Chicken coop plans are usually available in your local building center as well as online. Many online plans are a free download and most have a list of all the materials you will need for completion. The best hen houses are built by hand, with your specific needs in mind.
As you plan your chicken housing, be sure to account for the number of chickens you plan to have and the climate you live in. Grown chickens require four square feet of space at a minimum. So for every three full-grown hens you plan to keep, you will need twelve square feet of space.
Of course, the more space they have, the happier (and healthier) the hens will be. A larger space will significantly cut down on squabbling and it gives your hens more opportunity for exercise, and decreases the threats of illnesses that are prevalent in close quarters.
There are also chicken coop kits available that have all of the construction materials included. Most backyard coop kits are sized for three chickens and anything larger will probably be cost prohibitive.
If you just want a couple of hens, you can buy a ready to go coop and run online. These units usually sit right on the ground and are not secure against even medium sized predators. They can be easily moved, making them more convenient. As a secondary day pen, they can be perfect as a way to easily allow movement to fresh areas of the yard.
When building your own, be wary of construction materials that might be hazardous to birds or eggs. Wood that has been pressure treated to prevent termites and rot can have traces of arsenic in it. Also, be careful you don't:do not use paint that could contain lead. Whatever your chickens eat will end up in their eggs and thus on your plate.
If you're new to raising hens, you may not know that chicken wire actually gives very little protection to hens. Animals like dogs, coyotes, raccoons, fox, skunks, and others can get through chicken wire easily.
When you are thinking about your chicken coop plans, chicken wire should only be used on the bottom of the cage to keep predators from digging under. It's a great deterrent for that because the animal doesn’t have the leverage needed to tear through from underneath. He will either get discouraged or will hurt his paws on the wire and give up.
Use a heavier gauge wire mesh on the sides and top of your outdoor run to protect your hens. Even if your coop provides for lock down at night, many predators will still try to get through to eat leftover grain, drink from their water, and will try to get into the coop itself.
If there are raccoons in your area, you may have to use a padlock to keep them out of the coop. A slide bolt or hasp is easily beaten by a chicken-killing, veteran raccoon. Your chicken coop plans should take into account the type of predators that are in your area.
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If you take everything into account and do it right, a diy chicken coop can be the beginning of an enjoyable hobby for you and your family.
For plans and designs, go to chicken coop designs .
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