| The first step to building a chicken coop is planning | | | | windows face the south. Yes, when you build |
| properly. There are many common errors when | | | | your chicken coop, you need windows for proper |
| building a chicken coop. Here are some tips to help | | | | ventilation. With the windows of your coop facing |
| you avoid those mistakes and begin enjoying the | | | | south, it will allow for cooling ventilation in the |
| benefits of raising chickens! | | | | summers and will help to keep warmth in during |
| The very first thing to determine is how many | | | | the winters. Depending on the climate where you |
| chickens and hens will this coop house? The most | | | | are building your chicken coop, you may want to |
| common mistake is building a coop too small. The | | | | use slider windows in a cooler climate. For a |
| rule of thumb is generally that there should be 4 | | | | warmer climate, you may be able to get away |
| square feet per bird. So if you plan on having 4 | | | | with using wire netting, chicken wire, mesh, etc. |
| birds you should have a coop at least 4' x 4'. | | | | Now that your chickens will be protected from |
| Some say it can be smaller but for healthy | | | | the elements inside the chicken coop you have |
| chickens and the best eggs, building a bigger coop | | | | built, it is important to protect them from |
| is better if you have the room. | | | | predators. You should give the chickens ample |
| The other thing to consider in relation to the size | | | | room to move but you need to create a |
| and design when building your chicken coop is | | | | perimeter around your coop with chicken wire |
| your own access! You will want easy access to | | | | fencing that is buried into the ground 12 inches |
| clean, collect eggs, feed, and water. | | | | and above ground about 4 feet high. This will |
| Now that you have the size of the chicken coop, | | | | keep other animals from burrowing underneath or |
| where are you going to put it? You cannot simply | | | | getting over the fence. Some chicken coops are |
| build a chicken coop wherever you have room. | | | | built with wire over the top of the fencing as well |
| Your chicken coop should be in a high place to | | | | to protect from hawks or owls. These steps will |
| avoid puddling or flooding due to rain or even | | | | not only help with the chickens safety but also |
| cleaning. One hint on this subject might be to build | | | | from diseases spread by other animals. |
| your chicken coop with a very slight slant in the | | | | There you have it build a chicken coop and can |
| floor as well as the roof for proper drainage. No | | | | start enjoying bountiful fresh eggs and experience |
| one wants to deal with a damp, cranky chicken! | | | | the rewards of raising chickens in your own |
| You want to build a chicken coop where the | | | | backyard! |