Wooden Chicken Coops

by chicken house plans on Thursday, June 25th, 2009 | Comments Off

Wooden Chicken Coops

Want to build chicken coop structures? Don't worry, we can help you with that. In this article, we present DIY steps on how you can construct a simple, functional coop.

Parts of a chicken coop

There are certain parts necessary for a chicken coop. These areas should be part of the structure if you want your chickens to remain happy and healthy and to make life easier for you.

A well-designed coop should have a nest box where hens can lay eggs or just serve as a roosting area for the chickens. Perches should also be part of the structure as you can't expect chickens to stay on the floor all the time.

Feeding and water troughs are also a must. Scattering their feeds on the house floor is not advisable. Chickens, too, need discipline and a bit of dignity. Having a proper place for them to feed and drink will also keep them healthy.

During cold months, the coop should be properly insulated. One simple way to do this is to install a light bulb or lamp inside the coop which you can turn on when night comes and cold sets in.

Ventilation is very important. The coop should have enough openings to let air in and out. Most chicken coop plans provide for this necessity very well as it is probably the most important factor to consider in designing a coop.

Materials and tools needed

Most coops are made from wood and wire mesh or chicken wire. You can purchase these materials from any hardware store or you can gather scraps from old structures to save money.

Basic tools include a hammer, nails and a drill. If you have these three, you can make your coop. Additional tools might be needed, but most of the time, these three are enough.

Points of consideration

Before building your coop, or even before you choose your design plans, make sure that you've already decided what breed to raise and how many.

You also need to size up the area where you're going to put the coop. The allotted space should be enough to accommodate the structure without cramping the chickens.

City regulations on breeding chickens should also be a concern. Yes, chickens too are governed by law, particularly if they are to become residents of a particular city.

Lastly, make sure you have enough protection around the coop, like a fence, to protect your flock from predators and outside forces that might be interested in stealing or harming your chickens.

When you build chicken coop, make sure that you've studied all the parameters thoroughly so as not to waste your time and your investment.

Learn how you can build your own chicken coop quickly and cheaply using easy to follow instructions by reading our Building A Chicken Coop Review as well as more useful information and handy tips at => http://www.diybuildchickencoop.com

Would this be ok to keep a rooster in?

by himself of course, and he'd be in it at night and when I'm at school, and a lot of the winter months(but he would get out some each day) because I already have 3 hens and I want a rooster(a golden phoenix if it matters) thanks!

Www.mypetchicken.com/wooden_chicken_coops-chick_n_hutch__seconds_-p203.aspx

Oh, and additionally, is there a way to make a rooster nice? Because my hens come when called and they're so sweet(: and everyone I know says roosters are mean and they run away and stuff.. Thanks!
agh, you'll have to copy and paste it..

www.mypetchicken.com/wooden_chicken_
coops-chick_n_hutch__seconds_-p203.aspx
Just add an "x" after ".asp..." so it's ".aspx"

You don't have to keep a rooster separate from hens. Quite the opposite, the girls will probably enjoy having a man around and some breeders and poultry enthusiasts (myself included) swear that roosters encourage better egg production. A rooster will look after the girls, call them over when he finds something good to eat, and will help guard them from predators.

You can still get table eggs even with a rooster. You just have to make sure you are collecting your eggs every day. And if you have heavy breeds, the smaller phoenix rooster may not even try to mount them - meaning that you won't have to worry about having fertilized eggs.

We currently have about 6 roosters in our free-range flock, and we have fresh eggs every day. Never take eggs from a broody hen for eating.

Some breeds tend to get more aggressive than others, but our roosters are every bit as friendly as the hens (a few of my boys are even friendlier than the girls!) Part of it is breed selection, part of it is general temperament of that particular bird, but alot of it has to do with how the bird is handled and treated. We hand raise all of our chicks, and if the birds have regular interaction with people, they are less likely to see you as a threat to their territory and will be less likely to go after you. Daily handling of your rooster and hand feeding of treats goes a long way in keeping a rooster friendly!

Hope this helps, but don't be afraid to mix a rooster in with your flock. Both he and the girls will be happier for it!