How To Build A Chicken Coop – The Best Chicken Coop Building Techniques

Warm shelter is a necessity for chickens. Chickens require a home in which predators are kept at bay and are prevented from absconding with their babies in the dark. A dry place is necessary in times of inclement weather. It is important that a chicken coop is tightly constructed because drafts can be dangerous for its inhabitants. Anyone who has yet to build their first chicken coop can certainly learn some of the most effective construction methods.

First, decide on a location for your chicken coop. Novice coop builders far to frequently select a location, but fail to examine the condition of the ground in advance. It is never a good idea to build a coop on ground where moisture tends to accumulate.

Dry ground is crucial for chickens. Chicken coops should always be build on a level surface, but never directly on the dirt itself. It may be that you have had the experience of a rodent or a snake invading a shed or outbuilding on your property. Those are the types of pests able to find their way into chicken coops sitting on flat ground, regardless of the amount of chicken wire surrounding the structure.

Such invaders approach not only on land. Large predatory birds and hawks have the ability to swoop in, grab small chickens and fly away. Chickens also require protection from such threats while they are outside of the coop structure.

High humidity within the coop itself can be harmful to chickens. It is important to ensure proper ventilation in the coop. Certain coops incorporate a basic vent, and others integrate an operable screen window.

Sometimes, in the interest of economy, coop builders simply put a hole in the wood structure and paper it over with screen material, though this is unwise. Any system of ventilation must be capable of being opened and closed when inclement weather hits, or otherwise constructed so that rain and wind cannot infiltrate the coop.

Because chickens are not able to fly as nimbly as other bird species, be certain that their perches are low enough to prevent injury should they fall. There should be no more than three or four feet between the perch and the ground.

All nesting boxes must be located lower than the chickens’ perches so that they do not become their permanent beds, and they need to be sufficiently deep to provide comfort.

As you build your nesting boxes, it is crucial that you construct a slanted top, since chickens tend to roost on flat surfaces. If the chickens are permitted to roost on a top without a slanted surface, as they relieve themselves, their waste material will accumulate at a rapid pace.

There should also be a ledge built into the front of the nesting box in order to provide chickens with a way to balance themselves as they enter and exit the nest. By adhering to these proven techniques, you will be able to construct a durable, functional chicken coop.