Are you considering building a chicken coop for your own flock or thinking of getting chickens for their delicious fresh eggs?
If you’re looking to house around a dozen chickens, building your own coop can be a rewarding and cost-effective option.
In this post, we’ll share our experience of building a strong and easy DIY backyard chicken coop that meets our requirements for simplicity, quality, easy egg access, and comfort and security for our chickens.
Read on to learn how we did it and get inspired to build your own!
Before You Build a Coop
A crucial step before building your DIY backyard chicken coop is to ensure you’re complying with local regulations and considering important factors that will impact your project’s success.
Research City Ordinances
There’s no point in investing time, money, and effort into building a coop only to discover you’re violating city ordinances.
Research your local regulations to determine if there are any restrictions on flock sizes, building codes, or zoning laws that may affect your project.
Factors to Consider Before Building
Before you start building, assume that you’ll need to consider the following important factors:
- Your flock size and breed: This will influence the coop’s size, layout, and features.
- Climate and weather: You’ll need to ensure your coop can withstand local weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, wind, or precipitation.
- Space and layout: Consider the available space for your coop, including the size of your yard and any obstacles or limitations.
- Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on materials, tools, and features.
- Time and labor: Assess how much time and effort you can dedicate to building and maintaining your coop.
- Security and predator protection: Think about the measures you’ll need to take to protect your chickens from predators and potential threats.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance: Design your coop with easy cleaning and maintenance in mind to ensure a healthy environment for your chickens.
- Assume that you’ll need to make adjustments as you go along, and be prepared to adapt to any unexpected challenges or changes.
For instance, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may need to invest in insulation, ventilation, or heating/cooling systems to ensure your chickens’ comfort and safety. Similarly, if you have limited space, you may need to opt for a smaller coop or get creative with your design.
- Consider your chickens’ behavior and needs: Think about their natural habits, such as roosting, nesting, and foraging, and design your coop accordingly.
- Plan for future expansion: If you anticipate growing your flock or adding new features, design your coop with scalability in mind.
- Assume that you’ll need to make adjustments as you go along, and be prepared to adapt to any unexpected challenges or changes.
The Decision to Build a Coop
Any homeowner who has ever considered raising backyard chickens knows that a sturdy and safe coop is imperative for their well-being. For you, building a DIY chicken coop may seem like a daunting task, but trust us, it’s worth the effort.
Our Experience with a Previous Coop
For us, the decision to build a new coop was prompted by our previous experience with a makeshift coop. We had converted an old shed on our property into a coop, but it had its limitations.
The floor had soft spots, and the structure was prone to flooding. We even had a close encounter with a raccoon! It was clear that our chickens needed a better and safer home.
The Need for a New Coop
Coop maintenance and repairs can be a significant challenge, especially when you’re dealing with a structure that’s not designed specifically for chickens.
Our old coop was stressing out our birds, and we could see it in their behavior and egg production. We knew we had to act fast to provide them with a safe and comfortable environment.
With a new coop, we could ensure our chickens had a dry, predator-proof, and healthy space to thrive.
We could also incorporate features like electricity, easy cleaning, and convenient egg collection. It was time to take our backyard chicken-keeping to the next level!
Time for Predator Protection
Not only did we need a new coop, but we also needed to prioritize predator protection. Our previous coop had its vulnerabilities, and we couldn’t afford to risk losing our beloved chickens to predators.
Why We Needed a New Coop
Little did we know, our old coop was a ticking time bomb waiting for disaster to strike. With soft spots in the floor and a flood-prone location, it was only a matter of time before our chickens fell prey to predators.
We had a close call with a raccoon, and it was a wake-up call to prioritize their safety.
Choosing a DIY Chicken Coop Plan
Clearly, we needed a coop that would provide a safe and secure environment for our chickens. We searched online for DIY chicken coop plans that met our requirements, and after narrowing down our options, we chose a plan that fit our needs.
Predator protection was at the top of our list when selecting a coop plan. We wanted a design that would keep our chickens safe from raccoons, coyotes, and other predators that might threaten their well-being.
