A fun family project, a personal hobby, or the beginning of a small business venture can be the result of a backyard chicken coop. It can be fun and satisfying to gather fresh eggs, but selling the eggs for a premium price is awesome.
The first step in starting with a chicken coop is to know how many hens you want to end up with. If you do not plan to have your hens brood any chicks, then a small coop to house your hens is fine.
You can start your chicken coop in the backyard with plans or a kit ordered from a good supplier. There are a lot of them to choose from. For only two to three chickens, you can order a complete, ready-to-use kit. Some of these small coops can be utilized as mobile "chicken tractors" around the yard. This safely allows your hens to have access to fresh grass, greens, and bugs.
When building your own coop, beware of unsafe construction materials like treated lumber or lead-based paint. Lumber that is treated to prevent rot, mildew, and insect infestation can contain poisons and chickens will peck at anything. When you chickens ingest those toxins, you can be sure those toxins will be passed to their eggs.
When you are planning a backyard chicken coop some things to consider before you begin building are:
Most hens require at least 4 feet square of space each (Bantams require half that).
You must keep roosters separated or they will fight and kill one another.
Use chicken wire on the bottom of the cage to keep predators from digging under, but use something heavier to keep them out from the sides as chicken wire is often easily broken.
Treated lumber contains arsenic.
The coop's nesting area needs to be water tight, up off the ground, and secured against predators. Raccoons, in particular, love chickens and their eggs and are smart enough to get through most simple locks.
Consider your climate when constructing your coop - if you live in cold weather, you should plan its construction (and the breed of chicken) carefully. Every breed is different, so learn about them and choose the one best-suited to your climate. Availability at the local feed store does not guarantee they are good for your climate.
To maximize egg production, choose a breed that has a long laying cycle. Meat chicken breeds should be fast growing and ready for the freezer by 16 weeks. Check them all out as there are hundreds of breeds to choose from.
Many successful chicken coop in the backyards have been made from dog houses, potting sheds, and outdoor tool sheds. You can design coops to fit your landscape or architecture. Any design is possible, it is only your imagination that limits how your coop will look.
If children will want to be able to interact with your hens, be certain you buy hens that have a gentle disposition. Breed research will enable you to choose wisely, since disposition varies greatly between breeds, and get the most out of your chicken coop in the backyard.
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