The right coop building plan will make sure you are never confused about what to do next and tools will help you complete each side, floor and roof of the coop.
Types of Chicken Coop Plans
One of the things that always surprises new builders is just how many chicken coop plans are out there. This isn’t a matter of thousands of people offering the same 3 plans, but rather a wide range of coops to fit your needs. Whether you have a small backyard with limited space or a vast space but no need for an extra large chicken coop, you will be able to find the plans to fit your needs.
One of the things that might help determine what type of chicken coop plans you end up getting is the limitations of your property. Does your yard back into a wooded area without any type of barrier? If so, you may need plans for the chicken ark keep them safe from predators. Likewise if your township prohibits allowing chickens to roam free, an ark would be the best coop plan for you.
If you need something a little larger that includes extras like nesting boxes you may want to consider a traditional chicken house. This type of plan is spacious and allows plenty of room so your chickens can roam free and have easy access to the outside. These chicken houses come in a range of styles so you can find one that matches your home style.
A basic chicken shed might be the perfect plan for the beginner builder or the homeowner looking to build an urban chicken coop. The chicken coop plans you find will run the gamut from mobile chicken coops that can easily be moved from one section in the yard to another to Adirondack and cottage style plans.
The right chicken coop guide will offer you multiple styles and sizes of coops so you can find one that fits your skill level as a builder.
Level of Difficulty
The thing that frightens most first time chicken coop builders is how difficult they assume it will be. The fact of the matter is that chicken coops are fairly easy to build due to the lack of complicated structures and walls. This is why it is best to choose a chicken coop guide that offers plans that are easy for just about everyone to follow. For all beginners and for those who think, that they need some extra guidance or information, I always recommend to check Bill’s detailed chicken coop guide which will offer you a wide range of chicken coop plans that are appropriate for beginner to experienced builders.
Whether you want a small mobile coop or a large double-story coop, you will be able to find the plans you need to get it done with minimal difficulty.
Types of Materials
As varied as the styles, sizes and types of chicken coops there are available it could be assumed that there are tons of materials to use. By and large chicken coop plans are created to build wooden coops. In fact many builders decide to recycle or ‘upcycle’ wood they already have from a small shed or dog house because it is inexpensive and uses wood that would typically go to waste.
But you will need more than wood to build your chicken coop. The chicken coop guide you choose will tell you whether or not you need more than framing lumber for the frame of the coop and plywood. If you plan to give your chickens plenty of fresh air without putting them at risk of predators you will probably use some heavy-gauge wire mesh. To affix the mesh you will need fencing staples.
Other materials required include nails or screws, which will depend entirely on what your guide advises. Most of the time you will probably need both but you need to carefully read your building plans to make sure you get the right size.
One area where you really have a choice in building materials is the roof. Give your coop the look of a home with asphalt shingles or you can opt for a metal or fiberglass roof. Your guide will recommend a specific material so unless you know how to build a solid roof to keep the elements out, you should listen to your guide.
Building Costs
The cost of building your chicken coop is one area in which you have a ton of control. The chicken coop guide you choose will merely recommend materials for you, tell you how much you need and how to assemble it, but with careful planning you save yourself hundreds of dollars in building costs.
This is particularly true if you plan in advance. One of the best ways to cut costs is to use repurposed wood when possible. Whether you have an old shack sitting on your property that is no longer large enough for your needs or you know someone looking to get rid of solid, dry and un-warped wood, this wood is ideal for building a chicken coop.
You will have to buy new screws and nails but you should be able to get them for a decent price in the bulk section of a home improvement store. Other materials can always be found on sale if you check multiple stores.
You will need tools and if you don’t have power tools and your chicken coop plans indicates you will need them that will be a significant expense. You can rent them by the day or for a set period of time for a fee, but if you can borrow them from a friend or family member you will save even more.
Plan your coop building in advance so you have time to search for the best deal on your materials, tools and any required building permits.
