Build a Chicken Coop

There is an overabundance of chicken coop designs and plans floating around the internet. The fact is that most designs and plans you see are ineffective and often take you the cheapest route - which can spell disaster for your chickens and end up costing you more money. So how do you know what designs are worth your time vs ones that you should run far away from?

#1 - Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

A well built chicken coop should always allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. Most chicken coop blueprints fail to incorporate proper cleaning elements in their designs. Look for things such as a downward sloped bottom floor to allow for proper drainage - and be sure that the main doors open inwards - not outwards.

#2 - Proper Ventilation for Your Chickens

A good chicken coop design should allow for proper ventilation. Inadequate ventilation could spell disaster to your building project, and your chickens. If the chicken coop design has options for windows, be sure that they can slide open and shut easily. The same goes for the front door, whether it is made from mesh or plexi. All windows and doors should open and close easily.

#3 - Adequate Lighting

A good design will allow for an electric light source for your coop - whether normal or fluorescent bulbs. Not only will you be able to see your chickens at night (should the need arise), but a well lit coop can help keep chickens warm in the colder seasons.

#4 Quality Construction Materials

Be sure to purchase quality wood and materials when you build your chicken coop. Quality designs and plans should guide you as to what materials work best in certain situations. Wire mesh is one material you should not skimp on. The last thing you need is for a pesky predator to chew through your small wire mesh, leaving your chickens vulnerable.

These are just a few tips you should follow religiously. There are many more things to consider when you are looking at chicken coop designs that are beyond the scope of this article.

To find the exact chicken coop manual I use to create dozens of quality chicken coops without breaking the bank, please visit: Building a Chicken Coop in 3 Days