reading time: 4 minutes
build a chicken coop for the flock you have now; You can always expand.
The story of Chris Leslie.
When you’re planning to build a pen (and run) for your flock, either as a first-time keeper or an expert keeper, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. How many chickens do you want to keep? What are their races and genders? Why do you want to raise chickens? egg? Meat? Pets? You’ll also need to know what the climate is like in your area, what kind of weather your yard will need to withstand, and what your options are in terms of placements for a coop in your yard.
Cooperative planning
Planning your chicken coop is probably the most important step in the process, as any builder will tell you. This means first choosing a collaboration plan, which, fortunately, is readily available for free on the internet. Make sure that your barn plan matches not only your flock, but also the materials you have on hand. Many people like to build their sheds out of used or scrap materials, which can cut costs significantly. If you are using used materials, make sure that they will work with your intended barn plan or that the plan can be adapted to fit what you have on hand.
Size selection
The size of the chicken coop will, of course, depend on the size of your chickens. For regular chickens, plan for four square feet per chicken. Bantam breeds will need about two square feet each, but will enjoy having the extra vertical space. Giant breeds can need up to eight square feet apiece. These figures only apply to hens, if they have had the opportunity to exercise outside. Roosters will require additional space, and birds without a run will need at least 10 square feet of floor space each. For runs, plan for 10 square feet per chicken. Be sure to double check your specific breed, though, as some may need more space than others.
The importance of ventilation
Having proper ventilation is probably the most important thing to do right if you want to keep your chickens healthy. Heavy, continuous airflow is essential to flock health, as chickens are susceptible to a variety of respiratory infections, including colds and bird flu. Good ventilation also helps keep chickens cool in the hot months, which helps prevent heatstroke and other complications. The simplest way to add ventilation to your coop is to add two holes near the roof above the perches. They can be opened all year round, as they will not create a draft for sleeping chickens. Additional openings throughout the coop will be necessary in hot weather to keep the chickens comfortable. Fans and air exchangers can also be used to increase airflow if needed.
the expected cost
The cost of a chicken coop depends largely on the materials you use and the tools and building supplies (screws, brackets, hinges, etc.) that you already have on hand. If you order chicken coops. The pressure-treatment process fills the wood with arsenic, copper, and other toxic compounds that seep into the soil and harm chickens. If you live in a very humid area or termites are a major concern to you, it may be worth assessing the risks, but tropical hardwoods or treated softwoods are always a better choice.
construction time
Your carpentry skills and number of helpers are the biggest variables in terms of how long it will take you to build a chicken coop. Obviously, the faster option is to hire a professional carpenter, which will likely run you about $300 to $400, though labor costs will vary depending on where you live. If you’re building yourself, dedicating a weekend to the project should be enough to get it done, even for the amateur builder.
A fragile or improperly assembled coop can pose a serious risk to your chickens and their health, so careful construction and thoughtful planning are essential to getting it right. The more you know before you start the project, about chickens in general and your specific plans for your coop and flock, the better your chances of getting the right coop the first time and getting a happy, healthy flock for years to come.
If you’d like to read more and see examples of collaboration ideas, here are some helpful resources:
Shade covers: https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/coops/diy-chicken-Coop-plans-that-add-shade/
Choose the right size: https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/coops/best-chicken-coop-size/
How barn design can mitigate disease: https://backyardpoultry. iamcountryside.com/feed-health/top-5-chicken-diseases/
Find inexpensive materials: https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside. com/coops/building-a-chicken-coop-11-cheap-ideas/
Chris Leslie He has been raising backyard chickens for over 20 years and is an expert on chicken and more. She has a flock of 11 chickens (including three silkies) and teaches people all over the world how to care for healthy chickens. her, Raising Chickens: A Common Sense Beginner’s Guide to Backyard ChickensAvailable in paperback and e-book format.