Chicken Coop Design

Designing a chicken coop is not that simple. There are certain things that you need to consider like the fact that hens needs roof over their heads because they are susceptible to acquiring diseases. It is important to know that hens like safe and enclosed area for nesting purposes. From the roof to its flooring, the chicken coop needs to be well watered and well maintained.

Elements of a chicken coop
It is essential to add some elements that will make things easier when it comes to taking care of chicken. There should be automatic watering facility in the chicken coop. The chickens need access to fresh water. Typically it should hold about a gallon of water that is filled up everyday. Electricity is also quite necessary. Hens usually need this for laying eggs. A food dispenser is essential thing to have inside the coop. It should trigger certain amount of food. In this way, you can leave the chickens for the weekend without starving them. A chicken coop design should aim to protect the chickens. Make sure that it is enclosed with net and wire. It is best to bury the wire around the perimeter in order to discourage rodents from entering the area. Your chicken coop should also protect the hens from sun and snow. A chicken coop design should have food storage like bins, metal garbage and cans. Remember that cleaning tools should come in handy for raking and sweeping the area.

 

Chicken coop with run

Size of the chicken coop
The height of the chicken coop should be tall enough for people to walk in and out of it. Ideally, you will need four square feet per bird. Some say that you can get by with a small area however if you have the space then use it to make the hens comfortable. A hanging roof that can be lifted is satisfactory approach. Open windows are great as well. The coop must have appropriate ventilation. Doors vary from solid to screen doors. The climate where you are situated will determine the type. It is always good to add ramp so that the chickens can easily be access.

Materials
You can select from buying new materials or building one out of scrap. The choice is yours when it comes to the aesthetic result of the chicken coop. This is one way to test how good you are when it comes to design and construction skills. Wood and wires are the basic customary materials. You can also select concrete blocks for flooring. This can prevent rats and pest from getting in. It is best to consider if the materials are easy to clean. Remember that you need to clean the chicken coop annually. If you live in a cold area, consider putting insulation.
Overall, a well designed chicken coop is attributed to its owner.