How to Build Your Own Backyard Chicken Coop

If you’re thinking about getting some chickens for yourself, the first thing you need to do is build a chicken coop! In this blog, we will teach you how to build your own backyard chicken coop. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to get started, including tips and tricks from our own experience. So let’s get started!

1. Get chicken nesting boxes and bedding

When you’re ready to start building your chicken coop, the first thing you need to do is get some chicken nesting boxes and bedding. The nesting boxes will be where your chickens lay their eggs, so it’s important to have enough for each chicken. You can find these at most hardware stores or online. As for bedding, we recommend using straw or hay. This will provide a comfortable place for your chickens to sleep and keep their feathers clean. Also, the chicken nesting boxes and bedding will need to be replaced every few months, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your chicken coop.

2. Build the frame of the chicken coop

Once you have the chicken nesting boxes and bedding, it’s time to start building the frame of the coop. This is where you’ll need to use your carpentry skills (or hire someone who does). The most important thing to keep in mind when building the frame is that it needs to be sturdy and well-ventilated. We also recommend adding a door to the coop so you can easily get in and out.

3. Add the walls and roof

After the frame of the chicken coop is built, it’s time to add the walls and roof. For the walls, we recommend using chicken wire or hardware cloth. This will allow your chickens to see outside and get fresh air, while still keeping them safe from predators. As for the roof, you can use anything that will protect your chickens from the elements. We recommend using a tarp or metal roofing.

4. Add the finishing touches

Once the walls and roof are in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your chicken coop. This includes things like adding a perch for your chickens to sleep on, or adding some plants to the coop so they can peck at the leaves. You can also add a window to the coop so your chickens can get some natural light. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure that your chickens will be safe and comfortable in their new home.

5. Get the chickens!

The last step is to get the chickens! You can either buy them from a local farm or hatchery, or you can hatch them yourself. We recommend getting at least six chickens, but you can get more if you have the space. Once you have your chickens, it’s time to enjoy fresh eggs straight from your backyard chicken coop!

Can you DIY a chicken coop or should you buy one?

Now that you know how to build a chicken coop, you might be wondering if you should DIY it or buy one. The answer depends on your budget and your carpentry skills. If you have the money to spare, we recommend buying a pre-made coop. This will save you time and effort, and you’ll end up with a professional-looking coop. However, if you’re on a tight budget or you’re feeling handy, then DIYing your chicken coop is the way to go. Just follow the steps in this blog post and you’ll be sure to end up with a beautiful and functional chicken coop that your chickens will love.

What size is the chicken coop?

The size of the coop will depend on how many chickens you want to keep. We recommend getting at least six chickens, but you can get more if you have the space. Just make sure that the coop is big enough for all of your chickens to comfortably move around in.

What type of materials should I use?

For the frame of the chicken coop, we recommend using 2x4s or 2x6s. For the walls and roof, we recommend using chicken wire or hardware cloth. This will allow your chickens to see outside and get fresh air, while still keeping them safe from predators. As for the roof, you can use anything that will protect your chickens from the elements. We recommend using a tarp or metal roofing.

As we saw, there are a few key things to keep in mind when building your backyard coop. So, if you’re feeling handy and you’re on a budget, then DIYing your chicken coop is the way to go. Just follow the steps in this blog post and you’ll be sure to end up with a beautiful and functional chicken coop that your chickens will love.

Photo by Annie Theby on Unsplash