens to be healthy and happy.
Will I Be Able To Build A chicken coop Myself?
Why shouldn’t you be able to do it yourself? Sure, it may be hard to do, but it’s not impossible… As long as you have some kind of a building plan on your side, nothing can go wrong. Most building plans that helps you to build a simple chicken house, will give you step by step instructions. And they also give you detailed photo’s or pictures.
This is basically everything you need to build a chicken house… Oh, you also need a screwdriver and a hammer of course! So if you want to build a very simple chicken coop, you will need a building plan. And if you’re looking for a building plan, you will also need to watch if it gives your chickens protection, a good feeder system and enough light.
So enough has been said now, you need to build a chicken house for your chickens… right?… But before that, you need to get some nice chicken coop Building Plans, Right? This site will explain you exactly how to get some nice designs and plans. Visit: Build A Chicken House.
By: Bill Keen
About the Author:
Build A Simple chicken coop By Myself With Building Plans?
When it comes down to build a house for your chickens, you don’t only have to think about the house, but also the things that’s coming around it. Like:
- Protection
- Feeder system
- The light
All these things do matter for your chickens to be healthy and happy.
Will I Be Able To Build A chicken coop Myself?
Why shouldn’t you be able to do it yourself? Sure, it may be hard to do, but it’s not impossible… As long as you have some kind of a building plan on your side, nothing can go wrong. Most building plans that helps you to build a simple chicken house, will give you step by step instructions. And they also give you detailed photo’s or pictures.
This is basically everything you need to build a chicken house… Oh, you also need a screwdriver and a hammer of course! So if you want to build a very simple chicken coop, you will need a building plan. And if you’re looking for a building plan, you will also need to watch if it gives your chickens protection, a good feeder system and enough light.
So enough has been said now, you need to build a chicken house for your chickens… right?… But before that, you need to get some nice chicken coop Building Plans, Right? This site will explain you exactly how to get some nice designs and plans. Visit: Build A Chicken House.
By: Bill Keen
About the Author:
What should you look for in Chicken Houses?
If you want to purchase some chickens for the satisfaction of gathering your own fresh eggs everyday you will need to find the right chicken house to house them in. Chickens are very easy to care for and do not require a lot of roaming room in the yard so they are the perfect farm animal to keep in your own back yard.
Chickens need to get out in the fresh air every day so you need to provide them with a chicken yard that is safe from any dogs or cats that may try to dig up underneath the pen in order to grab a chicken. The yard should be a safe fenced in pen that will allow them to get out of the pen and get some fresh air.
If you have a small back yard to keep the chickens in you may want to consider chicken houses that are on wheels. You can wheel the chickens around the yard as they wear the grass down in their chicken yard. These are the most convenient chicken houses that are available today. You can easily wheel the chickens around your property, reset the outdoor yard fence, and open the door and let them out. You will give the grass a chance to grow back before moving the chicken pen in that area again.
You want to find chicken houses that have egg laying boxes inside. You may just need one or two boxes depending on the size of your flock. Most hens will lay eggs in the same area so you can gather up everything in one or two boxes. Chickens will mainly lay eggs in the mornings but they can lay eggs in the evenings, it depends on the chickens.
You can build your own chicken houses if you can’t find the right one for you. You can purchase the lumber and all supplies and search online for the best chicken house plan that you like. Most of these plans are free and they fall into the do it yourself category on home improvement sites. They will provide step-by-step instructions on how to put your chicken house together. Because there is a variety to choose from you can create the perfect house for your back yard.
In the end you will have chickens in your back yard and fresh eggs on the table every morning. You can purchase as many chickens as you need to so you can have enough eggs for your breakfast every morning.
By: Robert Linley
About the Author:
Chickens need to get out in the fresh air every day so you need to provide them with a chicken yard that is safe from any dogs or cats that may try to dig up underneath the pen in order to grab a chicken. The yard should be a safe fenced in pen that will allow them to get out of the pen and get some fresh air.
If you have a small back yard to keep the chickens in you may want to consider chicken houses that are on wheels. You can wheel the chickens around the yard as they wear the grass down in their chicken yard. These are the most convenient chicken houses that are available today. You can easily wheel the chickens around your property, reset the outdoor yard fence, and open the door and let them out. You will give the grass a chance to grow back before moving the chicken pen in that area again.
You want to find chicken houses that have egg laying boxes inside. You may just need one or two boxes depending on the size of your flock. Most hens will lay eggs in the same area so you can gather up everything in one or two boxes. Chickens will mainly lay eggs in the mornings but they can lay eggs in the evenings, it depends on the chickens.
