When it comes to hen coops, then there are limitless number of ideas and chicken coop designs which you can use. Building the chicken houses is a process that should never be taken lightly, as the health and well being of the birds is going to be determined on the accommodation that would be provided to them. Some even say that it might be an easy to go plan which is best suited for the weekend. So, if you plan to have some low cost chicken coop, then there are numerous ideas and designs which will come in handy if you pay a proper heed towards them. Here are some of the different types and forms of the backyard chicken coops which you can use.

Small Chicken Coop

The thing about the small chicken coops is that they can easily be moved from one place to the next. Yes, there are some chicken coops which are not optimal for movement, but it is always best for you to design a moveable one. The dimensions which you need to ponder are 3.5 ‘ High, nearly 38” deep and about 64” long. It is the most recommended chicken coop for 8 chickens. Now here, you can also make use of the internet for the purpose of downloading a number of chicken coop plans.

Large Chicken Coop

For the purpose of making a chicken coop for 10 chickens, it is imperative to keep in mind the space that would be required for the optimal growth of each of them. The space to be allocated should be around 0.4 square m per chicken. Moreover, the nests should be shared in a balanced manner between the chickens. To be more precise, 3 nests can be shared between 8 chickens. So, in lines to this, for 10 chickens, 4 nests would be the most recommended. Furthermore, the design you would be using should also come to allow the maximum area for the storage and should also be capable of turning down the attacks that would be initiated from the side of the predators. The same square formula is applicable whether you need to make the chicken coop for 12 chickens or chicken coop for 20 chicken. In terms of the ark chicken coop, again the number of birds should be considered. Moreover, you would also need to ensure superior protection mechanisms while making use of these one of a kind coops.

Stationary Chicken Coop

Permanents points of resting are allocated for the stationary chicken coops. In all, there happen to be different types of the chicken coops that are used including the moveable and fixed ones. These coops are structured in the form of a building or a specialized fenced area. The size of the coop here is determined on the basis on the number of chicken that would be kept in the setting. However, the rule of thumb here is the use of 4 square feet for each bird. Keeping in view, this formula, you would be able to make one for yourself. On the other hand, the moveable chicken coop might be best suited for those who are wary of the attacks of predators and from evasive weather conditions. But there are some farmers and home owners who prefer to make use of the basic chicken coop for the job.

Portable, Moveable or Mobile Chicken Coop and tractor

The moveable chicken coops can easily hive or accommodate a large number of birds, but it all depends on the specific design and the measures for the protection of the birds which you have made use of. The inspiration behind the use of this chicken coops is the high level of functionality and movement they offer. Just by adding some wheels to the lower end of the coop, an all in one mobile coop might be the right option for you. The roosts should be placed above the trays which are dedicated for the collection of the chicken left overs. Moreover, the tops of the boxes can also be modified in order to allow the birds to make use of the roosts.

The chicken tractor can also be classified among the most used portable chicken coops. In addition to housing the birds, these machines are also used for giving a shelter to other forms of poultry. The prime use of these tractors is the freedom in terms of free ranging they allow to the birds and the farm owners. Using this machine, the farm owners would be able to provide an extensive environment to the birds.

Plastic Chicken Coop

The plastic chicken coop can be termed as those new players that have emerged recently in the worldwide chicken markets. Most of the advertisements you are going to see in this regard stumble upon the extended protection these coops from the red mites. The red mite can be classified to be a very small ecto-parasite that feeds using the blood of the poultry animals. The cleaning process of the plastic coops is also quite easier in comparison to the wooden houses. You can wash, clean as well as dry out these coop in only 30 or less minutes. Moreover, these coops are also less costly in comparison to the wooden ones, so they are best suited for those who are on a tight budget.

Handcrafted Chicken Coops

There are a number of handcrafted chicken coops that are designed to be portable and easier to clean. In fact, in some states of the US, these coops can be availed at pretty low prices. In addition to offering a good quality settings and environment for the chickens, these coops are also easier for mobility. The number of chickens that can be kept in these coops range from 3 to 7 or even more, if the area is sufficient enough. Now here, the chicken pens might not be best suited for those areas which are marked for frequent predator attacks.

Wooden Chicken Coop

As mentioned before, the wooden chicken coop are losing their fame now, all because of the difficult cleaning process. While there is a substantial presence of the farmers who prefer to make use of these coops, but still it might not be the best suited for those who are newbies in the domain of raising the backyard chicken.

Eglu Chicken Coop

Now here we have another form of chicken coop which can be termed as easy to clean and a bit cheaper. The prime question which is asked in making use of these coops is related to the prevention of the red mite. There is no doubt about the increase in the popularity of these coops. Moreover, they are also quite appealing and attractive in comparison to the others types of backyard chicken coops. At the same time, there are those who always prefer to make use of the chicken hutches.

Masses in many countries are getting inclined towards the idea of backyard chicken coop. The idea of raising your own chicken can be used as a very interesting hobby and it also allows you to attain fresh eggs that these chickens produce. There are various aspects which you need to study about chicken coops to build the most suitable coop. Now the basic ingredient of raising chickens is a chicken coop which can be made by a person at home or can be easily acquired from the market. Making a chicken coop at home is though not simple for the one who has no idea about the technicalities involved and the features which need to be incorporated in the coops. You can use various plans to build a chicken coop but some important factors need your consideration. So here are some important pointers for the beginners who are going to give this idea a go:

1.Characteristics of chicken coop

There are various characteristics which need to be considered while going for an easy to build chicken coop. First of all decide the size which you need to come up with as this will decide the number of birds which you can keep in it, and it also gives you the idea of the space requirement. The other features or characteristics of a chicken coop are the proper provisions of ventilation, provision for natural sunlight, perches, nesting boxes, feeder location, windows and mobility etc. All these characteristics are must to be incorporated in a coop.

