There are simple chicken coops that you can build yourself. Designs, plans, details, tips, and other information needed to build one can be found almost anywhere.
If you are going to build a simple chicken coop, here are some random reminders that might help:
1. The plans you would use to make your chicken coop should be easy to follow and should fit your location and the number of chickens you will be raising.
2. When building your chicken coop, pay attention to details that will help protect your flock from predators. Make sure the base is buried at least 10 inches below ground to prevent burrowing predators from entering the coop.
3. To make it easier for you to clean up litter, place a plastic “catcher” under the floor (if the coop is raised) to catch droppings. All you need to do is separate the plastic during cleanup days.
4. Build your coop with your area’s climate in mind. If you live in a place where the weather is unpredictable (rainy one day, sunny the next), choose mobile chicken coop designs instead so you can move it around without too much trouble if you need your chickens to shelter.
5. Build your coop in such a way that it can be easily cleaned. One way to do this is to build the floor slightly sloped. This would allow you to rinse droppings and dirt down to the lower area where they can then be easily collected.
6. Plan the position of your chicken coop in relation to the sun. The coop window should face the morning sun to remove any moisture that could cause the chickens to get sick.
7. Create a comfortable place for chickens to lay their eggs. The ideal number is one nest for every three chickens. Place nest boxes in the darkest part of the coop as hens do not like to lay eggs in light.
8. Don’t forget to put a light in the chicken coop. A single bulb can provide the light needed for a simple. It can be placed in the area where chickens are fed. It could also provide warmth during the winter months.
9. Build your chicken coop where you can see it from the window of your house. If you are standing in front of the kitchen sink, you should be able to see the chicken coop through the window. That would allow you to keep an eye on your chickens without having to stand guard 24/7.
Above are nine reminders for building simple chicken coops; here’s the tenth: Get to work!