You can build your own chicken houses if you can’t find the right one for you. You can purchase the lumber and all supplies and search online for the best chicken house plan that you like. Most of these plans are free and they fall into the do it yourself category on home improvement sites. They will provide step-by-step instructions on how to put your chicken house together. Because there is a variety to choose from you can create the perfect house for your back yard.
In the end you will have chickens in your back yard and fresh eggs on the table every morning. You can purchase as many chickens as you need to so you can have enough eggs for your breakfast every morning.
By: Robert Linley
About the Author:
Simply visit www.gogalilee2009.org/ for more detailed information regarding chicken houses.
How To Build A Cheap Chicken House
Chicken rearing is a one time investment which requires little capital to start, with long term returns. With the rising prices of eggs, chicken rearing has been on an increase all over.
With chicken rearing, one will require a chicken house to provide a safe haven for the birds.
There are a number of guidelines on how to build a chicken house. The design as well as the appearance of the chicken house determines the type of chicken house you will build.
Make sure that the area is cleaned; it should be free from weeds and other unnecessary plants. Source of light should be considered, proximity to electricity should inform the location since proper lighting has been attributed to increased chicken productivity throughout the year.
The best way to learn how to build a chicken house is to use right judgment. Make sure that the house should be easily accessed for easier cleaning and disinfection.
Ensure that the doors should open inwards and install the sliding windows so that the chicken will not hatch on them. Ensure that the house should slope towards the door so that the water flows out.
The chicken house should be able to protect the birds from all harmful elements; bad weather is a serious hazard to chicken rearing and should be guarded against.
Protecting chicken from predators is the main function of a chicken house, hence should inform the choices of materials used. You can start by building a structure that will guide you in building the real structure.
The answers to the question as to how to build a chicken house should address the location of essential equipments in the chicken house. The watering points and feeding points should be easily accessible.
There should also be a playing area; this area gives chicken an opportunity to exercise.
Ventilation is very paramount in building a good chicken house; the ventilators should ensure there is a good circulation of air. However, the ventilators should be small to ensure that large predators do not get entry into the chicken house.
With these strategies on hand, you now know how to build a chicken house in an efficient and cost effective way. With the tips above, you should be able to construct a chicken house of your choice.
It is important to note that it is possible to build a cheap chicken house and get the highest returns for your investments.
By: Ricky Lim
About the Author:
With chicken rearing, one will require a chicken house to provide a safe haven for the birds.
There are a number of guidelines on how to build a chicken house. The design as well as the appearance of the chicken house determines the type of chicken house you will build.
Make sure that the area is cleaned; it should be free from weeds and other unnecessary plants. Source of light should be considered, proximity to electricity should inform the location since proper lighting has been attributed to increased chicken productivity throughout the year.
The best way to learn how to build a chicken house is to use right judgment. Make sure that the house should be easily accessed for easier cleaning and disinfection.
Ensure that the doors should open inwards and install the sliding windows so that the chicken will not hatch on them. Ensure that the house should slope towards the door so that the water flows out.
The chicken house should be able to protect the birds from all harmful elements; bad weather is a serious hazard to chicken rearing and should be guarded against.
Protecting chicken from predators is the main function of a chicken house, hence should inform the choices of materials used. You can start by building a structure that will guide you in building the real structure.
The answers to the question as to how to build a chicken house should address the location of essential equipments in the chicken house. The watering points and feeding points should be easily accessible.
There should also be a playing area; this area gives chicken an opportunity to exercise.
Ventilation is very paramount in building a good chicken house; the ventilators should ensure there is a good circulation of air. However, the ventilators should be small to ensure that large predators do not get entry into the chicken house.
With these strategies on hand, you now know how to build a chicken house in an efficient and cost effective way. With the tips above, you should be able to construct a chicken house of your choice.
It is important to note that it is possible to build a cheap chicken house and get the highest returns for your investments.
By: Ricky Lim
About the Author:
Learn how to build a chicken house at my site. Discover more chicken coop building plans at my site.
How to make use of chicken coop photos
GetCoopPlans.com Making Use of chicken coop Photos….
Chicken House Plans – 5 Reasons Why Location Matters
You have your chicken house plans, your materials and your tools and are ready to start building. But are you building in the right location? Just as in real estate, location is very important to the success of your chicken house. The following five factors should be take into consideration when selecting your site:
Light: Your chicken house needs to be situated to maximize the available light. Make sure the windows face the sun so that your chickens will have a bright, warm home. To lay eggs, chickens need approximately 14 hours of light a day.
