THE CHICKEN COOP
If you have chickens then you are going to need a chicken coop, there is no way around it! However, with these simple to use plans you will have your own safe, efficient, and secure coop in no time. Use these free chicken plans to build your very own backyard coop! The DetailsBefore you can build a coop there are a few things that you have to tend to first. You must know exactly where you plan to put your coop, how big you are going to make them, and the materials that you are going to need. Doing a bit of your own research first is a good idea in regards to any animal welfare laws that are in place or any adjustments that need to be made to suit your particular environment.The Coop
The chicken coop is going to provide shelter for your chickens. Every coop has to have a run so that the chickens have an outside area to roam in. You have to be very specific about this run because the run can vary greatly depending on local conditions. Basically, you have to make sure that they are going to be safe from any predators that might want to make them their next meal. These factors will also determine whether they can be free-ranging or confined to a fenced or fully enclosed type of holding pen.
Size
You should allow space to accommodate at least eight chickens and three nests. Remember that each bird needs to have about nine inches of perch length too. The most common mistake is building a coop too small. The rule of thumb is generally that there should be 4 square feet per bird. So if you plan on having 4 birds you should have a structure of at least 4' x 4'. Some say it can be smaller but for healthy birds and the best eggs, building a bigger coop is better if you have the room.
Other Coop ConsiderationsIt must have the following options for it to be a feasible operational:A bit of storage space A chicken entranceway Proper ventilation Adequate lighting A door that opens inwards and is big enough to enable easy access and cleaning.
You should build your coop so the birds have 
plenty of room to move but you need to build an area around your coop with wire fencing that is buried into the ground 12 inches and above ground about 4 feet high. This will keep other animals from burrowing underneath or getting over the fence. Some chicken coops are built with wire over the top of the fencing as well to protect from hawks or owls. These steps will not only help keep the birds safe but also prevent diseases spread by other animals.
Materials3 - 4 X 8 X 3/4 --Plywood for walls and floor1 - 4 X 8 X 1/2 --Plywood for roof 10 - 2 X 2 X 8 --Strapping 2 - 2" hinges -- door to yard 2 - 4" hinges -- Door 1 box - 2" nails 2 - 4" latches 1 - 24" X 24" wire cloth -- cover window 1 - 4" door handle 12 - 4" nails--connecting walls to floor 4 - cinder blocks -- to raise floor off the ground 1 - roll roofing paper 3 - 8' metal flashing for edges of roof 1 - 2 tubes of caulking compound for seams along corners, roof, and walls. IF YOU INTEND TO MAKE TWO BREEDING PENS,
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