DIY Chicken Coop

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Are you looking for a fun and creative way to build a chicken coop? With the right supplies, you can easily make your own DIY chicken coop that is perfectly tailored to your needs. Whether you want to convert an existing garden shed into a coop, build a new one from scrap wood, or even make one inside of an existing barn, you’ll find the ideal solution for your flock using these simple instructions.

When raising chickens, having a coop they thrive in will make it so you can enjoy farm fresh eggs all year long.

Before we talk about different ways to DIY a chicken coop, let’s first go over a few questions.

Is it cheaper to build your own chicken coop?

It can definitely be cheaper to build your own chicken coop compared to buying a pre-made one. Building your own coop allows you to shop for the best materials and supplies at the most affordable prices. You may even be able to find your supplies at yard sales or online.

You also have more control over the size and design of the coop, so you can make sure that it is exactly what your chickens need. If you are handy and have some time, building your own chicken coop can be a great way to save money.

How much room do you need in a chicken coop?

The amount of room you need in a chicken coop depends on the breed and size of your chickens. Generally, you will need at least 3-4 square feet per bird. You should also make sure to leave enough space for nesting boxes and perching areas. Additionally, consider providing extra space so that the chickens can stretch their wings and move around freely within the coop.

DIY Chicken Coop Ideas

Finding the best coop for your hens will depend on a few key factors.

1. What is the size of your flock? Be sure you have enough room inside your coop for the number of chickens you have.
2. Will your flock grow over the years? If so, you may want to go bigger now so you do not have to make improvements later.
3. Do you have predators? If so, you will want to secure any cracks or openings in your coop as you build it.
4. Do you live in a wet area? If so, you will want to keep your coop off the ground a few inches to keep the inside dry.
5. Do you live in a hot climate? If so, providing plenty of shade outside and ventilation for good airflow will help.

Convert a Wooden Shed into a Coop

If you are lucky enough to have a garden shed that is no longer in use, it can easily be transformed into the perfect home for your chickens.

1. Clean out the shed and remove any debris or materials that could harm the chickens.
2. Check the floor for any repairs needed.
3. Remove dust, dirt, or cobwebs from the sides and ceiling.
4. Add in a small door, a doggie door works great, that opens outside to the run.
5. If the opening is up off the ground, build a small ramp from scrap wood.
6. Install a chicken roost or small ladder.
7. Set up nesting boxes, you will want 1 box for every 4-6 chickens.
8. If there are any windows, clean them and check them over for cracks.
9. Install ventilation at the top of the coop for airflow.
10. Inspect your coop for any cracks or openings where mice or other predators can get in.

Build a Coop From Scrap Wood

If you don’t have a shed or other outbuilding to work with, you can always make your own coop using scrap wood. You can purchase easy chicken coop plans to work from here!

1. Measure the size of the space that will become your chicken coop.
2. Remember, you will need plenty of room for roosts and perches inside and enough space for your chickens to move around.
3. Use two-by-fours or other scrap wood pieces to form the frame of the structure and attach them together with screws or nails.
4. Add a solid material for the walls. Metal, wood boards, or full sheets of plywood all work great.
5. Be sure you have a door for the chickens to get in and out of the run. A doggie door works great for this.
6. Add in ventilation near the roof for adequate airflow.
7. Install a chicken roost or small ladder.
8. Set up nesting boxes, you will want 1 box for every 4-6 chickens.
9. Windows are not necessary but a nice addition if you have a few lying around.
10. Inspect your coop for any cracks or openings where mice or other predators can get in.

Coop Inside of a Barn

If you have an existing barn, you can create the perfect home for your chickens inside by turning a stall into a full chicken coop. This option works best with small flocks of 2-4 hens.

1. Clean out any debris from the area.
2. Install chicken wire along the sides of the pen to keep chickens safely inside.
3. Put a top on the stall area to keep your birds from getting out.
4. You can also extend the walls up to the ceiling giving your hens more room.
5. Use a step ladder as a chicken roost.
6. Set up nesting boxes, you will want 1 box for every 4-6 chickens.

Things to Remember When Building a Coop

When building a coop for your chickens, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure the structure is sturdy and secure so that it won’t collapse with the weight of your chickens or from weather conditions.

Second, be sure to use chicken-friendly materials like wood and wire that will provide proper ventilation while also keeping predators out. Thirdly, make sure the coop is big enough to comfortably house all of your chickens, with plenty of perches and roosts as well as nesting boxes.

Get Creative With Your Coop

A DIY chicken coop doesn’t have to be boring. Once you have the basics down, feel free to get creative and add any design details that will make your chickens feel comfortable and safe in their home.

1. You can paint the walls and use bright colors to make the inside of the coop more inviting.
2. Add decorations like artificial plants, rocks, or old logs to give your chickens something fun to explore.
3. Give them toys to keep them engaged that hang from the ceiling.
4. If you do not have electricity in your coop, change solar lights.

Potential Challenges with Building a Coop

Building a chicken coop isn’t always easy and there are certain challenges you may run into along the way.

Weather – Making sure the coop is sturdy enough to withstand any weather conditions can be hard to prepare for now. Just remember to keep watch on your coop as the winter weather hits. If you see a leak after a heavy rain for example, you can fix the issue before any serious damage is done.

Predators – The same is true with predators. Usually you will not realize there is a opening until you find clues that something got into the coop. If you do, look over every corner until you find where they are getting in. Reinforce things to stop before any injuries occur. Setting live traps at night can catch the culprits to put an end to the invasions.

Cold and Hot – If you live in an area that has sever winters or very hot summers, consider adding insulation to help control those temperatures more easily.

Ask for help.

If you’re looking to build a chicken coop but don’t have any experience, it can be helpful to do some research and get advice from experienced builders before starting your project. That way, you can be sure you’re taking the right steps and won’t run into any problems along the way.

Tips for Maintaining Your Chicken Coop

Now that you have your coop built, it’s important to remember some maintenance tips for keeping it in good condition.

1. Keep the inside of the coop clean by removing soiled bedding daily along with any food scraps.
2. Each spring and fall, do a full coop clean out and sterilize the feeders, water source, roosts, and nesting boxes.
3. Make sure to check for signs of pests or diseases so you can stop them before things get out of hand.
4. Inspect the coop for damages frequently and repair any parts that are beginning to wear out.

By following these tips, you can ensure your chickens have a safe and healthy home to come back to each day.

Building a chicken coop is a great way to get creative with the supplies on hand while providing your chickens with the perfect place to live. With a little bit of hard work and some know-how,

More Chicken Coop Resources:

• How to Turn and Old Shed Into a New Chicken Coop
• How to Build Roosts for Your Coop
• DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes.