How to Build a Chicken Coop - Five Important Factors You Must Consider When Building a Chicken Coop

If you would like to build a chicken coop, there are important things you must take into consideration to ensure your project is a success.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood
• Windows
• Construction Tools
• Shovel
• Mesh Wire (heavy)

1. How to Build a Chicken Coop - Design and Pre-implementation
   
   If you have never built a chicken coop before, you probably will want to look at some pre-existing plans or get a guide that can show you some proper designs. Once you get some ideas and know how a chicken coop should be properly laid out, you can make a rough sketch how you want your coop structured and positioned on your property. The area surrounding the chicken coop should be on relatively high ground to prevent any flooding.

2. 

   Materials and Maintenance
   
   If you know how to build a chicken coop properly then you know the importance of using materials that are easy to clean and sanitize. The floors and walls will have to periodically disinfected. A good chicken coop guide will suggest materials that are inexpensive yet easy to keep clean - some of which are common enough that you may already possess them. The coop should be equipped with sliding windows to prevent your chickens from roosting on the windows, and the floors should be sloped a little bit toward the door for easy cleaning and if any rainwater happens to get in the coop.

3. Protection From Environmental Elements
   
   Of primary importance when learning how to build a chicken coop is that it must be constructed in a way that protects your chickens from all potential environmental threats such as bad weather, potential predators, and theft. Besides making sure the coop is at a relatively high location and well drained, it also needs exposure to the sun for warmth and a drier environment. Use strong mesh wire on windows and doors to keep cats, foxes, raccoons, and other predators out, as well as installing chicken wire around the premises that is buried in the ground at least a foot because some animals may try to dig under the wire.

4. Ventilation and Lighting for Your Coop
   
   Your coop should be well ventilated to maintain a fresh supply of air for your chickens. This will also keep too much moisture and carbon dioxide from building up within the coop. During the cold months the coop walls and roof should be properly insulated. The coop should be well-lit to aid in keeping the coop warm and helping your chickens produce better eggs throughout the year.

5. Water and Food
   
   When going through the process of how to build a chicken coop you must make sure food and water is easily accessible for your chickens. The feeders and waterers should not be placed on the ground but raised a little bit to keep the chickens from making a mess. It is important to provide a constant fresh supply of water for your chickens and to periodically sanitize the areas where there is food buildup.

Resources

• how to build a chicken coop

[perceptive]

on 11/8/2009 Very precise steps and great images, too!! Well written article, cqwest: 5****. [PS, please everyone, do your part as eHow members- FLAG spam comments, REPORT eHow abuse on that "member's" profile] :o)