Before you start telephone or visit your local council or municipality. There are regulations on chicken keeping in residential areas so make sure you look into these regulations before you start building.
Next on the list is to look for ready built chicken coop plans that you like. You will find a lot of designs on the internet, at your local library, in bookstore s amongst other places. Just come up with a few you think would be suitable.
When you find a design you like try and get a copy of the plan. You can use it for the base for your chicken coop plan.
Next, go out into the backyard and work out where you would like to place you coop. Make sure you consider the size of the area where you're going to place the coop. You will need 4 square feet per chicken, or 10 square feet if you plan on having no run.
Try and factor in:
* will the coop get enough natural sunlight
* check the ground for dampness, wetness and drainage
* Where is the nearest water outlet located for cleaning?
* Will there be any drafts
* Is the surrounding boundary or fence strong enough to keep out predators?
* If hawks or owls are a problem can you secure a net over the coop?
* Is the ground sloped or will the water pool where the coop is
* Will the coop be to close to the house or the neighbors' house?
* Will the coop fit in with the surrounding area or will it stick out and be an eye sore
There may be more so jot down any you can think of.
Next thing is to take a piece of paper and pen and sketch the inside of the coop. Try and include:
* Where the windows will go for sunlight
* Ventilation outlets
* Perches
* Feeders
* Flooring
* Lights
* Nest boxes
Then try and figure out if the location of these could cause any issues like:
* Lack of light
* Dampness
* Moisture
* Smell, carbon monoxide build up air circulation
* Feeder height to low to high
* Safety
* Protection from predators
When you have thought of all the issues that may arise and redesigned the sketch then its time to start the chicken coop plan
Before deciding on materials it's also a good idea to work out a budget and then ascertain the costs of the construction. Then do some research into the types of chickens and breeds of chicken you will like to keep.
When you work through and design your chicken coop plan the less likely it will be that you will have some major drama after the coop is erect and your chickens are settled into their new home.
We've put together a great resource for anyone wanting to build a secure chicken coop plan in less than 3 days. By following this guide you'll discover exactly what you need to do to in order to have a chicken coop in less than 3 days. You'll have a safe, secure chicken coop your chickens will love and that you'll be proud of.
You can find this plan at http://www.chickencoopplan.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_Feldman
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