Difference between revisions of "Build a Chicken Coop"
m (importing article from wikihow) |
m (Text replacement - "[[Category: C" to "[[Category:C") |
||
| (4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
#* ''Winter only coop:'' This coop is used to keep chickens inside during the winter months. Since it is unlikely that the chickens will be allowed outside during sad months, allow between 7 and 10 square feet per chicken. | #* ''Winter only coop:'' This coop is used to keep chickens inside during the winter months. Since it is unlikely that the chickens will be allowed outside during sad months, allow between 7 and 10 square feet per chicken. | ||
#* Note that egg-laying hens will also require a nesting area of at least 1 square foot per 4 hens, as well as a roosting area of {{convert|6|to|10|in|cm|1}} per chicken. Roosts should be at least {{convert|2|ft|m|1}} off the ground (the elevation will keep your chickens dry during wet weather). | #* Note that egg-laying hens will also require a nesting area of at least 1 square foot per 4 hens, as well as a roosting area of {{convert|6|to|10|in|cm|1}} per chicken. Roosts should be at least {{convert|2|ft|m|1}} off the ground (the elevation will keep your chickens dry during wet weather). | ||
| − | #Choose a location for the coop. If possible, place your coop partially underneath a large tree, which will offer shade in the summer and keep your chickens from overheating.<ref>http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20712574_21354978,00.html</ref> | + | #Choose a location for the coop. If possible, place your coop partially underneath a large tree, which will offer shade in the summer and keep your chickens from overheating.<ref name="rf1">http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20712574_21354978,00.html</ref> |
#*Sunlight encourages egg-laying, so try not to place your coop directly in the shade. Alternatively, you can use warm yellow lights inside the coop to increase egg production (white or blue light will have no effect). | #*Sunlight encourages egg-laying, so try not to place your coop directly in the shade. Alternatively, you can use warm yellow lights inside the coop to increase egg production (white or blue light will have no effect). | ||
#Know what you will need to put inside the coop. The more you add inside the coop, the less space the chickens will have. Therefore, it is important to have a clear idea of the objects you will be putting inside so that you can account for the loss of space in your building plans. | #Know what you will need to put inside the coop. The more you add inside the coop, the less space the chickens will have. Therefore, it is important to have a clear idea of the objects you will be putting inside so that you can account for the loss of space in your building plans. | ||
#* ''Perching Area.'' Often just a thick stick or piece of wood hung between the walls in the coop, and elevated perch allows for extra space, as well as a comfortable sleeping area for your chickens. | #* ''Perching Area.'' Often just a thick stick or piece of wood hung between the walls in the coop, and elevated perch allows for extra space, as well as a comfortable sleeping area for your chickens. | ||
| − | #* '' Nesting Area.'' You can make a nest by stuffing boxes or baskets with straw or sawdust. Without enough nesting space, your chickens will lay eggs on the ground, increasing the likelihood that they will break. Keep in mind that the average chicken will lay an egg every one to two days.<ref>http://howtobuildachickencoopmanual.com</ref> The size of your nesting area should reflect both the number of chickens and how often you plan to collect eggs. In general, one nesting area per 4 to 5 hens should be sufficient.<ref>http://cleancoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31&Itemid=37</ref> | + | #* '' Nesting Area.'' You can make a nest by stuffing boxes or baskets with straw or sawdust. Without enough nesting space, your chickens will lay eggs on the ground, increasing the likelihood that they will break. Keep in mind that the average chicken will lay an egg every one to two days.<ref name="rf2">http://howtobuildachickencoopmanual.com</ref> The size of your nesting area should reflect both the number of chickens and how often you plan to collect eggs. In general, one nesting area per 4 to 5 hens should be sufficient.<ref name="rf3">http://cleancoops.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31&Itemid=37</ref> |
| − | #** Other than the fact that elevated nests will discourage predation, the height of your nests is not as important as the location. Be sure that the nests are placed in a clean, dry place, and that they are separate from the roosting area (or you risk chicken manure on your eggs!).<ref | + | #** Other than the fact that elevated nests will discourage predation, the height of your nests is not as important as the location. Be sure that the nests are placed in a clean, dry place, and that they are separate from the roosting area (or you risk chicken manure on your eggs!).<ref name="rf3" /> |
