If you’ve decided to start raising chickens, congrats! You’re about to embark on an exciting journey. However, before you can bring your new friends home, you need to establish a comfortable, safe place for them to reside. Here’s what you need to know about building a chicken coop.
Chickens Require Planning
Don’t rush the building process—take as much time as you need to form a blueprint of the chicken coop. Make sure you solidify the cost, size, functionality, and necessary maintenance. Don’t be afraid to think like a chicken. How will they roam around the space? Is there enough ventilation? Any possible escape routes?
Chickens Need Plenty of Room
This is especially important if you want to raise free-range chickens. To have a healthy and happy family of chicks, ensure they have plenty of room to roam around and roost. A cramped coop will lead to unhappy chickens—from quickly spreading illness to encouraging aggressive behavior.
Chickens Love Sunlight
This tip you need to know about building a chicken coop may come as a surprise. Chickens need plenty of natural light. It plays a large role in their egg production and mental health. Make sure your coop design allows for easy access to sunlight, whether you add big windows or even skylights.
Chickens Will Nest
Everyone loves the idea of having farm fresh eggs in the morning. But you can’t have a delicious breakfast if your hens have no place to nest. Add enough nesting boxes in the coop for each new friend to snuggle in—many people will recommend having one nest box for every four hens. They also need to be high up off the ground, so don’t forget this important detail in the design process.
Chickens Have Predators
Out of all the tips for building a chicken coop, this is perhaps the most important. All your hard work will be for nothing if your feathery friends aren’t safe. Use sturdy materials and proper fencing to ensure creatures such as snakes, foxes, and raccoons don’t infiltrate your coop.
As you embark on your chicken journey, be sure to focus on patience and the joy of having such sweet animals right outside your doorstep. It’s quite the experience!
