When it comes to building a home for your chickens, there are many different ways you can go. Still, it doesn't matter whether you choose to build a conventional coop, an open range chicken enclosure or an off-the-ground chicken ark; the key is you have to have a good set of chicken coop plans that will dictate how you build the structure you want to build.
Now when I say "chicken coop plans" that covers a wide range of buildings. It can be as small as an A-frame coop or as large as a commercial scale chicken house (however, I doubt you're looking into something that big). But, each type of chicken housing has specific qualities and features that each must be built to in order to maintain a healthy and flourishing flock. But here are six characteristics that every good set of chicken coop plans have in common.
First, it should be made of safe, non-toxic building materials that are easily available. There are two reasons for this: one, it is easy to replace, rebuild, or improve you coop when you have materials that are interchangeable and readily available; and two, the materials are cheaper because they are mass produced.
Second, your coop should be able to withstand your local climate. There is nothing worst than seeing a coop destroyed, rotting away, or collapsing due to poor construction.
Third, there should be a good ventilation system in place. As I have said before, ventilation is a seriously overlooked aspect of chicken coop plans. Sometimes ventilation is label as optional on plans or sometimes left out altogether. The fact is that without a good ventilation system, not only will it start to smell unbearable bad, but it can also star to kill off your flock due to increased temperatures. Ventilation is something that needs to be considered with each coop and efficient enough to handle all present and future chickens.
Fourth, you need to construct the coop so that it is easy to clean and maintain. This can easily be done by building a detachable roof. Simply attach the roof to latches that can be taken on and off, and you have access to the whole coop.
Fifth, the coop needs to be built so that it keeps your chickens in and predators out. Predators like weasels, hawks, and raccoons are common nuisances, but they do not have to be. Fortifying the bottom of the fence with a chicken run and placing netting over the coop are simple and cheap ways that you can protect your flock. It amazes me at how many people do not take the time to think about defenses for their chickens; even after an attack. So take a little time in the building process to keep you chickens safe.
A final and optional characteristic of good chicken coop plans is the portability of the coop. Some coops are portable, meaning they are built without a floor and have the ability to be moved around to different locations. A permanent coop is designed to stay in one place. This is good for people who only have a small space for their chickens, and do not have the option of moving the coop anyway.
Hank Dodson is the owner of The Chicken Coop Plans Site. Hank has been building chicken coops and caring for chicken for decades. Want to learn more about chicken coop plans? Visit his chicken coop plans site for helpful tips and information on how to build you very own coop.
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