Chicken Coop Ideas For Beginners
So you’ve decided to jump into the wonderful and clucky world of backyard chickens! Now you need some chicken coop ideas. Of course, before you rush to the nearest farm and buy chickens, you need to find the best home for them. There are several things to consider when making a chicken coop, but don’t worry; that’s why we’re here.
Millions of homeowners in the U.S. have backyard chicken coops, and if they can do it, you can too! So sit back, settle your feathers, and take a dive into the world of chicken coops with us.
3 Key Factors to Plan Your Chicken Coop
Before you break out the tools and start building a coop, you need to consider these key factors:
1. Space Required
Chickens need their personal space, so you need to know the required area. You can’t cram them in next to each other and hear their annoyed clucks all day. As a general rule, give each chicken about 3-5 square feet and about 10 square feet for the chicken run.
In the coop, you should also add a chicken run which is a fun place for chickens to scratch, roam, and peck. It’s a safe space for your chickens outside the chicken coop. Our girls love getting out in the run during the day.
2. Chickens and the Law
You need to be mindful of the regulations in your local area regarding keeping chickens in your backyard. There’s no law specifically against these wonderful creatures, but some areas just aren’t suitable for them.
Zoning laws, noise ordinances, and complaining neighbors could stop your chicken coop plans. So check these out before you begin your days as a chicken owner.
3. Location and Climate
Be aware that chickens can’t be kept in extreme weather conditions unless you’re a pro who knows how to maintain the coop’s temperature. But since you’re here for beginner lessons, keeping your chickens in a place that is too hot or cold will mess with their health.
The max temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit (~32C). We can’t control the weather, so if you live in a warmer place, make sure you consider ways to regulate the temperature in the coop.
To take good care of your feathered friends, keep them in a well-drained spot that has a shaded area, and not too much wind.
Best Chicken Coop Ideas for Beginners
Okay, now that we know the ideal location, size, and weather, let’s begin with the real deal for your chicken coop plans! Beginners have a range of options, from budget-friendly DIYs to advanced pre-made kits if you want to bust out the toolbox. Let’s take a look:
Basic Coop Design
To start off, you don’t need something super fancy or grand. Remember, it’s your first time, so just keep it simple, functional, and cozy for the trial run. We made our first one with some plywood, chicken wire, and recycled wood.
Depending on the number of chickens you want to start with, check the measurements. For example, to accommodate 6 chickens, you’ll need materials to make a coop with a width of 2-8 feet, and a height of 3-15 feet. This size is perfect for 6 chickens, giving them room to move around comfortably. Sustainable pro tip: you can use repurposed old furniture too as materials.
A pre-made kit saves time and ensures durability, ideal for first-time chicken owners. Find beginner coop kits here!
Portable Chicken Coop
You may not want to keep your birds in one location of your backyard, so for flexibility, try out small and movable chicken coops. You can buy a small coop with attached wheels to make the movement easy. We had one of these for a while when we only had 3 chickens, and it was a great way to move them around the garden and keep them from scratching a bare patch on our lawn.
As a first-timer, if you start with a small DIY portable coop, it will cost you about $100 – $300. But the more chickens you add, those prices will go higher, to as much as $1,500. You can find a variety of designs – plastic, chicken wire, wooden, and several colors too.
Just make a pick and you’ll be good to go. You’ll find that most of these come as pre-made kits which make the job easier.
Safety Concerns
Your chickens need to live in a safe haven, protected from predators and extreme weather. Predator-proofing involves getting sturdy wire fencing, secure locks, and, if possible, an elevated coop.
Temperature conditions and ventilation is also important. Fresh air is important but not too much as to make them feel cold. Instead, place the vents properly for ample air-flow. Try opposite placing of windows, a roof vent, or for bigger coops, ventilation fans.
Good insulation is important for the winters, so keep a budget to get deep bedding material, fiberglass, straw bales, and maybe even heated waterers.
Nesting Boxes
When it comes to your chicken coop idea don’t forget the nesting boxes that allow them to lay eggs comfortably. Place them somewhere that makes it easy for you to collect without disturbing your clucky pals.
The Bottom Line on Beginner Chicken Coops
The bottom line is, whether you’re a beginner or someone who knows chickens, building your own chicken coop isn’t overwhelming. Whatever route you pick to get there, just pre-plan the aspects we mentioned so that you’re prepared for many things.
With chickens, the surprise elements will be there, but just keep a cool head and deal with it rationally. With a little effort, you’ll get the right design, good ventilation, and cozy nesting boxes. Have fun trying out our chicken coop ideas, and build a cute and functional coop! Tell us how you went in the comments, we love to hear from you and share ideas.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Beginner Chicken Coop Concerns
Q: How Much Space Do Chickens Need in a Coop and Run?
Chickens need at least 3-5 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the chicken run. Having enough space prevents overcrowding, reduces stress, and keeps chickens healthy. For beginners, consider starting with a small flock of 3 or so to keep things manageable.
Q: What Are the Best Chicken Coop Materials for Beginners?
For first-time builders, materials like plywood, chicken wire, and repurposed wood are cost-effective and easy to work with. Many beginners also choose pre-made kits, which often include all necessary materials, plus handy instructions for when you get stuck. Ensure that materials are predator-proof and weather-resistant for durability and safety. Normally these types of pre-made kits will have all that in the description. If you are in a rush, this one ticks all those boxes (thank me later).
Q: How Do I Keep Chickens Safe from Predators?
Predator-proof your coop with sturdy wire fencing, secure locks, and an elevated design. For added safety, ensure the coop has no gaps larger than half an inch, and close doors securely each night. A motion-detecting light can also deter nighttime predators. The last thing you want to wake up to is the heartbreak of finding out your coop wasn’t safe enough.
Q: Can Chickens Survive Extreme Weather Conditions?
Chickens are hardy, but extreme temperatures require special care. Insulate the coop with straw or fiberglass for cold winters, and ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating in the summer. Beginners should avoid keeping chickens in areas where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F or drop below freezing without preparation.
Q: Are Portable Chicken Coops a Good Choice for Beginners?
Yes, portable coops are ideal for beginners who want flexibility. These coops are easy to move, allowing you to rotate grazing areas and prevent overuse of your lawn. In fact this is exactly what we did when we got started! You will want to look for lightweight designs with wheels. It will make your life easier to move them around without busting your back. Make sure the coop still meets space and safety requirements for your flock.
