How to Use a Dog House in Your Fenced Chicken Coup

Raising chickens can be a rewarding hobby and it can be done right in your backyard. Unfortunately, pests and predators will always be out to get the chickens. Having a shelter or secure place is the best option, even if you have a fenced-in chicken coop. A dog house, after an afternoon of altering, can be a quick fix but one afternoon can save you a lot of money in replacing chickens in the long run.

Things You'll Need

  • Saw
  • Screws
  • Hinges
  • Latch locks
  • Scrap plywood
  • Drill
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide which end of the fence you want it on. Then decide if your fenced in coop is big enough to have a doghouse in there with it, or if you need to cut a hole in your fence and add the doghouse on as an extension. If you do add the doghouse on as an extension, be very precise when cutting the fence, and secure all openings.

    • 2

      Cut the nails that secure the roof of the doghouse so that you can lift the roof off. Carefully split the roof in half, and then hinge the halves back together. Now when you put the roof back on the doghouse, you can lift a side of the roof and look inside.

    • 3

      Install a one-foot-by-two-foot plank of plywood at the top of the four walls of the doghouse for a roosting area. Leave enough space in the A-frame of the doghouse roof for the chickens to roost. Make sure there is a way for the hens to get up there to roost. If needed cut out a doorway for them to get up there from the inside.

    • 4

      Cut out a door flap using the scrap plywood to cover the door to the doghouse. Make sure it is light and swings both ways so the chickens can get in and out. Also install a latch lock at the bottom of this so at night you can lock up your chickens to protect them from predators.

    • 5

      Reinstall the roof of the doghouse, and then add latch locks so you are able to lock down the sides of the roof if needed. Storms and predators will be able to lift the roof as easily as you. The hinged roof will make it easier for you to gather the eggs when you need to.