How to Choose Plans for Chicken Coops

Plans for chicken coops vary widely, from simple, portable A-frame structures that house a few birds to large, sturdy houses with built-in nesting boxes, roosting bars, windows, doors and enough space for a big flock. Coops can be simple and plain-looking or more detailed, decorative and colorfully painted. Choosing the right plans for your backyard hen house is a matter of determining your needs, the maximum size flock you need the house to hold, as well as your preferences for the structure's overall look.

Instructions

    • 1
      Some chicken coops have roosting bars.

      Decide what size chicken coop you want to build, planning for the largest size flock you intend to house at any time. The rule of thumb is to allow 3 square feet per bird when the house is primarily for nesting and roosting and the chickens will have easy access to a scratch yard or free range area most of the day. If the coop is to be the only environment, allow 5 to 7 square feet per fowl.

    • 2

      Look for plans that will provide a dry, draft-free coop for your birds. Chickens need protection from the elements, especially from rain and wind at night in the cooler months. A good set of plans will include window or vent areas that can be opened or closed as needed depending on the weather.

    • 3
      Fresh eggs from backyard chickens.

      Check that the plans have adequate human access to the inside, allowing for easy cleaning and egg collection. For small structures, such as those that house only a few hens, a small exterior door to the laying area is enough. For larger coops, 5 feet or taller, a full door is necessary so that people can enter and exit the coop as needed.

    • 4

      Make sure the plans have roosting bars and nesting boxes for your hens. Chickens prefer to roost at night rather than huddle on the floor. There should be at least one nesting box, 12 inches by 12 inches, for every four to five hens.

    • 5

      Consider the exterior look. For many people, the chicken coop will be a prominent feature of the backyard, so it should be attractive. You can also turn a plain-looking house into a work of art with lattice, shutters and paint.