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Our
chicken coop measures 6 ft x 6ft with a
12ft x 6ft run area. We have 3 nesting boxes and perches
for 8 chickens. We spent approximately $600.00 on
materials and a lot of hard labor!
It took about 4 solid weekends to complete, thanks in part
to my Finnish engineer friend who was the genius behind
the design and construction!
NEW
pictures posted including a new gate to separate the
chickens from the dogs, who tend to get a little feisty at
times and the chickens get annoyed.
Building a coop - Instructions
Planning
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 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. 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 4
Look around your property to see what you
already have available to build the chicken
coop with. Scrap lumber, plywood or even an
old shed can be used.
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
Purchase any additional building materials
based on your plans. Buy chicken wire or other
fencing to enclose the yard. Pick up feeders,
waterers and straw.
Building
Step 1
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 2
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 3
Place a latch on the door so you can secure
the coop when necessary.
Step 4
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 5
Fence the entire yard with chicken wire or
other fencing. It should be 4 feet high. Bury
the fencing 12 inches deep and angling out
away from the yard. This keeps predators from
digging into the yard.
Step 6
Cover the yard area with netting to keep hawks
and owls from preying on the hens. You can
also plant millet or other tall grasses in the
yard to give the chickens some cover.
Step 7
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.
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