If you have come this far, then you must be really serious about making your own chicken coop. In that case, I am sure you are also looking for a definite answer as to what chicken coop design is best to start with. You may have read a lot of chicken coop plans and a couple DIYs on how to build them. Chances are you have not really come to a conclusion yet. This article will help you weigh your options well and get you started with your chicken farm, however large or small it is.
You must already know by now that a chicken coop must provide shelter and protection for your chickens. If all the research you have done so far does not really translate to these two things, then you have been browsing the web for all the wrong information. Whatever your reasons for raising chickens are, keep in mind that you have to care for them. Giving them shelter and protection is part of your responsibilities.
Which Chicken Coop Design Translates To Good Shelter And Protection?
So which chicken coop design translates to good shelter and protection? There are hundreds of chicken coop plans on the internet. Narrow them down to the dimensions of the enclosure. The first thing that you should yourself is: Is this chicken coop workable? In other words, do I have enough space for this enclosure? It is not a coincidence that many people who built their own chicken coop for the first time built it wrong. You may be able to find a design that you really like. But you may find yourself regretting it in the end if it is not practicable in the first place. One good thing about deciding on the exact dimensions is that it will be easy to find the right DIYs for you. In that case, all you have to do is to follow the given instructions one step at a time without having to recalculate to your desired dimensions.
Want Eggs? Then You Need A Chicken Coop Design That Has Nests
Before you move on to the next step, think what you are raising chickens for. If you want eggs, then you need a chicken coop design that has nests. Otherwise, any design will do just fine. So after you have decided on the exact dimensions for your chicken coop, find the right type of chicken coop for you. Chicken coops with nests usually have a covered opening where you can easily grab the eggs from the outside. Choose one with a latch as it will protect your chickens from predators such as rodents and foxes. Remember that a chicken coop that is relatively small in size is difficult to clean if the opening is too small.
When it comes to the floor plan, choose a rectangular chicken coop. Most of the chicken coop plans you will find online are rectangular anyway. But there are also chicken coops that are inspired from all sorts of things. Unless you are an engineer or just handy with tools, rectangular floor plans will work best for you. First off, chicken coops having rectangular floor plans are easier to build. Chances are the materials needed are in standard sizes, so you will not have a lot of heavy lifting to do. Second off, rectangular floor plans are easier to fix in general. Third off, they are the easiest to upgrade. In case you want to add a few more chickens to your small coop, you can still make good use of your coop with a quick upgrade.
