Chicken Coop Design
A hundred years ago, most of the population in the United States was rural. Over the past century, this has shifted, and now most of the population lives in or around cities. Although there's been good reason for this – most jobs are in the city, after all – there has recently been a renewed interest in returning to our rural roots via urban farming. Gardening is more popular than ever, but even more surprising is a growing interest in keeping chickens in urban backyards.
Almost unheard of just a decade ago, more and more regular people are choosing to keep a small flock of chickens in order to have easy access to the incomparable taste of fresh eggs every day. Contrary to popular belief, most zoning ordinances these days will allow for a small flock in the backyard. With a modest investment in materials and birds, and a surprisingly small amount of maintenance, it's no wonder that this hobby has become one of the most popular in recent years.
The biggest investment, and – aside from the birds themselves – the most exciting element for a new chicken keeper, is the chicken coop. Even in the suburbs or the city, there are a surprising number of different predators that could hunt and kill your chickens – house cats, dogs, coyote, foxes, bears, raccoons, hawks, owls, opossums, and even skunks are more than willing to kill and/or steal your chickens, chicks, or eggs. A good chicken coop is essential to keeping your chickens and their eggs safe and sound.
In addition to protecting your flock from predators, a coop also provides a home for your chickens. This home includes nesting boxes (which is where they'll lay their eggs), perches for them to roost on, and usually also a small, fenced-in outdoor run or pen so they can get fresh air and exercise. A good coop provides ample space per chicken, has plenty of ventilation and light, is insulated (in colder climates) and, most importantly for the owner, is easy to clean.
Chicken coops range from a simple box-like structure that fulfills the above functions, to an elaborate, two-story mini-mansion, complete with shuttered windows, drop-down hatches to retrieve the eggs, elegant trim that matches your house, and designer paint colors. The choices for a purchased chicken coop are truly endless. Many beginners choose to purchase what's known as a “chicken ark,” which is a wheeled coop big enough for about three chickens. These are handy when you're just starting out; not only is a flock of three just about right for providing enough eggs for a family, but if you've chosen a spot in the yard that is too shady, or if you have to move to a new house, these mobile coops are simple to wheel to another spot.
Some people begin the adventure of keeping chickens by building their own coops from scratch. Those who are very experienced with carpentry might draw their own blueprints, but for folks with intermediate- and beginner-level skills, a good set of plans from a reputable source is key. It is too easy to waste money on expensive materials if you don't know what you're doing. Have a clear set of plans and make sure you have everything you need ahead of time to build the coop of your dreams.
Once you get your coop built and/ or set up, you can get your birds and introduce your new babies to their cozy new home. If you've done a good job and gotten the right coop for your circumstances, then the fun really begins!