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Tips to Make Efficient Chicken Coop Designs

Palmira S
Before you start building a chicken coop, sufficient information about the same is a must, so that proper hygiene and comfort can be provided to the chicken. Here are some design ideas and facts.
Before you start constructing a chicken coop, it is a must for you to have some designs and building plans in hand. The plan should be constructed in such a way that it takes care of the shelter of the chickens, which will keep them safe and comfortable.

Tips on Designs and Building Plans

Building a chicken coop is easy and at the same time, it is also an interesting job. You can also save some money if you build it yourself. Before you start building it, a few elements are supposed to be considered and a proper plan should be carved in order to successfully implement it.
Depending on your needs, you will have to plan the design of the coop. You can also consider portable building plans. Portable designs are devoid of flooring and can be moved from one place to another within weeks.
According to the number of chickens you are going to raise, you can design the dimensions and construction plan of the coop. Make sure that you allot a minimum of 4 square foot space for each chicken. For example, if you have 4 chickens, then the coop should be at least 20 square feet.
It is better if you allot a bit more space than the minimum requirement, as the size may vary with the chicken breeds. Another reason for providing large spaces to the chickens is to avoid the spread of contagious diseases.
If a chicken is suffering from a particular disease, then in a small space, there are thick chances of the others getting affected with the same disease. You will also be able to satisfy their needs properly if the space is big. This forms the most important part of the construction plan.
If you are planning to breed more chicken, then an area of incubation is a must. This area should be away from the area where other chicks reside.
You can embed this room with a distinct door or window so that the chicks are not interrupted during the process of hatching, and you can observe them throughout the process. It is better if you keep the young ones away from the older ones for the first few weeks.
The next aspect that needs to be considered in the building plans is proper ventilation. The plan should be designed in such a way that all the chicken get the fresh air that they need.
For this purpose, you can have a vent or a window which will keep out the stale air and bring in fresh air. The ideal location for placing the window is the south or east side of the room. Most of the time, fresh air comes from these directions. In order to provide a healthy environment, it is a must to maintain cleanliness.
You can have a perch in the coop for taking care of the chicken droppings. For easy cleaning, you can place a tray below the perch for collecting the droppings. If the coop is not embedded with a perch, then the chicken might leave their droppings anywhere.
Which might in turn become difficult to clean. Chicken droppings in the nesting box, on the feeders, or on the water feeders become difficult to clean.
The nesting box should be such that it will provide comfort to the chicken and it should also be safe and deep enough for them to lay eggs. 4 inches is the ideal depth that it should have.
If the chickens are healthy, safe, happy, and comfortable, then they will lay a bountiful of eggs. Hence, in order to provide this kind of environment, it is your duty to see to it that the coop is well-built and conducive, and favorable conditions are provided to them for laying eggs. For this design, plan properly in advance to include all the details.
Backyard plans are also a good option for providing shelter to the chicken. Before construction, a plan and design should be handy. Then, you can choose the area, gather all the materials, and construct the coop.

Examples of Designs

Green Roof Chicken Coop

This urban and simple plan is unique and at the same time, it adds to the comfort of the chicken. This design can be built with less amount of money. It is also one of the most durable designs. It has proven to be an amazing home for the chicken and at the same time, it is safe and secure, which thus increases the production of eggs.

DIY Chicken Coops

You can also try out your own DIY design. Before you opt for this homemade coop plan, gathering sufficient information about everything related is a must. This is among the most healthy and safe designs. It will help you in making a proper provision for the eggs and chicken.