Step-by-Step Easy to Build Chicken Coops

Many chickens are kept on farms. Chickens are becoming more popular, however, in residential dwellings. Only a 8-by-8-foot area is needed in a backyard to keep approximately 20 chickens. The bird is fairly easy to keep and can produce eggs, feathers and meat. Chickens need to be raised in sunlight so that their hormones are regulated for egg production. About 12 to 14 hours of sunlight are needed per week for the average chicken.

Things You'll Need

  • Feed and water pans
  • Old doghouse
  • Fence staples
  • Wire cutters
  • Chicken wire
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Fine netting
  • Wire
  • 1 gate panel, 4 feet
  • 3 boards, 1-by-4 inches by 4 feet long
  • 9 boards, 1-by-4 inches by 8 feet long
  • 5 wooden posts, 4-by-4 inches by 6 feet long
  • Swinging wood door
  • Post hole digger
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure an 8-by-8 foot square on grass or soil for your chicken coop. Choose a flat area that doesn't have obstructions. Mark the corners of where you will put the coop by putting a post at each corner. Determine which side you want the door to be on. Put the remaining two posts between two corner posts for a doorway. Space them out to the width of the door. Make sure there is even space on either side of the door posts to the corners.

    • 2

      Sink each of the posts two feet in the ground by digging a hole at each location and setting the dirt aside. Place each post into the hole and fill it back up with dirt. Walk firmly around each post to pack the dirt in.

    • 3

      Attach your door panel along the inside of one of the doorway post that you positioned. Wrap it securely with wire. Check to ensure it swings open easily.

    • 4

      Attach three boards horizontally between the top, middle and bottom pen posts. Evenly space them. Position and nail into the posts your 8-foot boards on the three sides of the pen that doesn't have the door. Nail the 4-foot posts on either side of the door.

    • 5

      Lay the chicken coop netting over the coop and over the posts and wood. Secure it with wire staples.

    • 6

      Lay the chicken wire in the same fashion as the netting and secure it with staples. Staple any areas where the chickens might escape or where predators might come in.

    • 7

      Put an old doghouse or another small enclosure to give your chickens shelter. Put water and food dishes in and fill them before you put the chickens in.