Up until now we’ve been using a small provisional coop that we had purchased online which fits up to 5 chickens, but soon we’ll be getting more chickens so we’ll need a bigger coop that fits up to 15.
My husband and I decided to design and build the new chicken coop ourselves. It will include all the features we feel are important for our chickens to be comfortable, safe and happy, and easy cleaning for us.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when designing and building a chicken coop.
- Blue Prints: Putting your plans on paper is always a good idea. We are using SketchUp 3D design software to design the coop, but paper, pencil and a ruler can also be used.
- Location: Think about where the coop will be located. If possible it’s best to place it in an area with good shade. Decide where the chicken door, nest box access, and cleaning access doors will be placed based on the location.
- Size: Allow a minimum of 2 square feet of indoor shelter per bird.
- Ventilation: Windows and ventilation openings are important, and if possible also use an exhaust fan.
- Room to Roost: Roosting is a natural instinct. It is important to have multiple levels of roosts, and place at least 2 feet off the floor. The Roost should provide about 1 foot of length per bird. The chickens highest in the peking order generally take the highest roosts.
- Dropping Collector: Droppings are mostly located below the roosts. Put a pan or tray underneath to easily remove and clean.
- Nest Boxes: Big enough for a chicken to turn around in but not too large that won’t feel private. Make all boxes the same so chickens won’t prefer the same nest. A 12-inch square nest box is the minimum size. Chickens share boxes so one box for every two hens is enough.
- Access to Inside of the Coop: A big enough door to access the inside of the coop in order to be able to clean properly.
- Chicken Run: Our chickens are free range and will not need a chicken run, but we’ll build a removable chicken run in case we ever need it. If you do need a chicken run make it big enough to have 2-3 square feet of ground per chicken.
A more advanced feature we are building into the coop is an automatic coop door. Our chickens are usually ready to get out of the coop very early in the morning, at around 6:30 am, and start going back in when the sun goes down, so the timer will be set to open and close the door at around those times. This will allow us to sleep in more often 🙂
Stay tuned for more updates and to see the coop once it’s built!