Protection From The Elements: To prevent flooding during heavy rains, build on slightly elevated ground. If high winds are a problem select a sheltered location. When selecting a location for your chicken house take into account the worst weather conditions for your locale. Make sure your chickens will be safe and dry no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Protection From Predators: In addition to building a strong, predator-proof chicken house and run, you can minimize the danger from predators by building near your home. This will allow you to easily keep an eye on your chicken flock. If you live on a farm, locating your coop near large grazing animals will also help deter predators.
Convenience: Locating your chicken house close to your home will make it easier to look after your feathered friends. Since chickens make good pets, they will be close by to keep you and your kids entertained. As an added bonus, if allowed to range free your chickens will keep your grass trimmed and get rid of pesky insects.
Room for Chicken Run and Expansion: If building a chicken run, make sure you allow sufficient room for this. Six to ten square feet per chicken is recommended. Also, if there is a possibility of increasing your flock in the near future, allow room for expansion.chicken coop plans provide excellent blueprints for the construction of your chickens’ new home. Take time before you start to pick the right location and your life – and your chickens’ lives – will be much easier.
By: Ann Wallis
About the Author:
Light: Your chicken house needs to be situated to maximize the available light. Make sure the windows face the sun so that your chickens will have a bright, warm home. To lay eggs, chickens need approximately 14 hours of light a day.
Protection From The Elements: To prevent flooding during heavy rains, build on slightly elevated ground. If high winds are a problem select a sheltered location. When selecting a location for your chicken house take into account the worst weather conditions for your locale. Make sure your chickens will be safe and dry no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Protection From Predators: In addition to building a strong, predator-proof chicken house and run, you can minimize the danger from predators by building near your home. This will allow you to easily keep an eye on your chicken flock. If you live on a farm, locating your coop near large grazing animals will also help deter predators.
Convenience: Locating your chicken house close to your home will make it easier to look after your feathered friends. Since chickens make good pets, they will be close by to keep you and your kids entertained. As an added bonus, if allowed to range free your chickens will keep your grass trimmed and get rid of pesky insects.
Room for Chicken Run and Expansion: If building a chicken run, make sure you allow sufficient room for this. Six to ten square feet per chicken is recommended. Also, if there is a possibility of increasing your flock in the near future, allow room for expansion.chicken coop plans provide excellent blueprints for the construction of your chickens’ new home. Take time before you start to pick the right location and your life – and your chickens’ lives – will be much easier.
By: Ann Wallis
About the Author:
Leslie Wallis is a long-time gardener who has recently discovered the pleasures of raising backyard chickens. For more information on raising chickens and the best chicken house plans visit http://simplechickenhouseplans.com.
Chicke House Plans – 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Building A Chicken Coop
You have decided to build a chicken coop for your flock. A great decision. You can save yourself a lot of money and can customize your coop to suit your requirements. Before you start though it is wise to listen to the advice of experienced coop builders to avoid these common mistakes.
When asked about the biggest mistakes they made when building their chicken coops, chicken owners listed the following:
Not making the coop large enough. You may plan on only having a few chickens, but when the baby ****** come or the chicken raising addiction kicks in, you may find your chicken house too small. The recommended size is 4 square feet per bird in the coop and 10 square feet in the run for standard chickens. For bantam chickens you can get away with 1/2 of this space. Not making the chicken house tall enough. It is hard to maintain your coop if you are constantly hitting your head or crouching around! Not insulating or using the wrong insulation. Keep your chickens warm in the winter by insulating their coop. But don’t use foam insulation. Apparently chickens like to peck at it. Who knew? Make sure your coop plans take into account your local climate. Not having a **** plan! When installing the roosts it is a good idea to install **** pans below them to catch the droppings. Position the feeders and waterers so that they do not splattered. You will also need a plan to remove the **** from the coop. Not putting in enough windows or big enough windows: Windows provide light and ventilation. Make sure all the windows open so that your ****** get fresh air.
I hope this give you a “heads-up” on problems to avoid when building your chicken coop. With good chicken house plans, wood, nails and a few good tools, you will be well on your way to provide a cozy home for your flock.
By: Ann Wallis
About the Author:
When asked about the biggest mistakes they made when building their chicken coops, chicken owners listed the following:
Not making the coop large enough. You may plan on only having a few chickens, but when the baby ****** come or the chicken raising addiction kicks in, you may find your chicken house too small. The recommended size is 4 square feet per bird in the coop and 10 square feet in the run for standard chickens. For bantam chickens you can get away with 1/2 of this space. Not making the chicken house tall enough. It is hard to maintain your coop if you are constantly hitting your head or crouching around! Not insulating or using the wrong insulation. Keep your chickens warm in the winter by insulating their coop. But don’t use foam insulation. Apparently chickens like to peck at it. Who knew? Make sure your coop plans take into account your local climate. Not having a **** plan! When installing the roosts it is a good idea to install **** pans below them to catch the droppings. Position the feeders and waterers so that they do not splattered. You will also need a plan to remove the **** from the coop. Not putting in enough windows or big enough windows: Windows provide light and ventilation. Make sure all the windows open so that your ****** get fresh air.
