Meat and eggs are two benefits that come from raising chickens, but they do need shelter. You do not have to be a professional carpenter to accomplish this. It does not require excessively expensive building materials or complex plans. Chicken coops can be very simple to construct as long as you follow the suggested tips below.

Planning the chicken coop is vital. Elevating, or placing the coop on higher ground, is the first step. Doing this will keep the rain from puddling around the chicken runs and structure. Deciding how large you want the coop is your next step. One and one half to two square feet per chicken is the space the birds will need in the coop. Eight to ten square feet per bird is how big the yard should be.

Draw out your design. Keep in mind to consist of a door large sufficient that you simply can utilize in cleaning the chicken coop, as nicely as collecting eggs when required. Also believe about putting windows within the southern wall. This can supply ventilation throughout warm months, and aid in warming the eggs throughout cool months.

Materials are key, but they do not have to be expensive. Any scrap wood you have around your property will work, as well as plywood or even an old storage building. Next draw the area inside the structure, and remember that laying hens will require a nesting box. For every four to five birds one box is needed. Perch areas are important, too, and make sure you include six to ten inches of space per bird.

Next, purchase any other materials that are applicable to your plan. Chicken wire is necessary, too, for it will enclose the outer yard of the coop. Other supplies are important, as well, such as feeders, straw, and watering providers. After you have your plan and materials at the ready, begin building the coop. It is important that you try to place the coop so that its yard and front face south.

Also keep in mind that you do not want rain to gather in an onslaught over the door, so it is important that the roof has an adequate slope. Try to cover any windows with chicken wire so that you can further ensure predators remain out of the structure. A door latch is also necessary because it will allow you to secure it whenever you wish. The perches and nesting boxes need to be placed along the coop's walls. Make certain that the perches are three to four feet above the ground, and that nest boxes have adequate straw inside.

The pecking garden requirements to become enclosed with some kind of fencing, preferably chicken wire. About four feet may be the required height this fence ought to be. Tilt the fence from the garden region and bury it 1 foot beneath the ground. This will maintain predators away from your chickens. Also set a net above the garden region to protect against birds of prey. Planting grass that's tall growing is really a great idea, too.

Install the feed and water suppliers high, but no higher than the chicken's back. Dirt will stay out of the containers if you do this. Making your own chicken houses is not a very difficult endeavor. Merely follow the easy steps above and your birds will soon be able to enjoy their new home.