How to Make a Chicken Cage

Farmers commonly use chicken cages or pens on farms. These applications provide a safe environment for the chickens, as well as security from predators. A chicken cage also allows the chickens to access fresh air, exercise as well as obtain foo, such as grains, from the grass. Although you can purchase chicken cages, they can be costly. An alternative is making your own chicken cage with materials commonly found at hardware stores for a low cost.

Things You'll Need

  • Ten 8-feet long 2-by-4 boards
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Saw
  • 24-inch chicken wire (40 feet)
  • 2 hinges
  • Heavy-duty staples
  • 2.5-inch screws
  • Drill
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place six 2-by-4 boards on a flat surface. Measure four-feet from one end of each board to find the center point. Cut each board at its center point to form 12 boards each four feet in length.

    • 2

      Find the center point of two of the 4-foot boards. Cut the two boards at their center points to form four 2-foot boards.

    • 3

      Place two eight-foot 2-by-4s on a flat surface. Position the boards with two 4-foot 2-by-4s on the flat surface to form a rectangle. Ensure that the four-foot boards are between the eight-foot boards. Secure the boards to each other with two screws at each corner. Repeat the procedure to form a second rectangular frame.

    • 4

      Position the four 2-foot boards at the corner of one of the rectangular frames so they are upright. Secure the boards to the frame with screws. This rectangular frame now forms the bottom of the chicken cage.

    • 5

      Place three 4-foot boards in the center of the second rectangular frame so they are parallel with the 4-foot sides of the rectangle. Spread the boards so they are approximately two feet apart. This will form the top of the chicken cage. Secure the boards to the frame with screws.

    • 6

      Position the top of the chicken cage above the bottom of the chicken cage. Align the corners of the top portion with the two-foot upright corner posts. Secure the top of the cage to the bottom portion with screws.

    • 7

      Attach chicken wire to the outside portion of the frame, except for the top of the cage. Staple the chicken wire with heavy-duty staples to prevent the chickens from escaping.

    • 8

      Use a saw to cut two 20-1/4-inch wood pieces one of the remaining four-foot 2-by-4 board. Create a rectangle with the last two 4-foot boards and the two 20-1/4-inch boards. Secure the frame with screws at each corner. This will form the door to the chicken cage. Create a door handle with the remainder scrap wood and attach the handle to one of the shorter sides of the door frame.

    • 9

      Secure one of the hinges to the remaining shorter side of the door frame opposite to the handle. Position the door frame in the center of the top of the chicken cage between two 4-foot supports. Attach the remaining hinge to the chicken cage frame.

    • 10

      Cover the top portion of the cage, as well as the door, with chicken wire. Use staples to secure the chicken wire to the wooden boards.