Building your own backyard chicken coop is not nearly as hard as some might think. Even for those who have no prior experience in this area, building a hen house is relatively simple if you use a good set of plans and make sure that you follow every single step carefully. Your first task should be to find a set of quality plans that can help you design the perfect hen house for your chickens. There are many guides available on the internet that will show you everything you need to know.
The first thing you will need to consider when learning how to build a chicken coop is what purpose it will serve. There are basically two different types of nesting boxes: live-off-the-beaten-path and enclosed. Although live-off-the-beaten-path nests are usually the most natural looking, they can actually be the most dangerous due to the nesting materials that may prove to be sharp and dangerous. Enclosed ones on the other hand are a lot safer and easier to clean.
If you are looking to keep a large flock of chickens, then an enclosed coop will be your best bet. With this type of nesting option, your chickens will have somewhere safe to live. If your area has cold winters, then an enclosed chicken coop will be extremely important because they can go through the winter without ever needing to leave their home. For example, a goose can live up to three years without needing to feed, much unlike a domestic chicken that must eat often throughout the day. The larger the flock, the more you can expect to save with your how to build a chicken coop project.
In terms of location, this is also one of the most important considerations when learning how to build a chicken coop. If your flock can stay healthy and safe, then you will be able to save money and time on vet bills. In addition to the cost of shelter, you will also need to purchase food and nesting materials for each chicken. Although there are some specialty stores that sell chicken coops, generally speaking they will cost more than an average supply store.
The number of chickens you want to raise is also a key factor in learning how to build a chicken coop. If you are just looking to keep a few birds, then you do not need the additional space that larger operations need. For this reason, it is generally best to start out small. You can always expand your flock as your business grows.
As you continue to learn how to build a chicken coop, you will discover that there are many different types of structures that you can build. One of the most popular choices is the portable chicken coop. These portable coops are made from wood and are very flexible. Because they are mobile, you can move them around the yard as you need to without having to worry about disrupting your grass or other surfaces.