Chook Me!

I want to build a small chicken coop for my backyard. It will house 2 hens and a rooster what should I build?

Public Comments

1. first make a box out of wood and cover it with chicken wire
2. Mom, you'd be better off to find either one large dog kennel or two smaller ones and put a lock on them at night. The type I'm thinking of are use for travel...are mostly plastic, have wire doors and windows. You can lock them. They are easy to clean and you can move the birds inside to a garage when the temps take a dive. or: How to build a Chicken Coop Introduction - Materials list Use the following plans and information as a guide only. These plans and information are for the most part general and should you choose to use them, it would be advisable to do a bit of your own research. Where necessary you may need to make changes to suit the local environment. The best type of information and knowledge available is local knowledge. Check with your local council to see what may or may not be required from their point of view, including any animal welfare obligations. A chicken coop is a place of shelter, a safe retreat for chickens and a place where the hens can lay their eggs. A chicken coop is accompanied by a run, which is the chickens' outside area. The scope of the run can vary greatly depending on local conditions, the type of predator (wild or domestic) that might be lurking around seeking a free chicken meal and anything else that could be a threat to the well-being of the chicken. These factors will also determine whether the chicken can be free-ranging or confined to a fenced or fully enclosed type of holding pen. This chicken coop should comfortably house at least eight chickens and generously allows for: 4.5 sq ft of space per chicken 3 nests shared between 8 chickens 9" of perch length for each chicken The design also allows for: a bit of a storage area, chicken hatchway (i.e. entrance hole), ample ventilation, ample light and a door that opens inwards and is big enough to enable easy access and cleaning of the chicken coop. The floor is designed to take "deep litter" which is at least a (3") covering of wood shavings or similar. NOTE: There is no design or allowance for any feeder system, water container or supply system. Although some people make their own, most people find it easier to purchase a feeder system /water container from the appropriate store. Materials list Excludes hardware and any feeder or water supply materials. Stock Size/ Material Used For Amount 4x4 Suitable for exterior use Skids 2 pieces at 72" 2x4 Suitable for exterior use Floor Joists and boundary joists 36 lineal ft 4x4 Corner studs 4 pieces at 72" 2x4 All framing walls and roof 150 lineal ft 2x3 Perch and perch support 8 lineal ft 2x2 Nesting perch 40" 4'x8' plywood sheets 3/4" thick suitable for exterior use Flooring, wall cladding and parts of nesting boxes 7 sheets 1x4 suitable for exterior use Cladding battens, door stop and part of nesting boxes 120 lineal ft 1x12 suitable for exterior use Part of nesting boxes 9 lineal ft 1x6 suitable for exterior use Roofing boards and litter board 200 lineal ft Tar paper, breather type building paper or similar roofing underlay. Under roofing boards 40 sq ft You will also need an assortment of hardware including nails, hinges, door latches, door bolts, window catches, Perspex/Plexiglas or similar clear acrylic sheet for use as window panes, galvanized flashings for openings where required as well as for roof ridge cap, and mesh/wire cloth/chicken wire for any permanent openings or air vents.
3. what is your reason for keeping chickens?
4. My sister made one that was tall and narrow, like a closet. She used a regular wood door that when you opened it there were nests on the shelves inside- saves room.
5. Well, before you own chickens you should think about the bird flu. Even though the bird flu is not in the USA you should take precautions. For all you know, you chickens could be the first ones to catch it.so to be safe, you might want to be a chicken coop that doesnt allow other birds to get inside. Have a nice time with your chickens!