How to Get Supplies to Build a Chicken Coop

Intro: Planning ahead on size and style of coop before you purchase your materials will save money and prevent waste.

Step 1: Decide on style of barn or shed. Each chicken needs around 2 square feet of floor space.

Step 2: Use insulation in walls and ceiling, if you live in a very cold area, to help maintain a comfortable temperature for your chickens.

Step 3: Use old doors or windows to let in light and air in the summer.

Step 4: Wire your chicken house for lights and, possibly, a fan if you have very hot summers. Chickens need 14 hours of light a day to lay consistently.

Step 5: Put your light bulb on a timer for use during the winter months.

Step 6: Decide on the size of your fenced-in run.

Step 7: Use good mesh chicken wire and posts around perimeter of run. Chicken wire comes in all heights and sells by the running foot. Measure the perimeter of your pen and add a few extra feet to allow for overlap onto side of barn.

Step 8: Bury wire in ground to help keep foxes from digging under wire. Or nail 2-by-4s on the inside of the pen around the base and put cement blocks around the outside.

Step 9: Provide nests for your hens - watch farm auctions for used nests or build your own out of milk crates or wooden boxes. Do not use treated lumber.