www.spendwithpennies.com Opening: Building Your Own Chicken Range Coop Are you dreaming of farm-fresh eggs and happy, healthy chickens? Building your own chicken range coop is a fantastic way to achieve both! This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring your feathered friends have a safe and comfortable home to roam. Get ready to unleash your inner builder!
Step 1: Planning and Design Before you even pick up a hammer, careful planning is crucial. Here's what you need to consider:
- Size and Capacity: How many chickens do you plan to keep? A good rule of thumb is 4 square feet of coop space per chicken and 8-10 square feet of run space per chicken.
- Location: Choose a well-drained location with partial shade. Consider proximity to your house and access to water and electricity.
- Design: Sketch out your design. Think about ventilation, access for cleaning, egg collection, and predator protection. Online resources and books offer excellent coop plans.
- Materials: Decide on your building materials. Common choices include wood, wire mesh, and roofing materials. Create a detailed materials list to avoid running short during construction.
Step 2: Gathering Your Materials and Tools Once you have a design and materials list, it's time to gather everything you need. Here's a checklist of common materials and tools:
- Wood: Pressure-treated lumber for the base, framing lumber for the structure, and plywood or boards for the walls and roof.
- Wire Mesh: Hardware cloth (1/2 inch or smaller) is essential for predator-proofing the run.
- Roofing: Shingles, metal roofing, or corrugated plastic.
- Fasteners: Screws, nails, and staples.
- Hardware: Hinges, latches, and handles.
- Tools: Saw (circular or hand saw), drill, screwdriver, measuring tape, level, hammer, staple gun, wire cutters, and safety glasses.
Step 3: Building the Base and Framing Start by constructing the base of the coop.
- Cut the Wood: Cut the lumber according to your design.
- Assemble the Frame: Use screws or nails to assemble the base frame. Ensure it's square and level.
- Add Support: Add cross-bracing for extra support, especially if the coop will be raised off the ground.
- Build the Walls: Construct the wall frames, including openings for the door, windows (if any), and nesting boxes.
- Attach the Walls: Attach the wall frames to the base frame, ensuring they are plumb and square.
Step 4: Adding the Roof and Walls Now it's time to enclose the coop.
- Sheath the Walls: Cover the wall frames with plywood or boards. Secure with screws or nails.
- Build the Roof Frame: Construct the roof frame, ensuring it has sufficient slope for water runoff.
- Attach the Roof Sheathing: Cover the roof frame with plywood or boards.
- Apply Roofing Material: Install your chosen roofing material, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 5: Constructing the Run The run provides your chickens with safe outdoor space.
- Build the Run Frame: Construct a frame for the run, similar to the coop walls.
- Attach Wire Mesh: Cover the run frame with hardware cloth, securing it tightly with staples. Be meticulous to prevent predators from getting in. Bury the hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter to prevent digging predators.
- Attach the Run to the Coop: Connect the run frame to the coop, creating a seamless enclosure.
Step 6: Adding Finishing Touches The final details make the coop functional and comfortable.
- Install the Door: Install a secure door with a latch that predators cannot open.
- Build Nesting Boxes: Construct nesting boxes inside the coop. A good size is 12x12x12 inches per box, and one box is usually sufficient for every 3-4 hens.
- Install Roosts: Add roosting bars for the chickens to sleep on. Position them higher than the nesting boxes.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation by adding vents to the coop, but keep them screened to prevent drafts and predator entry.
- Add Bedding: Add bedding to the coop floor, such as straw, wood shavings, or pine needles.
Step 7: Predator Proofing Protecting your chickens from predators is paramount.
- Secure the Perimeter: As mentioned before, bury hardware cloth around the entire run to prevent digging.
- Cover the Top: If possible, cover the top of the run with hardware cloth to prevent aerial predators.
- Secure Latches: Use strong, predator-proof latches on all doors and openings.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the coop and run for any signs of damage or potential entry points.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Coop Congratulations! You've built your own chicken range coop. With a little planning and effort, you've created a safe and comfortable home for your chickens, allowing them to thrive and provide you with fresh eggs for years to come. Enjoy the fruits (or eggs!) of your labor!
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