How To Build a Chicken Coop

Purchasing pavers and coated hardware
 cloth from the hardware store

A chicken coop consists of two main parts: a hen house, where the chickens sleep and lay their eggs, and a run, where they can walk around and get fresh air and sunshine, but still be protected from predators. Coops can be made in many different shapes and sizes and from many different materials. We purchased a pre-made chicken coop that only needed to be put together. We also purchased cement pavers and plastic coated hardware cloth, for the foundation.

The first thing we did was prepare the ground where the chicken coop would be built. This was an important step because the coop couldn't be put together properly if the ground was not level. We measured out the dimensions of the coop and marked that area on the ground. Then we used a shovel to dig out the turf. After the ground was cleared, we poured sand around the whole foundation and used a level to make sure the sand was the same height all around. We used sand because it would make a smooth and even surface for the cement pavers. The pavers hold down the hardware cloth, which makes it difficult for a predator to dig in to the coop. The pavers also prevent contact with the ground, which helps preserve the wood the coop is built from.

The pavers are being laid on the sand. The level we used is sitting on one of the pavers. The hardware cloth is the green material that looks like netting. If you look closely, you can see it placed under the pavers on the left.

One of two boxes which
 contained all the coop materials.

 Once the ground was leveled and the pavers were in place we began to assemble the coop. We bought the coop from a farm supply store and it came in two large boxes. We unpacked all the pieces and looked over the directions. All we needed to assemble the coop was a screwdriver.

The hen house and ramp.

First we assembled the hen house. It has four walls, two doorways, two roosting poles, and a ramp. The roosting poles are where the chickens will perch to sleep. We used screws to attach the walls and smaller screws to attach the ramp. The ramp leads out of the hen house and in to the run. 

After the hen house was put together, we attached the run. The run is larger than the hen house. It is made of hardware cloth framed by wood. The run also has two doors. One door is for humans and one door is for chickens. The run is covered by a roof. We used long screws to secure the roof to the run. The hen house is also covered by roof, but it has hinges, which we installed on each side. The hinges allow the roof to lift up so that we can clean the coop.

The last section we built was the nesting box. It is divided into three compartments. The nesting box is where the chickens lay their eggs. We used bolts and nuts to attach the nesting box to the side of the hen house. The nesting box is covered by a smaller roof, which is also on a hinge. This makes it easy to lift the roof and collect the eggs.

The nesting box extends off the side of the hen house.

The coop is almost ready for the chickens to move in but there are a few things we still need to do. We will run an extension cord out to the coop. It will provide electricity for a heated base that the water sits on. This keeps the drinking water from freezing during the cold winter months. We will also hang a feeder from the side of the hen house for the chicken's feed. We will put a thick layer of pine shavings inside the hen house and nesting boxes to make it cozy and warm. The chickens are very excited to move to their new home.