Looking to build a chicken coop that keeps your flock safe, comfortable, and happy? Whether you're a first-time chicken owner or an experienced homesteader, a well-built coop is essential for protecting your hens from predators, weather, and disease.
This step-by-step guide by The Trade Table will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right location to adding finishing touches. Let’s get started!
✔ Power drill
✔ Screwdriver
✔ Saw (circular or hand saw)
✔ Level
✔ Measuring tape
✔ Hammer
✔ Wire cutters
✔ Lumber (pressure-treated for durability)
✔ Plywood (for flooring and walls)
✔ Hardware cloth (NOT chicken wire—for predator protection!)
✔ Screws and nails
✔ Hinges & latches (for doors and nest boxes)
✔ Roofing material (metal, shingles, or polycarbonate panels)
✔ Paint or weatherproof stain
Your coop’s location is critical for hygiene and safety. Pick a dry, elevated spot to avoid flooding and keep the area clean.
✅ Sunlight exposure: More sunlight means more eggs!
✅ Shade: If you're in a hot climate, partial shade or a tree canopy will help keep your chickens cool.
✅ Predator protection: Keep the coop close to your house and away from dense vegetation where predators can hide.
The right size depends on your flock size. Here’s a general guideline:
With an outdoor run:
✔ At least 4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop
✔ At least 10 sq. ft. per chicken in the run
Without an outdoor run:
✔ 8-10 sq. ft. per chicken
More space = happier, healthier chickens! Overcrowding causes stress, aggression, and disease.
1️⃣ Use pressure-treated lumber for durability.
2️⃣ Secure all joints tightly to prevent weak spots.
3️⃣ Paint or stain the wood for extra weather resistance.
Walls: Use plywood for durability and cut ventilation holes near the ceiling.
Flooring: Options include:
✔ Plywood with linoleum (easiest to clean)
✔ Wire mesh under bedding (good for droppings control)
✔ Dirt floor (only if well-drained and secure from burrowing predators)
Predators (raccoons, foxes, coyotes, snakes) LOVE chicken coops! Keep your flock safe by:
✔ Raising the coop 8-12 inches off the ground.
✔ Using hardware cloth instead of chicken wire (which predators can rip through).
✔ Installing secure latches—raccoons can open simple ones!
Main Door (for you): Large enough for easy cleaning and egg collection.
Chicken Door: Small enough to keep out predators but easy for chickens to enter.
Nesting Boxes:
✔ 1 box per 3-4 hens
✔ At least 12"x12" each
✔ Position them lower than the roosts to prevent roosting in them.
Chickens sleep on roosts, so provide 8-10 inches per bird.
Ventilation is key! Cut holes near the roof and cover with hardware cloth to prevent drafts while allowing airflow.
✔ Use hardware cloth, NOT chicken wire!
✔ Bury fencing at least 12 inches underground to stop burrowing predators.
✔ Cover the top with wire or netting to protect from hawks and owls.
✅ Waterers & feeders (keep off the ground to prevent contamination)
✅ Dirt or sand for dust baths (helps prevent mites)
✅ Coop lights (optional but helpful in winter for egg production)
You did it! Your chickens now have a safe, comfortable, and well-built home.
👉 Need materials? Shop The Trade Table for the best chicken coops!
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