Building a Chicken Coop - Chicken Runs, Coops and More!

Planning on building chicken runs, coops and other items can be a costly and time consuming process, but there are ways to make it flow a lot better. The biggest thing DIY builders need to realize is that planning and preparation is everything.

To start with, the builder must decide on a budget, which materials they want to use and whether they want small or large coop. Chicken runs, coops and other related items can be constructed quickly and easily with the right plans in place.

Like any professional, start by assessing the functionality of the coop or what exactly is needed from it. There are plenty of things to think about, but here are the most common.

Space

When planning chicken coops, runs and other items, the builder needs to ensure that there is enough space for their animals to roam around in. If they are not comfortable in their environment, then egg production will definitely decrease.

Most coops will provide chickens with around 3.5 square foot for each animal there.

Chicken runs, coops and other items all should have different specifications. The house itself should be the one providing 3.5 square foot per animal, where as the run should be around three times this size.

Accessibility

There needs to be a clear way for the owner of the coop and run to access it. This might be a simple hinged door for the run, where as the coop might be slightly more complicated.

Either way, the owner of the animals needs to be able to get in on a regular basis. Accessibility is crucial, as it will save time when feeding the animals, as well as cleaning them out on a regular basis.

Protection from predators

Using some kind of hard wire is essential to ensure that predators do not get in. The problem with a lot of chicken coops, runs and similar items is that they are not well enough protected.

Do not risk the lives of animals by not building a coop that is sturdy enough to deter predators from entering.

Design and materials

Obviously both of these are down to personal preference, but the design really needs to incorporate a few things. Firstly chicken coops, runs and other wooden things should all be constructed from high quality materials. This will ensure they actually last a long time.

Next thing is the design; ensure that the coop itself is raised, to stop it getting wet in times of flooding. Remember it is a combination of being accessible for the owner and comfortable for the chickens.