When it comes to building a chicken coop for your backyard, you don’t have to be a master craftsman to get the job done, but there are a few essentials that you should look at before you begin. Taking the time to do a little pre-planning will ensure that the finished article matches the idea you have in your head.

The Initial Planning Phase.

You shouldn’t even consider starting any kind of construction until you have clearly defined the measurements of the area will the finished coop will end up. once that has been established, it will be much easier to narrow down the size and style of the coop, which can be a tough process in itself. there are tons of free plans online, but be sure to select one that fits the size of your area, your budget and your building prowess. If you aren’t that handy with a hammer, then keep it simple.

Materials And Protection.

Most chicken coops are constructed of wood and chicken wire, both of which can be purchased relatively cheaply if you take the time to shop around. that doesn’t mean that you should use substandard materials, as you want to be sure that your chickens are well protected from outside forces like the weather, and natural predators that will stop at nothing to get their teeth on your fowl. Build on a budget, but keep strength and quality in mid as you go.

Light And Ventilation.

Chicken are a lot like humans in that they like to be warm, dry and have a nice flow of fresh air running through their living space. Keeping them happy will make ensure that they produce eggs and remain healthy, and in order to that, you must make sure that the coop is well ventilated, and if you live in an area that is subject to cold and moisture, make sure that the walls are insulated so that your feathered friends stay warm and dry. One good way to provide ventilation and light is to install windows, and for maximum effect, have them face south, as this will provide the most amount of direct sunlight throughout the course of the day. You could also install an electric light in the hen house which will provide both light and warmth for your chickens.

Water And Feeder Placement.

The final step in making sure that your coop is perfect, and that your chickens are happy, is to make sure that are regularly fed and watered. Where you place the waterers and feeders will actually help you maintain the cleanliness of the coop interior. Chickens love to scratch, and if you leave the feeders too low, chanced are a lot of that food is going to end up all over the floor. Place the feeder at the same height as the chickens back, as this will mean they have to stretch a little to get at the food, but not so much that it will be uncomfortable.

That may seem like a lot of things to keep in mind, but with the correct planning, and a good set of plans, building your chicken coop can be a fun, rewarding experience.