| Chicken coop design plans are widely available, but | | | | Understand neighborhood restrictions |
| how good are they? You need to evaluate them to | | | | If you live in a subdivision or city, there may be |
| make sure they are right for you. Let's look at some | | | | ordinances or deed restrictions that limit the types of |
| key steps that will lead you to success in building | | | | animals that you can keep on your property. Do your |
| your chicken coop! | | | | due diligence here, or you may be turned in to the |
| Make It Big Enough For Your Needs | | | | animal control department and forced to give up your |
| This sounds simple, but sometimes people go | | | | chickens. It's better not to start raising chickens if |
| overboard on a project without thinking through | | | | the rules don't allow it. |
| what they really need. If you plan to raise 20-30 | | | | Select durable materials |
| chickens, you will need a larger chicken coop than if | | | | Your chicken coop design will likely be in an open |
| you were only raising 4-6 chickens. Let your flock | | | | outdoor area. Select wood for the structure that has |
| size be a key driver as you evaluate different | | | | been treated to be water resistant. Rafters should |
| designs. | | | | be at least 2x4 lumber, while using 4x4 posts will |
| Make It Chicken Friendly! | | | | provide a strong foundation. Shingles or metal roofing |
| Your chickens will be better egg producers if their | | | | should be secured against a ½ inch plywood |
| chicken coop design gives them the freedom to | | | | deck. |
| move around, a secure nesting box and perch, and | | | | Use these key steps to guide you in evaluating your |
| easy access to food and water. The design should | | | | chicken coop design plans. You will be glad you did, |
| be sturdy enough to provide shelter from severe | | | | and the result will be a quality coop that you can use |
| weather, as well as keep out predators. | | | | for years to come! |