The Family Handyman Chicken Coop: A Complete Guide to Building Your Own Coop

Introduction

Keeping chickens in your backyard can be rewarding and fun, not to mention the fresh eggs you get to enjoy daily. However, building a chicken coop can be challenging, especially if you are a beginner. That’s where The Family Handyman comes in. In this article, we will guide you through the process of building a chicken coop using The Family Handyman plans and materials. We will also share essential tips on raising and caring for chickens.

Why You Should Build The Family Handyman Chicken Coop

Building The Family Handyman Chicken Coop comes with a host of benefits. Firstly, the coop is designed to comfortably accommodate up to four chickens, making it perfect for the average backyard. Secondly, the plans come complete with a materials list, making it easy to source the right materials. Thirdly, all the building steps are detailed in an easy-to-follow format with images to ensure that even beginners can follow through.

Materials You Will Need

• One sheet of 4-by-8-foot 1/2-inch exterior plywood
• Six 8-foot 2-by-4s
• Two 8-foot 2-by-2s
• 2 4-by-4-foot sheets of corrugated plastic
• One box of 1 5/8-inch deck screws
• One box of 4 1/2-inch lags
• Two small gate latches (without locking mechanisms)
• 1 small pivot hinge
• Two small hinges
• One roll of 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch wire mesh
• Roofing nails
• One, 16-inch screen door handle
• One 16-inch screen door spring

Step by Step Guide to Building The Family Handyman Chicken Coop

Step 1: Cut the Wood

Using the plans provided by The Family Handyman, cut the plywood into the required sizes and cut the 2-by-4s into the proper lengths. Pro tip: it’s best to use a circular saw for the cutting work.

Step 2: Drill and Counterbore Holes

Using a power drill, drill and counterbore pilot holes into the wood. The counterbore holes are essential since they allow the screw heads to sink below the surface of the wood, creating a more durable and attractive surface.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Using the 2-by-4s, assemble the frame by following the instructions on The Family Handyman plans. Make sure to check for square corners as you assemble the frame to avoid any complications later on in the process.

Step 4: Add the Siding and Roofing

Attach the plywood siding and roofing according to the instructions in The Family Handyman plans.

Step 5: Add the Mesh and Plastic Corrugated

Attach the mesh and plastic corrugated according to The Family Handyman plans.

Caring for Your Chickens

Once you are done building The Family Handyman Chicken Coop, you need to start caring for your chickens. Chickens require adequate housing, proper feed, water and light. Here are some essential tips on caring for your chickens:

Keep the Coop Clean

Chickens are messy creatures, which means they need a clean environment to thrive. Make sure to clean their coop regularly and replace the bedding at least once a week.

Provide Proper Nutrition

Chickens require a balanced diet consisting of grains, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. You can feed them a complete commercial feed or supplement their diet with scratch grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Ensure Proper Lighting and Ventilation

Chickens require natural light to lay eggs, so ensure that their coop receives ample sunlight. Also, ensure that the coop is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.

Conclusion

Building The Family Handyman Chicken Coop is a fun project for DIY enthusiasts and beginners alike. It’s a simple and practical design that accommodates up to four chickens, making it ideal for the average backyard. With The Family Handyman plans and materials, the building process is easy and straightforward. Once you’ve built the coop, be sure to follow these tips to ensure that your chickens are happy and healthy.