Raising chickens has become a favorite pastime or hobby of many people these days, especially for those who live on farms or in villages. This not only provides fresh eggs, but also produces organic manure at home. But to keep the chickens properly and safely, it is necessary to have a good chicken coop. If you go to buy a chicken coop in the market, it is quite expensive. In such a situation, a DIY chicken coop, i.e. a self-made chicken coop, is a cheap and favorite option, which you can design according to your needs and preferences.
Whether you have a small garden or a large farm, it is easy to make, and the experience of making it will also be fun. In this article, we will tell you how to make a DIY chicken coop, what is needed in it and what things are important to keep in mind.
Making a chicken coop with your own hands is not just a way to save money, but it is a task that will help you with many other things in the future. Readymade coops available in the market are quite expensive, but if you make it yourself, it can be made well within your budget.
Also, the old stuff in your house that is lying uselessly anyway, will be put to good use. If you make it well, it will also protect the chickens from the weather and wild animals. So let’s now know how to start it.
What is a DIY chicken coop, and why is it important
The chicken coop is the home of chickens. This is where they live, sleep, and lay eggs. This is a safe place that protects them from rain, sun, and cold. If there is no chicken coop, chickens can get sick or become prey to animals. Especially if there are dogs, cats, or foxes roaming around your area, it is very important to build a chicken coop.
When you build a DIY coop, you can make it as big, small, simple, or stylish as you need it. Also, you can reuse old wood, tin, or junk material, which also helps the environment. This is a project that will not only bring joy to the chickens but also to you.
Items needed to build a chicken coop
Before building a DIY Chicken Coop, you will need to gather a few essential items. Most of these items are already available in your home:
- Wooden planks – to make the walls and structure of the coop. Old furniture or broken wood can also be used.
- Mesh – for ventilation and protection from animals.
- Nails, screws, hammer or screwdriver – to put everything together.
- Roofing material – tin sheet, plastic, or any old roofing material.
- And the rest – utensils for food and water, and straw or dry grass to spread on the floor.
The size of the coop depends on how many chickens you have. 2-3 square feet of space is required for one chicken. If there are 6 chickens, then it would be appropriate to make a coop of at least 12-18 square feet. Make sure to estimate this before collecting the material, otherwise, there will be interruptions in the work.
An easy way to build a DIY chicken coop
Now that all the supplies are gathered, let’s begin building:
- Step 1: Choose the right spot
Look for a spot that is dry and doesn’t collect water. Chickens don’t like wet spots. Try to find a spot that gets morning sun but doesn’t get too hot during the day. And the spot shouldn’t be too far from the house.
- Step 2: Make a plan
Design the coop according to your needs and the number of chickens. First make a sketch on paper – how wide it will be, where the door will be placed, and where the net will be placed. For a small coop, a size of 5×5 feet will be fine.
- Step 3: Prepare the frame
Cut the wood to make a square base and join everything with nails. Keep the base slightly above the ground so that rainwater does not seep in. Install strong pillars in all four corners.
- Step 4: Install walls and mesh
Make walls out of wood and install mesh on one side to allow air to flow in but keep animals out. Also, make a door that opens and closes easily.
- Step 5: Install the roof
Make a roof using tin or plastic sheets and slope it slightly to prevent water from accumulating. Fit the roof tightly so that it does not blow away in the wind.
- Step 6: Inside Setup
Place wooden planks for the chickens to sleep, spread straw on the floor, and place the food and water dishes properly so it’s easy to feed them daily.
Cleaning and maintenance of the chicken coop
Cleaning and maintenance of the chicken coop is as important as building it. Clean it every week, remove dirt, and change the straw. If there is any hole in the net, repair it immediately. Give clean water and good food to the chickens every day.
You can use a sack or an old blanket to keep the coop warm in winter. Take care of the air in summer, the net has been installed for this purpose. If you check it regularly, it will last for years, and the chickens will remain healthy and safe.
Benefits of making a DIY chicken coop
The biggest advantage of making a coop yourself is that it is very inexpensive. It can cost between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 in the market, but you can make a DIY coop for Rs 1,500-2,000.
You can choose the design of your choice and take care of the environment by using old items. Also, the peace that comes with making something with your own hands is unique. Chickens also remain healthy because they get space according to their needs. This is a work that will be very useful in the future as well.
While making the coop, make sure that the wood is good and does not rot easily. There should be small holes in the mesh so that creatures like snakes cannot enter. Keep the coop slightly above the ground so that rainwater and insects do not enter. If you are making it for the first time, start small.
If there are wild animals around you, make arrangements for extra safety. Keep making small changes according to the weather; this will make the coop even stronger and more durable.
Building a DIY chicken coop is a cheap, easy, and smart way to create a great home for your chickens. With just a few materials, a little effort, and a little understanding, you can build a chicken coop that will protect them from all weather conditions and dangers. Not only will you save money, but you will also feel like you made something creative and useful yourself. So don’t delay, make plans, gather the materials, and build a great chicken coop today.
