DIY Backyard Chicken Coops – The Ins and Outs
These days, there are many sites on the web offering ways and methods on how to build a chicken coop. The advice can vary anywhere from the type such as a cage or a hutch to the size that is small in plan or large in plan along with different designs or write ups on how you can be better prepared to build one by yourself.
As you may have already gathered a chicken coop isn’t a very complicated place of residence. However, the correct procedure that would be followed when building a house for any living creature should be adhered to here as well.
Therefore the necessity for some sort of expertise in the matter of building a coop, cage or a hutch is called for. Both the aspects that are correct in construction and the building of it in the correct way using the right materials are needed.
What are the appropriate aspects?
In order to prevent a waste of money and time into a structure that will collapse in a short span of time, the foundation of the coop must be made of treated lumber or cedar. The reason for using the treated wood is so as to prevent the quick natural rotting procedure that occurs with all wood when they come in contact with the ground.
According to the usual methods a hole 16 to 24 inches in diameter and around 48 inches deep is dug and some cement columns are poured into it so as to provide a strong base. Then the lumber post is either directly put into it or a bracket is first fixed and the treated lumber is then attached to it.
Another aspect that must be kept in mind, and absolutely essential for life, is the ventilation as the north frequently faces extreme weather conditions. Although you may have a number of windows you might want to also put a kind of a ridge vent or any other available natural form of ventilation.
What this will do is help to maintain the roof of your construction and also aid in keeping the coop in an acceptable and relaxing condition during the summer months when it is hot. The severe weather elements can be kept at bay by aligning, fixing, and sealing them to a weather strip. If you forget to put this in place it is going to cost you a lot more money in the days to come, in excess of that you invested in constructing the coop and not to forget what you may spend on your birds.
The entire construction can become unstable due to improper sealing, which will allow elements such as the rain, wind and cold to enter your coop. In addition the health of your flock can also be adversely affected. In addition to the windows the doors should also be aligned and weather sealed. Installing a spring and self-latching knob can also be useful as it will put your mind at ease when it comes to the wind blowing open the door and allowing the weather and perhaps even predators to enter without any obstacles or controls.
Insulation can also be placed such as a 1-inch foam within the roof of the coop if you are living in the north.
Why is it necessary to use a design for a chicken coop?
Since we have all been gifted with varying degrees of skills and talents not all of us can create a meticulous coop just from looking at a picture, therefore for those of us who could use some assistance checking out instructions to put it together step by step is very useful.
So unless you were born with those talents do not ignore the experts and their advice. As I had mentioned before a lot of advice can be procured from the net and if you wish to build an unbelievable chicken coop do some research and get this information.
Sometimes some plans can be got at a reasonable price. Such plans will assist you step by step and help you save money on all sorts of materials and mistakes that might occur if you ventured out without them such as having doors that may not shut or windows that may not open or even a roof that leaks.
In conclusion, if you wish to enjoy the numerous benefits of taking care of chickens like their meat , eggs and the general fun connected with raising them do not ignore the fact that a well-constructed chicken coop is a priority.
Building Your Own Chicken Run – Getting Started
To create a healthy environment for your chickens a good quality chicken run is essential. The first thing you need to do is decide how much space you can allot to your coop.
In general you should allow at least ten square feet per chicken so make sure you have enough room before buying your chickens. You should never crowd too many chickens into your chicken run.
Chickens can be quite territorial and need enough personal space to move about, if they don’t have enough space they are more likely to fight with each other. It is also worth remembering that chickens produce far more eggs if they have a comfortable environment. This includes things like having plenty of light, good nesting facilities, fresh air and access to some open space for exercise.
With this in mind, follow the steps below when planning your chicken run and get the most from your space.
Step 1 – Your chicken run should be connected to your coop so as to avoid having to move the chickens from one area to another. Using twine or yarn and some tent pegs or small branches, mark out the area of your planned chicken run, remembering to allow at least ten feet by ten feet for every chicken.
Step 2 – Make sure you use materials of high quality that will stand the test of time. Make ground rails inside the parameter of your space using untreated 2 x 4″ boards. Treated wood can be toxic to chickens so make sure the wood is untreated.
Next, to create the frame for your chicken run, plant 4 x 4″ posts at intervals around your parameter. You should sink the posts about 6 – 12″ down, if you live in an area that gets a lot of wet weather you may need to use concrete.
Hardware mesh is available from most building supply stores or home improvement depots and is much preferable to “chicken wire” as it gives more protection from predators and is much stronger in rough weather.
Step 3 – Chickens need to drink a lot of water so build the a trough in an area that they are likely to pass often during the day. Use a good heavy trough or pan and connect it to a water supply. Make sure to keep all food and water dishes clean so as to not attract vermin.
Step 4 – Chickens need a good supply of grit from the soil in order to grind their food. If your soil is too fine place some ground oyster shell in a bowl or on the ground in the run.
If you have provided your chickens with enough room and a safe, comfortable environment you can be sure of having a plentiful supply of good eggs and your chicken will be healthy, happy, and productive.
DIY Chicken Coop Design Guide
Do you want to know how to build a poultry housing in your back yard?
If you do, check out the Building A Chicken Coop plans by Bill Keene. Bill is an seasoned chicken farmer with more than 20 years experience.
His DIY chicken coop plans was created to teach you how to build a small, medium and also large chicken coop on a shoestring budget. For more information, click on the link below and see what Bill has to offer.
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What You Ought To Know About DIY Chicken Run
In order to keep your chickens healthy, you need to have a proper chicken run. You should allow for at least 10 square feet of open range area per chicken. It is wise not to buy chickens until your chicken coop and run are completely set up. This will ensure that you do not overcrowd your chickens.
Chickens require personal space; if they do not have enough space to run around, they end up fighting for their own territory. In addition, chickens will not produce well if they do not have adequate light, ventilation and exercise space.
Follow these easy steps in order to create the ideal chicken coop and run for your space.
Step 1
Attach the chicken run to the coop. This will prevent you from having to constantly move chickens from the coop to the run. Make an outline of the projected chicken run you will use by using placing pencils or sticks in the ground and running a string along the border. Make sure you allow each chicken 10 square feet of personal space.
Step 2
It is wise to use top quality materials that will last a long time and withstand the weather in your area. Make a ground rail border with 2 x 4 boards. Since treated wood can be poisonous to the chickens, you should use untreated wood.
Place 4 x 4″ posts about 6 – 12″ deep around the parameter of the chicken run. Typical runs are square or rectangle in shape. If your locale is generally wet, it is wise to anchor your posts in concrete.
“Chicken wire” is actually not an effective predator barrier. Hardware mesh is a better building material. You can find hardware mesh in most hardware stores.
Step 3
Your chicken run will need a water trough and feeder. Place your water trough in a high-traffic area as chickens drink lots of water. The best option is either a heavy round pan or a metal water trough that is connected to water. It is important to clean the water trough and empty any uneaten food at night. If you don’t, you will invite rats.
Step 4
Chickens need grit in order for their gizzards to process food. Oyster shell is a good source of grit – set out a dish for ground oyster shells in the run. Creating a simple outdoor chicken run will help your chickens stay healthy and produce a lot of high quality eggs.
DIY Chicken Coop Design Guide
Do you want to know how to build a poultry housing in your back yard?
If you do, check out the Building A Chicken Coop plans by Bill Keene. Bill is an seasoned chicken farmer with more than 20 years experience.
His DIY chicken coop plans was created to teach you how to build a small, medium and also large chicken coop on a shoestring budget. For more information, click on the link below and see what Bill has to offer.
