Raising chickens in your backyard is not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it also provides you with fresh eggs every day. And to give your feathered friends a comfortable home, building a chicken coop is essential. Don’t worry if you’re new to this; we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the entire process of building a backyard chicken coop from scratch. So grab your tools, and let’s get started on creating the perfect abode for your chickens!
Planning and Preparation
Before you start constructing the coop, proper planning and preparation are crucial to ensure that it meets all the needs of your chickens.
1. Determine the Size of Your Coop
The size of your chicken coop mainly depends on how many birds you plan on housing. As a general rule, each chicken requires at least 2-3 square feet of space inside the coop and 8-10 square feet in an outdoor run (the fenced-in area where they can roam freely during daylight hours).
For example:
- For 4 chickens: A minimum coop size of 8-12 square feet with an outdoor run of 32-40 square feet.
- For 6 chickens: A minimum coop size of 12-18 square feet with an outdoor run of 48-60 square feet.
Remember that these are just the minimum requirements; providing more space will help keep your chickens happy and healthy.
2. Selecting Materials
Choose materials that are durable and weather-resistant since the coop will be exposed to various elements throughout different seasons. Some common materials used for building chicken coops include:
Wood
Wood is often used for framing and siding because it’s readily available, easy to work with, and provides natural insulation against heat or cold.
Wire Mesh
Wire mesh is essential for constructing the outdoor run to keep predators out while still allowing fresh air and sunlight in. Opt for a strong, galvanized wire mesh with small openings (1/2-inch or 1/4-inch) to prevent any unwanted visitors from reaching your chickens.
Roofing
Roofing materials can range from simple tarpaulins and corrugated metal sheets to asphalt shingles. Choose one that suits your budget and skill level, but make sure it provides adequate protection against rain and snow.
3. Decide on the Coop’s Design
There are countless chicken coop designs available online, ranging from simple A-frames to elaborate multi-story structures. When choosing a design, consider factors like ease of cleaning, ventilation, access to nesting boxes, and security against predators.
If you’re new to woodworking or construction, it’s best to start with a basic design that meets all these requirements without being too complicated.
Building Your Chicken Coop: Step by Step
Now that you’ve planned everything out let’s get down to building the actual chicken coop!
Step 1: Construct the Base Frame
The base frame serves as the foundation for your entire chicken coop. It should be made of pressure-treated wood since it will be in direct contact with the ground.
- Cut four pieces of pressure-treated 2x4s according to the dimensions of your planned coop size.
- Lay them out on a flat surface in a rectangular shape.
- Connect each corner using L-brackets or strong wood screws (at least 3 inches long).
Ensure that the frame is square by measuring its diagonals – they should be equal if everything is aligned correctly.
Step 2: Install Floor Supports
Adding floor supports will help reinforce your base frame and provide additional stability for your chickens’ living area.
- Measure and cut several more pressure-treated 2x4s; these will be installed perpendicular to the longer sides of your base frame.
- Space them evenly apart (usually 16 inches) and attach them using wood screws.
Step 3: Add Flooring
Plywood is a popular choice for coop flooring, as it’s durable and easy to clean. Cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood according to your base frame dimensions and secure it on top of the floor supports with wood screws.
Don’t forget to leave an opening for a clean-out door – this will make it much easier for you to remove soiled bedding in the future!
Step 4: Build the Coop Walls
Now that your base is ready, it’s time to build the walls of your chicken coop. You can use regular lumber or reclaimed wood for this part.
- Measure and cut pieces of 2x4s for the wall framing, accounting for windows or ventilation openings if necessary.
- Construct each wall separately by attaching vertical studs between horizontal top plates and bottom plates.
- Make sure all openings are properly framed before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Attach Wall Siding
Wooden siding options include T1-11 panels, tongue-and-groove boards, or even pallet wood if you’re going for a rustic look. No matter what material you choose, make sure it provides adequate protection against weather elements.
- Measure and cut your siding material according to your coop’s dimensions.
- Use exterior-grade screws or nails to attach siding panels over wall frames, making sure they overlap at corners for better sealing.
Step 6: Install Windows and Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential in keeping your chickens healthy by allowing fresh air circulation while preventing moisture buildup inside their living quarters.
- If you haven’t already done so during wall construction, cut out appropriate-sized openings in both walls and siding materials where windows or vents will be installed.
- Install windows, which can be as simple as attaching a piece of plexiglass or acrylic sheet over the opening using screws and washers. Alternatively, build a wooden window frame for added insulation during colder months.
- For ventilation openings, cover them with wire mesh on the inside to prevent predators from entering while still allowing airflow.
Step 7: Construct the Roof
A sloping roof design is ideal for drainage and preventing snow accumulation during winter months.
- Build a roof frame by attaching rafters (usually 2x4s) to horizontal ridge boards at an angle.
- Cover the roof frame with plywood sheathing or oriented strand board (OSB).
- Attach your chosen roofing material over the sheathing, ensuring it overlaps at the edges and has proper flashing around any vent pipes or other protrusions.
Step 8: Create Nesting Boxes
Chickens need nesting boxes where they can lay their eggs comfortably and safely.
- Build separate compartments within your coop by partitioning off a small section using plywood or wooden boards.
- Line each compartment with soft bedding materials like straw or wood shavings to provide cushioning for your chickens’ delicate eggs.
- Make sure nesting boxes are easily accessible through either an external hinged door or a removable panel so you can collect eggs without disturbing your chickens too much.
Step 9: Set Up Perches and Roosts
Chickens instinctively prefer to sleep off the ground – providing perches for them to roost on will help keep them happy and secure in their new home.
- Use sturdy branches, dowels, or even leftover pieces of lumber as perching materials; just ensure they’re smooth without any sharp edges that could harm your birds.
- Install perches horizontally across your coop at varying heights but far enough away from walls to prevent drafts on sleeping birds.
Step 10: Build and Attach the Outdoor Run
Finally, it’s time to create a safe outdoor space for your chickens to roam freely during the day.
- Measure and cut pieces of pressure-treated lumber for run framing – this can be as simple as four corner posts with horizontal supports connecting them.
- Wrap galvanized wire mesh around the entire structure, making sure all edges are securely fastened using staples or screws with washers.
- Create an access door in the wire mesh that aligns with your coop’s entrance, so chickens can move between their living quarters and outdoor run without any issues.
How To Build A Backyard Chicken Coop Conclusion
And there you have it – a cozy backyard chicken coop built by your own hands! With proper planning and execution, building a chicken coop doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your happy chickens thrive in their new home while supplying you with farm-fresh eggs every day!
