Have you discovered that many of the chicken coops on the market do not suit your backyard layout? Or the amount of poultry you want to keep? What about housing ducks with chickens, is it big enough?
Restrictions in yard size also mean that the conventional kit form coop from eBay or the pet store may not fit or function as we would like. Perhaps the only room left is under a tree, and no store bought coop will fit there.
And ventilation is a big issue in the Australian climate. Those little store bought coops have little or no ventilation options.
Then you are probably seriously thinking about building your own coop.
You need plans.
QUICK CHECK LIST
Restrictions in yard size also mean that the conventional kit form coop from eBay or the pet store may not fit or function as we would like. Perhaps the only room left is under a tree, and no store bought coop will fit there.
And ventilation is a big issue in the Australian climate. Those little store bought coops have little or no ventilation options.
Then you are probably seriously thinking about building your own coop.
You need plans.
QUICK CHECK LIST
- Is it within council regulations?
- Do I need to build a permanent run?
- Any permanent posts with concrete?
- Will my chickens be free range, enclosed run or all-in-one coop/run?
- Ventilation options (summer vs. winter)
- Lock and Door options (hook, latch, slide, auto, etc.)
- Metal, wood, or brick?
- Flooring (permanent concrete or movable pavers)
- Rain run off
- Long term protection of exterior
- Cleaning access
- Pest minimisation
- Potential flooding issues
- Height for your ability to clean out thoroughly (no contortionist tricks)
- Large enough for the amount of poultry
- Nesting box ratio
- Fit the nesting boxes, feeders, watering system and roosting rails
- Will it rot? Does it require a layer of bricks beneath?
- Do I have an emergency quarantine area also organised? (For introducing new hens or as a sick bay)
Website Plans and Inspiration
BackYardChickens.com
There is a whole section dedicated to coop designs from backyard chicken keepers who often show step-by-step instructions and hand drawn plans. Some times they come with a detailed hardware store shopping list.
When you build yours, inspire others to try your design, too by uploading your creation.
Almost all websites (e.g. Pinterest) on coop designs will lead you straight to this website because its loaded with great designs!
FREE
There is a whole section dedicated to coop designs from backyard chicken keepers who often show step-by-step instructions and hand drawn plans. Some times they come with a detailed hardware store shopping list.
When you build yours, inspire others to try your design, too by uploading your creation.
Almost all websites (e.g. Pinterest) on coop designs will lead you straight to this website because its loaded with great designs!
FREE
BOOKS
DIY Chicken Coops: The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Chicken Coop
by John White
Read more about this book at the Chicken Coop Guides website.
by John White
Read more about this book at the Chicken Coop Guides website.
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