2. Design of a house(moveable or fixed)

Before making a chicken coop, one needs to understand the designs which can be used for this purpose. You will find that manufacturers are making chicken coops in unlimited designs but all are based on the idea of making them viable for healthy growth and productivity. So care should be taken while you design e.g. proper location for the feeder so that it is easily reachable by the birds. Now chicken coop or houses can be made both fixed and portable but the portable ones are more preferable as you can easily change its location whenever you need to. The purpose can be achieved by incorporating tires beneath the structure.

3.Space requirement for chicken

Building a chicken house comes with proper space requirements because you not only need the primary area where they will be kept but also a chicken run area where they can roam, as it is a necessary exercise for their growth and productivity.  So, building a chicken run with suitable space is mandatory.

4. Proper lighting

When building a chicken house, always be aware of the fact that proper availability of light is very important for their egg laying ability and their proper health. So always incorporate a proper window in your chicken house and make your chickens happier and healthier.

5.Ventilation requirement

Being amazing producers of ammonia, heat and moisture which they surely are, chickens need proper provisions for  ventilation in their houses as it removes humidity and dampness. They get rid of the water they drink in the form of vapors through their breathing and this makes the environment in the coop air-humid or unhealthy for easy breathing. So, proper ventilation is something which is vital.

6. Roost

When making plans for chicken coop, also keep in mind that chickens like to sit or perch on limbs or rods, this is called chicken roosting. So always incorporate a rod into your chicken coop and make sure that the rod has enough space available for all your chickens to roost. These little things may sound irrelevant to you but all have their impact on the chickens growth and productivity.

7. Nests

Now this factor is what complies with the basic aim of building coops i.e. eggs production. Chicken for laying eggs need to have nesting boxes placed in their coop. Always provide at least one box per two to three chickens and ensure that the roof or top of such nesting boxes are not in the access of the chickens or else they will use it for the purpose of perching.

8.Fencing requirements to protect from predators

Skunks, raccoons, cats and untamed dogs can always pose a threat to the chickens as it is always a good dinner option for them. Mere chain linking fence is not a proper ploy as raccoons and skunks can easily sneak in through the wholes which are normally found in an average fence of chain links. So always go for the ones with small holes. Here are 15 tips to protect your chickens from predators.

9.Protection from uncongenial weather condition

Now this is subject to the region in which you live in. if you are at a place which receives plenty of rain, place the coop at a higher position to prevent them from flooding because wet chicken can result in a seriously ill or dead chicken. Similarly the climate will decide the breed that you can keep or the breed which can survive.

The living green roof is more like a structure having an over parking, which is used primarily for management of environmental problems that may arise from time to time. Raising chickens in the backyard is not something new to humanity. It is one of the top growing trends in the urban as well as rural areas. The reason for this might be the profits linked to the sector. Having a normal or a green chicken coop may not be conducive for you at all times, as the normal chicken coop designs come to undermine a number of environmental effectuations in raising backyard chicken. These environmental effects may cause a great deal of damage to the health of the domesticated animals. Furthermore, there are also high chances that the animals might also be exposed to a number of diseases in making use of the normal or poorly made chicken coops. Not to panic, as there are a number of green roof chicken coop plans and chicken coop ideas that provide the solution to all your problems.

Benefits of Green Roof

Using a green roof is one of the best decisions you are ever going to take for the domestication of the animals. It comes to provide a more breathing space in general and also helps in transforming the entire dull space into something more appealing. Furthermore, it also empowers you to make use of some weather hardy and durable plants of your own choice and also the ones that are advantageous for the health of the animals at all times. They also come to offer thermal insulation for the domesticated animals that are to be kept beneath them. In addition to this, they also come in handy in reducing the effectuations of the urban heat that may have a negative impact over the health of the animals. Every now and then you might have heard that most of the animals kept in the poultry setting die all because of the use of some poor roofs. Here comes the question of how to build a green roof and the top chicken coop designs.

Steps in Building a Green Roof and Materials Needed

First of all build the upper portion with some wood retaining edge so that it may hold the plants and animals in place. You can vary the size and height of the edges depending upon the weather and the materials you make us of. You can also secure the corners by using L Brackets which are designed for the purpose of being used in making green roofs. Secondly, spread out the entire weather proof membrane directly on the inside of the roof. Furthermore, make use of some equal portions of sand, gravel and other materials for adding the recommended depth for being used in drainage and related purposes. Also make use of some mulch with the soil for the plants. It is best here that you make use of the plants that can grow best in this setting. Now here it is crucial to note that the roofs having even the slightest of slant might come to facilitate the collection of water. This collection of water can really cause a big problem for the entire structure.

Cost Estimate

The costs for building such a roof might vary depending upon the cost of the materials, the payment to be made to the lumbers and also on a number of other factors. If you make use of the materials with the highest levels of quality for a cool chicken coop, then the rough estimate might come to be around $ 400 to $ 500. “But here you can also make use of the green wood which would be useful in lowering down the costs. There are also a number of chicken coop plans which can be used all of which depend on the number of birds to be kept, environmental factors and personal finance are shaping up for such a project.”