How would you react if your best friend wanted to know how to build a chicken coop? If you are not very good at DIY skills, as I am not, you could advise your friend to buy one ready made, or but one in kit form. Seriously, if you thought it was straightforward could you be persuaded to put together your own chicken coop? I'm not saying it is easy, rather it is an option that might appeal to you.

I thought the idea of making a chicken coop by myself worthy of investigating further before arriving at a firm conclusion. My first notion was that a self built coop would save me money. All I needed to do is draw up a plan, go out and buy the raw materials, mainly wood, screws and wire, put it all together and its done. Sounds easy doesn't it?

If you have access to real chicken coops, that is if you know any farmers, neighbours or friends who keep chickens you can pick up some good ideas of your own for designing your own hen house just by looking at their coops. Another great advantage of making your own coop is that you can suit yourself what it looks like when its finished. There's plenty of room for creativity.

That apart, check out the numerous photographs of chicken coops that are online. By enlarging on the computer screen you can get some thoughts of your own. When you have enough ideas for a design and plan of your own, sketch them out, or draw them on the computer. You can always alter them as you go along. It is hard to think of everything when you are starting from scratch on a project like this.

Think about building a chicken coop on wheels, which will give you the ability to move it around once it's finished. That way you won't have to fret over where to locate your coop, and if you make an error you can easily move it somewhere else. You can fix into a permanent position later.

Give your chickens enough space. It is better for their well being and they will lay more eggs, and be generally less unhappy. Try to keep your plans simple. A simple design is really all that's needed. This applies to those who are trying this for the first time. You can always expand the chicken coop later, if necessary.

About the Author:
Read more or visit:  httl://howtobuildchickencoop.co.uk/