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A chicken coop is the most indispensable part in raising chickens. It provides shelter and a place for feeding and nesting for the fowls. Building it is a relatively easy process. Here are some pointers and guidelines on how to build a sturdy and enduring chicken coop.

Required Materials

• 2 x 4 stock
• Concrete cinder blocks
• Chicken wire or fence wire
• Insulation strips
• Nails
• Screws
• Saw
• Hammer

Planning

1. Select an elevated area to locate your chicken coop. This is to prevent the collection of water or puddles inside the coop and in the yard during a rainstorm.
2. Decide on the size that you think the coop needs to be. Birds grown for meat and laying hens need �-2 ft � of space per bird inside the coop. On the other hand, the chickens need 8-10 ft � of space per bird in the yard area.
3. Map out the coop�s interior.
4. Provide a nesting box for every 4 to 5 laying hens.
5. Provide 6 to 10 inches of perch space for each bird.
6. Draw the coop�s design on a piece of paper. Design a door wide enough to enable easy collection of eggs and cleaning.
7. Put in adequate windows for ventilation during summers and to let the sun warm the coop during winters.

Instructions

1. Install the wood post by driving them into the ground at a depth of at least 12 inches.
2. Wrap the chicken wire around the coop.
3. Attach it with a hammer and galvanized nails.
4. Block it off with the 2 x4 wood blocks.
5. Place in the insulation strips.
6. Attach the slanted roof. Use a non-rust aluminum for this part.
7. Screw the roof directly into the secured post.
8. Secure the windows by covering it with chicken wire in order to keep predators away. You may install sliding windows to completely cover the openings while still letting light in.
9. Attach a latch to the door to lock the coop if need be.
10. Set up perches and nest boxes along the length of the walls of the coop.
11. Set the perches 3 to 4 feet from the floor of the coop.
12. Fill the nest boxes with straw.
13. Use chicken wire to fence off the yard. The fence should be 4 feet high.
14. Bury the fencing 12 inches into the ground. Slant it away from the yard.
15. Plant some tall grasses around the yard to provide some cover to the chickens.

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