Basic Rules to Build Small Chicken Coop

Today, more and more people are looking for ways to become self-reliant. I built a small chicken coop big enough to house three to five laying hens in my backyard. I wanted to design an attractive chicken coop. One inspired by some coops in my area is the one I chose to build. Small chicken coop meant small price. I only spent around $40 for chicken wire, lumber and siding to complete the coop.

I saved money by using damaged siding, scrap wood as well as leftover hardware and paint. I was able to get the damaged siding half price at the local lumber store. The other materials that I used were scrap and leftovers from previous projects, and scraps from a condemned house nearby. I was sure to get permission to take the materials from the property. In addition, I was able to get shingles from a neighbor who recently put a new roof on his garage.

The basic rules to designing a small chicken coop are as follows:

      • Be sure to provide adequate floor space for all of your chickens
      • Your coop should be properly ventilated.
      • Remember to provide some type of temperature control.
      • Predator protection is key when designing your chicken coop.

If you live in town, or only want to keep a small flock to provide enough eggs to feed your family, a small coop is ideal. Owning your own chickens is safer and more economical than buying eggs from the store. Best of all, you do not have to pay taxes on the eggs you eat or the food you feed your chickens. Now, that is a win-win!