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Top 4 Tips to Build a Chicken Coop

Now that you've decided that you want to learn how to build a chicken coop, here are some things that you will want to think about.

First we'll explore the crucial first step, the size. If you fail to build the chicken coop to accommodate the number of chickens you buy, you will be asking for trouble. The next decision will be the style, and this is something that you will have to decide for yourself. But there are different options for different needs, and there is one that will fit your needs.

Depending on where you live, you will need to think about your birds' protection. Not all chicken coops are built to last, and failing to look at the level protection you need will be asking for trouble.

The final step that we will cover is how your chicken coop looks. This could be both a positive or a negative point, so it is something you won't want to neglect.

Building Your Chicken Coop To Scale

Can you tell me how much room a chicken needs to be comfortable in its house? That's what I thought. You see, many new chicken owners tend to neglect or overlook the fact that each chicken needs at least 3 sq. ft. of space to stay happy.

If you try and cram too many chickens into too a small space, you will only succeed in creating discord in the chicken coop. And this is something that you will want to avoid for the health of your chickens.

Just like you, space is something a chicken doesn't want to have to fight over. If the chickens begin to bicker and compete for space, the egg production will drop. And your hopes of a nice fresh omelet every morning will go up in smoke.

So make sure that you provide your chickens with enough living space, and remember, having too much space is always better than having too little. In the even that you have too much space, you can always add another hen or two.

How To Build A Chicken To Suit Your Needs

Now that you know how to plan the size of your hen house, you have a better idea of what type will fit your needs. If you're planning on only holding 2 or 3 chickens, you can get by with a rather small chicken tractor.

This is a portable chicken coop that allows you to take the chickens and move them where you want them. It is also pretty easy to maintain and clean, since you have the option to move it to a convenient spot to complete the chore.

Don't assume just because it is portable it has to be small, some of these chicken coops can be rather large, housing many chickens.

The drawback is that when you build a chicken coop with the intent of moving it around, it is generally much less stable than a fixed hen house.

Because of this, many people choose to pick a spot in their yard and build a static chicken coop. Such coops tend to last much longer and give better protection from predators.

But I have to point out, not every location in your yard is the right one. Chickens need access to plenty of sunlight, but they also need to be protected from the elements such as heavy rain and winds.

When you build your chicken coop, keep this in mind. Building it next to a group of trees or close to another building can really help cut down on the stress caused by strong storms.

Also make sure you build your coop on a high spot on your property. This will keep your hen house from becoming flooded when it storms. And let me assure you, your chickens will not be pleased if their home gets flooded.

Don't Forget To Build For Protection

As you may know, chickens have enemies which are more than happy to make your pets into a meal. Build your chicken coop for their protection, and your chances of waking up one morning to an empty roost will be greatly diminished.

So what are the types of predators you will be up against? For starters, you will want to keep your neighbor's dogs and cats out. Rodents such as rats can also prove to be a problem. But threats from larger predators such as badgers, foxes and coyotes are not uncommon, depending on the area you live in.

Your chickens may also fall prey to hawks, depending on your area. If you are not sure of the types of predators you have in your area, it is always helpful to ask around. Your neighbors might be able to give you more of an idea, so take the opportunity and ask around.

With a list of potential threats in mind, you can better build a chicken coop. If there are larger animals, you will want to make sure that your fence is strong enough to withstand an attack. Don't ignore the possibility that they might also try and dig under the fence. Make sure to place it deep enough underground to discourage even the most determined predators.

Nobody Adores An Eyesore

The looks of your hen house do matter. No matter what you think of your chicken coop, if your neighbors think that it looks like an eyesore, you may run into trouble.

There are various city ordinances, depending on where you live, that dictate if you can even erect a hen house in your yard.

But your chicken coop doesn't have to be a property devaluing monstrosity. If you plan it properly and landscape it nicely, your chicken coop will quickly become the talk of the neighborhood. And that is for all of the right reasons.

So don't overlook this important step when you build a chicken coop.

The next step of course is to get the chicken coop plans that best suit your project. Building a chicken coop isn't hard, and with a proper set up plans it is that much easier.

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Originally posted at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-4-Tips-to-Build-a-Chicken-Coop&id=3589014

Planning to build a C&C Cage for my Guinea Pig, A few questions?

I brought home an adorable female guinea pig as a companion for my current guinea pig just a few days ago, and while she's in her quarantine period, I'm planning to make a bigger cage for the 2 of them.

I bought a small animal playpen I have never really used, but I was wondering if I could use it instead of the Cube Grids. I bought 2 of the playpens, and connected they measure 52x24x12. They're only 12 inches high, and I was wondering if that was enough for my piggies.

Here's the link to it:

http://www.amazon.com/SMALL-ANIMAL-PET-PLAY-12X76/dp/B0010OTKBU/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1275441320&sr=8-14

Would it be sturdy enough to substitute for cube grids, or is it too flimsy? (Because it bends in multiple places).

If you have to really question if it's too flimsy, then it's too flimsy. You want to have confidence in what you're building and honestly a pack of cubes is $11-15 for 14x14 and a sheet of coroplast is $8-25 depending on where you get it from. You can get the whole thing done for $25 depending on your supplier, sale prices and tax!! (sweet)

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