87th Avenue Delight: How to Build a Chicken Coop for Your Feathered Friends

Introduction

If you are a homesteader or someone who cares about sustainability, raising chickens is one of the best things you can do. Not only do they provide you with fresh eggs, but they also produce incredible fertilizer for your garden. However, before you can enjoy all the fresh omelets and salads, you will need to build a coop to keep your birds safe and healthy.

Step 1: Plan Your Coop

The first step in building a chicken coop is to plan your design. The ideal size will depend on how many chickens you plan to keep. A general rule of thumb is 2-3 square feet per bird in the coop, and 4-5 square feet of outdoor space per bird. You will also need to factor in amenities like nesting boxes, roosts, and food and water containers.

Materials

• 2x4 lumber
• plywood
• chicken wire
• nails/screws
• roofing material
• door latch

Tools

• circular saw
• drill
• hammer
• tape measure
• level
• pencil

Step 2: Build the Frame

Once you have your plan and materials, it's time to get started. Begin by building the frame with your 2x4 lumber. You will need to cut your pieces to size and join them using screws or nails. Make sure to use a level to ensure your coop is straight and stable.

Step 3: Add Siding and Roofing

Once the frame is complete, you will need to add siding and roofing. Plywood is a good option for the siding, and you can use roofing material like shingles or metal for the roof. Be sure to cut holes in the siding for windows and doors, and cover them with chicken wire to keep predators out.

Step 4: Install Amenities

The final step is to install amenities like nesting boxes, roosts, and food and water containers. Nesting boxes should be placed on the floor or elevated slightly above it, and you should have one box for every 3-4 chickens. Roosts should be installed about a foot off the ground, and you should have 8-10 inches of roost per bird.

Conclusion

Building a chicken coop can be a rewarding and fun project that will benefit both you and your feathered friends. By following these steps and taking the time to plan and build your coop, you will have a safe and comfortable home for your chickens for years to come.