How to build a Chicken Coop: 10 Tips when building a Chicken Coop

HOW TO BUILD A CHICKEN COOP
10 HELPFUL TIPS
Raising chickens is a simple hobby that provides eggs and meat for you and fertilizer for your garden. Like all animals, chickens require suitable housing. You can build a coop for your chickens even if you aren't a skilled carpenter. You don't need complicated plans or expensive building materials. As long as the chickens' basic needs are met, they will be happy and healthy. Below are 10 useful tips when building a chicken coop and instructions on how to build an A-frame chicken coop.

10 Tips when building a Chicken Coop
Step 1
Put the coop in a high spot. You want to make sure the coop and the yard will not accumulate puddles of water during a rain storm.
Step 2
Determine how big the coop needs to be. Laying hens and birds raised for meat need 1 1/2 to 2 square feet per bird on the inside of the coop. The chickens will need 8 to 10 square feet per bird in the yard area.
Step 3
Sketch out your design on paper. Be sure to include a door large enough for you to enter the coop to collect eggs and clean.
Step 4
Consider putting windows on the south facing side for ventilation in the summer and to allow the sun to warm the coop in winter.
Step 5
Map out the inside of the coop. You need a nest box for every 4 to 5 laying hens in your flock. You also need 6 to 10 inches of perch space for each chicken.
Step 6
Construct the chicken coop so the front and the yard area face towards the south. Slope the roof so that rain does not run off directly over the door.
Step 7
Cover any windows securely with chicken wire to keep predators out. You can install sliding glass windows if you want to be able to completely close off the openings but still let light in.
Step 8
Place a latch on the door so you can secure the coop when necessary.
Step 9
Install the nest boxes and the perches along the walls of the coop. Perches need to be 3 to 4 feet off the ground. Fill the boxes with straw.
Step 10
Hang the feeders and waterers in the yard so that the trays are about the height of the chickens backs. Keeping them off the ground prevents the chickens from getting dirt in the food and water.

Here is a great link (the best I've found) for step by step instructions on how to build an A-frame chicken coop: better homes and gardens: A-frame chicken coop . This A-frame chicken coop can be moved about your yard quite easily and will keep your hens feeling clucky, safe and right at home. A chicken coop that can be lifted and moved around the garden is a great way to fertilise the yard while the chickens enjoy a feast of bugs, pests and weeds. The coop has everything that opens and shuts to lock away your chooks at night plus give you easy access to collect eggs.

More useful Tips and Warnings
- As long as chickens can stay dry, they can withstand most cold weather. In very cold climates you need to be sure windows are closed off to prevent drafts and you may need to install a lamp to provide supplemental heat.
- Chickens love to scratch in the dirt and will poop everywhere; you probably need to keep straw or some other form of litter on the floor of the house and in bare areas of the yard. Wood shavings and hay work the best as they do not mould as quickly as straw.