Our chosen plan included features like hardware cloth on the windows, a secured chicken run door, and an automatic door that would close at night to keep predators out. With these features in place, we could rest assured that our chickens would be safe and sound in their new coop.
Our Backyard Chicken Coop Requirements
Unlike commercial chicken farms, our backyard chicken coop needed to meet specific requirements to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of our flock.
Raised Off the Ground
Some of the benefits of raising the coop off the ground include good ventilation beneath the coop, a dry and flood-free area, and a comfortable space for the chickens to hang out. They love to dust bathe or seek temporary protection from predators under the coop.
Holding Up to 12 Chickens
If you’re planning to keep a small to medium-sized flock, you’ll want a coop that can comfortably accommodate them. Our coop design has 24 square feet of space, which is suitable for up to 12 chickens, depending on their breed and size.
Coop design and size play a crucial role in determining the comfort and health of your chickens. A well-designed coop with adequate space can help reduce stress and promote healthy egg production.
Having Electricity
On top of the basic necessities, we wanted to add some modern conveniences to our coop, including electricity. This allows us to power coop cams, automatic doors, and heat lamps during extreme weather conditions.
To ensure the safety and comfort of our chickens, we installed an automatic door that closes at a set time every night, and we also added a heat lamp for extremely cold weather.
Easy Cleaning
If you’re planning to keep your chickens healthy and happy, easy cleaning is a must. We use pine shavings in our coop to absorb chicken poop, making it easy to clean the coop through the front door.
It’s vital to maintain a clean coop to prevent the spread of diseases and keep your chickens healthy.
Safe and Secure Chickens
Some of the most critical features of our coop include an automatic door, secured doors and windows, and a safe and secure chicken run. We want to ensure our chickens are protected from predators and other potential threats.
Chicken safety is paramount, and we took every precaution to ensure our coop is secure and predator-proof.
Easy Access to Eggs
Chicken owners know that collecting eggs is one of the best parts of keeping chickens. We designed our coop with easy access to eggs in mind, including two nesting boxes and a small storage area.
Raised nesting boxes make it easy to collect eggs without disturbing the chickens, and the small storage area is perfect for keeping feed and supplies within reach.
Aesthetics
Secure and sturdy construction is vital, but we also wanted our coop to look good in our backyard. After all, you’ll be looking at it every day!
Requirements for a backyard chicken coop vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances. By prioritizing the health, safety, and comfort of your chickens, you can create a happy and thriving flock.
Handy Items to Have
Keep in mind that having the right tools and materials can make a big difference in the success of your DIY chicken coop project. Here are some handy items to have before you start building:
Automatic Chicken Coop Door
Chicken owners know how important it is to ensure their flock’s safety. An automatic chicken coop door is a great investment for your coop. It’s easy to install and can operate with a photo sensor or on a timer. We highly recommend it!
Chicken Coop Windows
Any DIY chicken coop needs proper ventilation, and windows are a great way to achieve that.
These windows are a perfect size for our coop plans, but make sure to check your plans for the correct size. We modified the window placement for our coop a little bit, putting two on one side and a third on the other for cross ventilation.
Windows are imperative for providing natural light and airflow inside the coop. They also help to regulate the temperature and keep the coop dry. Make sure to choose windows that are durable and easy to clean.
Hinges
Assuming you’re building an access door and an egg door on top of the nesting boxes, you’ll need some sturdy hinges to secure them. This pack was enough for everything we needed, and they’ve been working great so far.
Another important thing to consider is the type of hinges you use. Look for hinges that are rust-resistant and can withstand the outdoor elements.
Extension Cord Adapter
Have you ever struggled with powering your chicken coop using an extension cord? This handy adapter solves that problem! It allows you to plug your cord right into it, and then you can connect your wiring inside the coop. It’s a simple but genius solution.
Cord management is crucial when it comes to keeping your coop safe and organized. This adapter helps to keep your cords tidy and out of the way, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
The Chicken Coop Build
Now that you have your plans and materials, it’s time to start building your DIY backyard chicken coop.
Preparing the Site
To prepare the site, clear the area of any debris and level the ground. Make sure the site is dry and well-drained to prevent water from accumulating around the coop.