#* ''Ventilation.'' To avoid disease caused by stale air, proper ventilation systems are necessary. If you plan to build a year round, closed coop, be sure to include little windows covered in chicken wire to allow for proper air flow. | #* ''Ventilation.'' To avoid disease caused by stale air, proper ventilation systems are necessary. If you plan to build a year round, closed coop, be sure to include little windows covered in chicken wire to allow for proper air flow. | ||
#* ''Dust Boxes.'' Chickens often clean themselves with dust bathing. To keep your chickens happy and smell-free, consider adding a couple boxes filled with dirt or sand. | #* ''Dust Boxes.'' Chickens often clean themselves with dust bathing. To keep your chickens happy and smell-free, consider adding a couple boxes filled with dirt or sand. | ||
#Decide whether to build a coop from scratch or repurpose an old structure. If you have an unused garage, shed, or even a large dog crate, you may be able to save yourself some work and repurpose it as a chicken coop by adding the amenities mentioned above. If you are building the coop from scratch, choose a plan that fits your needs as described above. The method outlined below will help you build a simple coop, ideal for using in conjunction with an outdoor pen. If that does not fit your needs, you can find hundreds of plans by searching "Chicken coop building plans" in your favorite search engine. | #Decide whether to build a coop from scratch or repurpose an old structure. If you have an unused garage, shed, or even a large dog crate, you may be able to save yourself some work and repurpose it as a chicken coop by adding the amenities mentioned above. If you are building the coop from scratch, choose a plan that fits your needs as described above. The method outlined below will help you build a simple coop, ideal for using in conjunction with an outdoor pen. If that does not fit your needs, you can find hundreds of plans by searching "Chicken coop building plans" in your favorite search engine. | ||
#* Consider convenience. Remember that you will need to clean out the chicken coop, as well as regularly change the food and water. If you do not want to build a coop that is large enough to stand up in, look for a plan that gives you a few options, such as multiple "access doors." | #* Consider convenience. Remember that you will need to clean out the chicken coop, as well as regularly change the food and water. If you do not want to build a coop that is large enough to stand up in, look for a plan that gives you a few options, such as multiple "access doors." | ||
| − | #* If you decide to repurpose an old structure, avoid lumber that's been coated with lead paint or that was used to house harmful chemicals, or you risk damaging the health of both you and your chickens.<ref>http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20712574_21355000,00.html</ref> | + | #* If you decide to repurpose an old structure, avoid lumber that's been coated with lead paint or that was used to house harmful chemicals, or you risk damaging the health of both you and your chickens.<ref name="rf4">http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20712574_21355000,00.html</ref> |
=== Building the Floor and Walls === | === Building the Floor and Walls === | ||
#Scale the measurements. This basic coop is {{convert|4|ft|m|1}} by 6 feet (24 square feet of floor space). If you need more or less space, feel free to scale the measurements accordingly. | #Scale the measurements. This basic coop is {{convert|4|ft|m|1}} by 6 feet (24 square feet of floor space). If you need more or less space, feel free to scale the measurements accordingly. | ||
| Line 54: | Line 54: | ||
#Add closures. Brass hook catches are an inexpensive, efficient closure to use, but any type of closure will work, so long as it is not easily opened by common predators such as dogs or skunks. | #Add closures. Brass hook catches are an inexpensive, efficient closure to use, but any type of closure will work, so long as it is not easily opened by common predators such as dogs or skunks. | ||
=== Raising the Chicken Coop === | === Raising the Chicken Coop === | ||
| − | #Add legs. While not necessary, a raised chicken coop with give your flock added protection from predators, as well as help to keep them dry during rain or snow.<ref | + | #Add legs. While not necessary, a raised chicken coop with give your flock added protection from predators, as well as help to keep them dry during rain or snow.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* Use four 2x4s for the legs. Use beefy screws to attach them to the 2x4s on the bottom corners of the chicken coop. | #* Use four 2x4s for the legs. Use beefy screws to attach them to the 2x4s on the bottom corners of the chicken coop. | ||
#Build a ladder. Attach 2x2s to a 2x4 to make a ladder that will be easy for you chickens to use, while still being too narrow for predators. Attach the ladder with a small hinge. | #Build a ladder. Attach 2x2s to a 2x4 to make a ladder that will be easy for you chickens to use, while still being too narrow for predators. Attach the ladder with a small hinge. | ||
