Instructions
Create a plan that allows you to construct your hen house near a waterspout or tap. Hens need to be placed within the proximity of fresh source of water. Also, a nearby water source will allow you to wash the hen house conveniently.
Build 4 square feet of space for each hen. This means that if you decide to keep four hens within the structure, you need to construct an area of at least 16 square feet. You need enough space to move within the hen house for cleaning and collecting eggs. The hen house will also require a door for entry and exit.
Construct each nesting box with a pivoted lid and place them adjacent to the wall of the hen house. The pivoted lid will allow you to collect the eggs more easily. Build the inner portion of the nesting box so that there is a removable box inside. This feature will provide convenience for washing the box.
Build windows within the structure. Each window should be on opposite walls, right in front of each other. This will allow fresh air to blow into the building for ventilation. Place screens on the windows to avoid bringing in dirt, pests, or other animals which might be harmful to the chickens.
Analyze your climatic conditions and then select doors for your hen house accordingly. Screen doors are ideal for normal climatic conditions and perfect for ventilation. However, you need to install wooden doors to provide adequate protection in the case of extremely cold winters.
Plans for Hen Houses
Building a hen house can be an extremely intricate task. Before beginning the actual construction process, you should formulate plans for the design based upon factors such as dimensions and sturdiness. Pay close attention to aspects such as the hen's ability to move in and out of the house, access to nesting boxes, and your own convenience for gathering the eggs as well as cleaning the building.