Build a Chicken Coop

Chances are, if you’re searching around the internet looking for chicken coop plans, you’re probably looking for the absolute best way to build a chicken coop. Depending on your situation, there are a few things you should consider before picking chicken coop plans.

Tip 1 - Build an Easy Maintenance Coop

A major gripe of chicken coop owners is the need to clean it on a regular basis. This can be avoided for the most part if you plan ahead and build your chicken coop with ease of maintenance in mind. One idea is to slope the bottom floor of the coop so that is points downward towards the main front door. This ensures that water runs out of the coop, instead of puddling in the middle - and also makes it quicker to dry.

Tip 2 - Make Sure There is Enough Space

The last thing you want after your finished building your chicken coop is to find out that you don’t have enough space. Chickens that feel cramped due to inadequate space resort to pecking and sometimes even cannibalism (extreme cases). A general guideline to follow is to allow 4 square feet per chicken. I like to go overboard, and allow 5-6 square feet per chicken, just to be on the safe side - and sometimes you mess up on measurements, so always allow room for mistakes.

Tip 3 - Protect the Coop from Predators and Severe Weather.

One of the most important things to include in your chicken coop plans is to protect it from predators and weather. Both can wear major havoc on your chickens and your chicken coop.

For weather protection, you should build the coop on a higher level and facing the sun. In severe rainfall, the high location will ensure the coop is protected from flooding. Facing the sun will obviously allow the coop to dry faster in wet seasons.

Do not skimp on wire mesh - this is a common mistake. Even the smallest predators can chew through high gauge wire - so make sure your getting the commercial grade stuff. It is a little more expensive but worth it in the long run.

These are just a few of many tips that will allow you to carefully choose the best chicken coop plans.