Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Build Plans – If you are considering building a chicken coop in your backyard, here are 3 great plans for you to choose from.
You will want a predator-proof design that will keep out the critters, as well as a large enough space to hold at least 20 chickens.
You’ll also want a plan that’s simple to build, and one that’s cheap. Read on to find out more!
Predator-proof design
If you’d like your chickens to stay safe and healthy, you should consider a predator-proof design for your backyard chicken coop. Predators can’t dig through chicken wire, so you should use hardware cloth to cover any vents or windows.
Hardware cloth is stronger and will resist rusting. Quarter-inch hardware cloth is ideal for poultry and works very well to deter small predators. It is more expensive than chicken wire, however, so make sure you choose it carefully.
You can also protect your flock from predators by installing a solid roof. Ensure the roofing material is predator-proof, and use heavy-duty wire staples to secure the door to the coop.
Make sure that the door is secured with a latch, as a small crack or opening can be an easy entry for a predator. You should also cover windows, if any, with glass or hardware cloth.
Another great predator-proof feature is a solar-powered predator repellent. This solar-powered device emits a bright red light throughout the night, fooling the predator into thinking that it has already been seen.
This prevents your chickens from getting out and exploring the yard. In addition to predator-proof chicken coops, it’s also important to choose a suitable feed source for your hens.
Large enough to hold at least 20 chickens
You will want a coop that can house at least 20 chickens. A coop that is large enough to hold this many chickens will be more spacious and comfortable for your hens.
A good rule of thumb is one square foot per bird for an indoor coop and three square feet per chicken for an outdoor coop. You should also keep in mind that a chicken is a living creature, and you will want to treat them as such.
Another factor to consider when choosing a coop is how many eggs you plan to buy. If you plan to eat the eggs, then you’ll probably only want to have two laying hens.
Likewise, you’ll need to consider how much space you have to house the coop and pen and how big your garden is. A coop that is large enough to house at least twenty chickens can be a great choice for a backyard flock.
Easy to clean
One of the easiest ways to maintain a clean hen house is to hose down the coop and nesting boxes twice a year. Using a garden hose, you can clean off manure and dust while minimizing the cleaning time.
You should also wipe down the floor and scrape dust from any surfaces. Rinse all feeders and waterers to maintain a clean coop for your chickens and for you!
After cleaning your chicken coop, make sure to remove all bedding and any removable items. Take apart any feed and water dishes and remove used bedding. If necessary, use a paint scraper to remove dried bits of coop and chicken poo.
To get rid of any debris left behind, you can also use a hose to clean the coop floor. After cleaning the coop, make sure to dry it thoroughly before reassembling it.
Keeping a chicken coop clean is vital for the health of your flock. Fresh housing promotes good health and healthy chickens lay large eggs. Keeping your coop clean will prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria and ammonia in the coop.
It will also give you early warning signs of poor health in your flock. If you are planning to raise chickens as pets, invest in an easy-to-clean backyard coop. It will make all the difference.
Cheap
Building a chicken coop on a budget can be done with the help of recycled pallets or reclaimed wood. While the most expensive part of a chicken coop is metal fabric, you can save money on it by using reclaimed materials or scrap wood.
One of the easiest ways to save money is to use plywood. Plywood is inexpensive and can be purchased at any hardware store. It is also durable and won’t take up much wood compared to wood paneling. It’s also much safer for your chickens.
Before beginning the build, take your time. If you’re rushing to get your coop done, you’ll likely run into problems later. If the framing is not done properly, there could be leaks, drafts, or even predators.
The final outcome could be a collapsed coop. Make sure your chickens have enough space to run around without being pinched for air. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to save money and still build a good coop for your chickens.
If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional chicken coop, you can opt for a pre-cut chicken coop. These chicken coops can be purchased precut and don’t require any building work.
These are very useful when you’re raising a large flock of chickens. A precut chicken coop can also be very convenient – the doors on these coops are made of toilet seat lids.
Easy to build
To build an Easy to build backyard chicken coop, the first thing you will need is a frame. You can purchase plywood panels from a home improvement or lumber store. You should fasten them to the frame so they lay flat along all edges.
Chickens need light during the day to lay their eggs, so you may want to install some lights to encourage egg laying. Low-wattage bulbs can be used to extend the day during the winter months, resulting in more consistent egg production figures.
This is a free and easy-to-build chicken coop design. This design is made to house a family of three chickens. It comes with detailed instructions and a solid wood structure. The coop has one side for nesting boxes, while the other side holds water and food for the chickens.
This design was created by a grandfather for his grandchildren. You can find similar designs on the Internet. Choosing a design based on your needs will ensure that your chickens have adequate home and are safe from predators.
The Steadfast Chicken Coop is a beautiful addition to your yard. This design is great for two chickens, but you can convert an old swing set or playhouse into an efficient coop for up to seven chickens.
A large chicken coop, on the other hand, will house 30 or more chickens. This is a great option if you’re looking for a simple, low-maintenance backyard chicken coop.
Easy to maintain
One of the most common and easy-to-maintain backyard chicken coop tasks is composting. By composting your chicken bedding, you can avoid the risk of bacteria growth and attract natural fly predators.
To make the compost pile last, make sure to stir it regularly. To kill harmful bacteria, it releases heat and attracts natural fly predators. Adding compost will make your coop smell better and look better. Here are some tips for composting your chicken bedding.
Keeping water clean and fresh is crucial for chickens. If you cannot provide them with clean water, they will quickly dehydrate. Using a water heater will allow you to maintain a constant water supply for your chickens.
Also, you can carry the water container indoors every night and put it back outside the next day. Water should be changed frequently throughout the day. You can use chlorine or oxygen bleach to disinfect it.
The number of eggs per chicken should be at least four or five. A box should have a floor that’s 12×12 inches, and each nesting box should have 1-2 inches of cushioned nesting material to prevent eggs from breaking.
Having too many chickens in one coop will cause more traffic and eggs may be broken. Chickens like high places. You can use wood shavings to cushion the nesting material.
Low maintenance
A low-maintenance backyard chicken coop can be made easier with a few simple materials. Plywood works well as the exterior material, as does pressure-treated wood. You can buy a plywood sheet for about $10 per sheet and paint it to match your chicken’s color.
Corrugated tin is another option, and it’s durable and relatively cheap. It costs between $15 and $20 per sheet. Corrugated tin is also a great option for the exterior because it’s durable and long-lasting.
A roosting bar is another essential feature to have in a backyard chicken coop. The roosting bar is an area where your chickens can sleep and should be the same height as their nesting boxes. This creates a hierarchy in the flock and prevents pecking.
A feed and water bowl should also be accessible and secure. You’ll also need to purchase additional bedding for your flock.
[irp posts=”895″ name=”Backyard Canopy Ideas”]
While chickens are a common backyard pet, there are some issues you should consider before starting a flock of your own. Backyard livestock is usually restricted in many areas. This varies from town to town, and sometimes statewide.
Homeowner’s associations can also restrict your options, including the type of chicken you can keep. A few cities and towns ban roosters altogether. If you’re not sure what rules are in your area, check with the local authorities to determine what your options are.***