Framing the Walls
Build the walls of your coop using 2×3 lumber, following the design specified in your plans. You can pre-fabricate the walls in your driveway or garage to make transportation to the site easier.
Preparing the walls involves cutting and assembling the lumber according to your plan’s specifications. Make sure to use screws or nails to secure the frames together.
Setting the Posts and Elevated Base
Base your coop on an elevated platform to provide shade and protection from water. Dig holes for the posts and set them in concrete, ensuring they are level and secure.
Chicken safety is crucial, and an elevated base helps prevent predators from accessing the coop. Additionally, it allows your chickens to roam underneath, providing them with a comfortable and secure space.
Adding Rafters and Siding
Any DIY chicken coop needs a sturdy roof to protect your flock from the elements. Add rafters to support the roof, and then install siding to complete the exterior of your coop.
T1 plywood siding panels are a great option for your coop’s exterior. They provide excellent protection from the elements and are easy to install.
Installing Roof Sheathing and Windows
Walls are up, and now it’s time to add the roof sheathing. Install the sheathing material according to your plan’s specifications, ensuring a watertight seal.
Installing windows provides natural light and ventilation for your chickens. Choose windows that fit your coop’s design and ensure they are securely attached to the frame.
Priming and Painting
Base your coop’s exterior with a coat of primer, followed by a durable paint to protect it from the elements. This will help extend the life of your coop.
Coop maintenance is vital, and a well-painted exterior will make cleaning and upkeep easier. Choose a color that complements your backyard and blends in with the surroundings.
Final Touches
To complete your DIY chicken coop, add the finishing touches, such as installing the automatic door, nesting boxes, and any other features specified in your plan.
Plus, don’t forget to add bedding material, such as pine shavings, to the coop to keep it clean and comfortable for your chickens. With your coop complete, you’re ready to welcome your flock to their new home!
Coop Inspection By The Chickens
All the hard work and planning finally came together, and it was time for the most important inspection – the one by your chickens!
You’ve built a strong and easy DIY backyard chicken coop, and now it’s time to see if it meets the approval of your feathered friends. Snowball, your friendly and curious chicken, was there every step of the way during the roof installation. She’d fly up to your shoulder, inspecting your work and making sure everything was up to her standards.
As you finished the coop, Snowball and her friend Brownie gave it a thorough once-over to ensure it was habitable before they moved in. They pecked around, exploring every nook and cranny, making sure their new home was safe and comfortable.
This was a crucial moment – after all, you built this coop for them, and their happiness and well-being are what matter most. As you watched them explore their new space, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. You’d created a safe haven for your chickens, and they were thrilled with their new home.
Cost and Considerations
Once again, building a DIY backyard chicken coop requires careful planning and consideration of several factors, including cost. As you prepare to initiate on this project, it’s imperative to understand the expenses involved and make informed decisions about your coop’s design, size, and features.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Chicken Coop?
Any DIY project requires a budget, and building a chicken coop is no exception. When we built our coop, the total cost without the chicken run was about $900. Yes, it is a lot of money, but for us, quality, security, and strength of the coop were important. We needed a coop to last many years and knew we’d have chickens for years to come, so it was worth it.
What if I Need a Bigger Coop?
Assuming you have the resources, time, and energy to build a bigger coop to accommodate more chickens, go for it. Be sure to plan carefully, considering factors like space, ventilation, and predator protection.
Understanding that a larger coop may require more materials, labor, and expertise, it’s crucial to reassess your budget and priorities. You may need to adjust your design, compromise on features, or seek additional help to ensure your coop meets your needs and local regulations. Do not forget, a bigger coop also means more space to clean, maintain, and manage, so consider these factors when deciding on the size of your coop.
Summing up
Drawing together the key elements of building a strong and easy DIY backyard chicken coop, you’ve now got a comprehensive guide to create a comfortable and secure home for your flock.
From researching city ordinances to designing and building a coop that meets your requirements, you’ve taken the first steps towards whole-made living.
With a little patience, effort, and investment, you can provide your chickens with a safe and happy environment, and enjoy the benefits of fresh eggs and a fulfilling backyard experience.