I hope this give you a “heads-up” on problems to avoid when building your chicken coop. With good chicken house plans, wood, nails and a few good tools, you will be well on your way to provide a cozy home for your flock.
By: Ann Wallis
About the Author:
Leslie Wallis is a long-time gardener who has recently discovered the pleasures of raising backyard chickens. For more information on raising chickens and the best chicken house plans visit http://simplechickenhouseplans.com.
Chicken House Plans – 7 Chicken Coop Building Secrets
You have your chicken house plans in hand and are ready to get to work. Building a chicken house for your feathered friends will save you money and allow you to customize the coop to suit your needs. But before hammering that first nail, make sure your chicken house plans take into account these seven secrets for a successful chicken coop:
1. Size: Make sure you allow enough space for your chickens. For standard chickens 3-4 square feet in the coop and 6-10 square feet in the run is recommended. For bantam chickens you can get away with half that space. Build bigger than you think you will need. When the baby ****** arrive or the chicken raising addiction kicks in your find your coop getting crowded.
2. Lighting: Chickens need light in order to lay their eggs. Where possible try and face the coop towards the sun and install windows to bring in the light and the warmth.
3. Ventilation: You chicken house needs to be well ventilated to let the fresh air in, but not drafty. If high winds are a problem, consider building in a sheltered location.
4. Insulation: Don’t forget to take into account temperature changes. In cold climates your chicken house will need to be insulated.
5. Feeders and Waterers: The feeders and waterers should be easily accessible by both man and bird. Consider installing automatic waterers for a constant supply of fresh water.
6. Nesting Boxes: If raising chickens for eggs, it is important to having nesting boxes for the hens to lay in. Allow one nesting box per two hens. They do not like to be crowded when laying!
7. Predators: Chickens are tasty, not just to us but to a wide variety of predators. Make sure your chicken house and run are protected from all sides including below the ground and above. Don’t forget the burrowing and flying predators! Common predators include raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, fisher cats and hawks. Wire mesh fencing is commonly used to keep the chickens in and predators out. Make sure when you are installing fencing to dig down at least 12 inches to protect from burrowing predators.
It is important when building a chicken coop to have a written blueprint to work with. If your chicken house plan takes into account the above seven factors, you will be well on your way to building a safe, secure home for your chicken flock.
By: Ann Wallis
About the Author:
1. Size: Make sure you allow enough space for your chickens. For standard chickens 3-4 square feet in the coop and 6-10 square feet in the run is recommended. For bantam chickens you can get away with half that space. Build bigger than you think you will need. When the baby ****** arrive or the chicken raising addiction kicks in your find your coop getting crowded.
2. Lighting: Chickens need light in order to lay their eggs. Where possible try and face the coop towards the sun and install windows to bring in the light and the warmth.
3. Ventilation: You chicken house needs to be well ventilated to let the fresh air in, but not drafty. If high winds are a problem, consider building in a sheltered location.
4. Insulation: Don’t forget to take into account temperature changes. In cold climates your chicken house will need to be insulated.
5. Feeders and Waterers: The feeders and waterers should be easily accessible by both man and bird. Consider installing automatic waterers for a constant supply of fresh water.
6. Nesting Boxes: If raising chickens for eggs, it is important to having nesting boxes for the hens to lay in. Allow one nesting box per two hens. They do not like to be crowded when laying!
7. Predators: Chickens are tasty, not just to us but to a wide variety of predators. Make sure your chicken house and run are protected from all sides including below the ground and above. Don’t forget the burrowing and flying predators! Common predators include raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, fisher cats and hawks. Wire mesh fencing is commonly used to keep the chickens in and predators out. Make sure when you are installing fencing to dig down at least 12 inches to protect from burrowing predators.
It is important when building a chicken coop to have a written blueprint to work with. If your chicken house plan takes into account the above seven factors, you will be well on your way to building a safe, secure home for your chicken flock.
By: Ann Wallis
About the Author:
Leslie Wallis is a long-time gardener who has recently discovered the pleasures of raising backyard chickens. For more information on raising chickens and the best chicken house plans visit http://simplechickenhouseplans.com.