How to Build an Indoor Chicken Coop
- 1). Lay two, 8 foot 2 by 4 inch planks on the floor with two 4 foot 2 by 4 inch planks and screw together the corners making a rectangle that is 8 by 4 feet. Repeat this process, making two 8 by 4 foot rectangles.
- 2). Stretch a 4 by 8 foot sheet of chicken wire over each 8 by 4 foot rectangle and staple in place. The rectangle that will be the bottom should have a second piece of chicken wire stapled over the first for greater structural integrity.
- 3). Secure two, 8 foot 2 by 4 inch planks on each side of both rectangles on the corners of the 4 foot sections. These are struts that will make the sides of your cage; you are basically building a large box. The bottom of your cage should be elevated 3 to 6 inches above the floor to remove waste. However, the height is at your discretion.
- 4). Lay four 2 by 4 inch, 4 foot long planks out to make a 4 by 4 foot square. Screw together.
- 5). Lay 4 by 4 foot chicken wire on the 4 by 4 foot square and staple to secure. This is the chicken coop's side door.
- 6). Screw two hinges to the door and then screw the hinged door to either 4 foot side of the chicken coop. Make sure the door is mounted on the lower end of the coop for easier chicken access. Add the pin and i-hook once the door closes to your liking.
- 7). Attach two sheets of 1/4 inch thick 4 by 8 foot plywood to the side of the chicken coop as the back. The sheets should butt up against each other horizontally. Screw in place with no more than 3 inches of space between each screw. These pieces of plywood should completely cover one of the sides.
- 8). Attach two sheets of 4 by 8 foot chicken wire to the opposite end from where the plywood is secured and staple in place. Just like the plywood, these sheets should butt up against each other horizontally.
- 9). Attach one sheet of 4 by 8 foot chicken wire to the narrow end of the chicken coop that does not have a door. Secure with staples.
- 10
Attach one 4 by 4 foot sheet of chicken wire above the door. Secure with staples. - 11
Connect one of the 2 by 4 inch 8 foot long planks of wood externally, horizontal to where the plywood butt up against each other on the back. Connect one of the 2 by 4 inch 8 foot long planks of wood to where the two 4 by 8 foot chicken wire sheets butt up against each other in the front of the chicken coop. These planks are to add strength to the chicken coop and aid in securing the plywood and chicken wire gaps. - 12
Place the milk crates next to each other inside the chicken coop along the back. Be sure the bottom of the milk crates are against the back of the plywood wall. These are nesting boxes. Add an 8 foot, 2 by 4 inch plank of wood along the front of the nesting boxes and secure with screws through the sides of the chicken coop. This plank of wood will create a front lip to the nesting boxes. - 13
Add wood chips or straw to each nesting box.
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