storage.googleapis.com Introduction: Your Chickens Deserve the Best! Building a large, sturdy chicken coop in Australia doesn't have to be daunting. This guide will walk you through each step, from planning to completion, ensuring your feathered friends have a safe and comfortable home. An extra large coop provides ample space for your flock to thrive, promoting healthier and happier chickens and increasing egg production. Let's get started!
Step 1: Planning and Design Before grabbing your tools, meticulous planning is crucial. Consider the number of chickens you plan to house. A good rule of thumb is 4-5 square feet of coop space per bird and 8-10 square feet of run space per bird. This post will assume you are building for 10+ chickens. Take into account local council regulations regarding chicken keeping. Finally, consider the Australian climate and the need for shade, ventilation, and protection from predators. Start with a simple sketch, noting dimensions and key features like nesting boxes, roosting bars, and access doors.
Step 2: Materials List Based on your design, create a detailed materials list. Here's a general list to get you started, which may require adjustments based on your specific design:
- Treated pine timber for the frame
- Chicken wire or hardware cloth for the enclosure
- Roofing material (corrugated iron, polycarbonate sheeting, etc.)
- Nails, screws, and bolts
- Wood glue
- Hinges and latches for doors and nesting boxes
- Timber for roosting bars
- Plywood or similar material for nesting boxes
- Concrete pavers or a concrete slab for the base (optional but recommended for predator protection)
- Shade cloth (optional, for additional shade)
Step 3: Building the Frame Start by constructing the coop's frame. Cut the treated pine timber to the required lengths according to your plan. Assemble the frame using screws and wood glue for added strength. Ensure the frame is square and level. This is the foundation of your coop, so accuracy is key. Add cross braces for extra stability, particularly if you live in an area prone to strong winds.
Step 4: Constructing the Walls and Run Once the frame is complete, attach the chicken wire or hardware cloth to the sides to create the walls of both the coop and the run. Ensure the wire is securely fastened to prevent predators from entering. Overlap the wire at the seams and use staples or screws to attach it firmly to the frame. For the run, consider burying the wire a few inches into the ground to deter digging predators.
Step 5: Adding the Roof Next, install the roof. Choose a roofing material that is appropriate for the Australian climate and your budget. Corrugated iron is a popular choice for its durability and affordability. Overlap the roofing sheets according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent leaks. Secure the roofing to the frame using screws or nails with rubber washers to prevent water damage. Ensure there is adequate overhang to protect the coop from rain.
Step 6: Building Nesting Boxes Construct the nesting boxes from plywood or similar material. A good size for a nesting box is approximately 12" x 12" x 12" per 3-4 chickens. Install them inside the coop, preferably in a slightly darker and quieter area. Make sure they are easily accessible for egg collection. Consider adding a small lip to the front of the boxes to prevent eggs from rolling out.
Step 7: Installing Roosting Bars Provide your chickens with comfortable roosting bars. Use smooth, rounded timber and place them at varying heights inside the coop. Ensure there is enough space for all the chickens to roost comfortably. A good rule of thumb is 8-10 inches of roosting space per bird.
Step 8: Creating Access Doors and Ventilation Install access doors for yourself to clean the coop and collect eggs, as well as a pop door for the chickens to access the run. Ensure all doors have secure latches to prevent predators from entering. Proper ventilation is crucial for the health of your chickens. Provide vents near the roof to allow for air circulation. Ensure the vents are covered with wire mesh to prevent rodents or birds from entering.
Step 9: Finishing Touches and Predator Proofing Add any finishing touches, such as paint or stain, to protect the wood and improve the appearance of your coop. Focus on predator proofing: check for any gaps or weaknesses in the structure and reinforce them. Consider adding a wire apron extending outwards from the base of the coop to deter digging predators.
Step 10: Adding Substrate and Getting Ready for Chickens Cover the floor of the coop with a suitable substrate, such as wood shavings or straw. This will help absorb moisture and keep the coop clean. Ensure the substrate is deep enough to allow the chickens to dust bathe. Provide fresh water and food, and your chickens are ready to move in!
Conclusion: Enjoy Fresh Eggs and Happy Chickens! Congratulations! You've built a fantastic extra large chicken coop. Your chickens will be happy and healthy in their new home, and you'll enjoy the benefits of fresh eggs and the satisfaction of a job well done. Remember to regularly clean the coop and check for any signs of pests or diseases to ensure the continued well-being of your flock.
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