How to Build a Chicken Coop

Author: Lisa Smith

Building a chicken coop is a rewarding project that not only provides a safe haven for your chickens but also enhances the overall health and productivity of your flock. Whether you’re an experienced poultry keeper or just starting out, creating a comfortable and functional chicken coop is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials to build a quality hen house to last in New Zealand’s weather conditions.

Factors to Consider

Size

• Ensure your chicken coop is large enough to accommodate your flock of hens. Outpost Buildings Hen House Kitsets each note how many hens they can serve.
• In terms of physical dimensions Auckland Council recommends a minimum roof height of 60cm for the coop. The land area you have available will also help guide the size of your chicken coop. Kapiti Coast District Council requires that the chicken coop should be at least 2 metres from the boundary, while Wellington Council recommends approximately 3 square metres of space to roam per chicken. 

Materials

• Wood: For the frame and walls, using treated timber is recommended to resist moisture and pests.
• Roofing: Metal roofing or asphalt shingles are durable options to resist the changeable New Zealand weather.
• Wire Mesh: A heavy-duty wire mesh is ideal to protect against any predators as well as providing ventilation and light for the coop to ensure the health of the chickens.

Design

Important design features include the following structural & interior items.

• Ventilation: Raised bases can be a key ventilation point.
• Nesting boxes: These should be in a quiet, easily accessible location within the hen house for your hens to lay eggs. A rough rule of thumb is to make these 30cm by 30cm. Lining them with straw will help keep the nesting boxes and eggs clean.
• Perches: Provide perches for the chickens to sleep on. These should be placed high enough off the ground and spaced to allow comfortable roosting for your chickens.
• Doors: The inclusion of doors for easy access and ability to relocate can improve the longevity of the coop. 
• Flooring & Bedding: You can use straw, wood shavings, or sawdust for bedding. These materials help control odour and provide comfort for the hens. Further information about what to include in your hen house can be found here.

Preparing Your Site

Location

Select a well-drained, flat area for your hen house. Ideally, the location should offer some shade and be protected from strong winds. In order to provide your hens with fresh ground, you will want to look at being able to relocate the hen house around the property. Check the Building Guide for tips on choosing and preparing your site. 

Building the Chicken Coop

Tools Required

Depending on the complexity of your chicken coop build, the basic tools you’ll need can include a saw, hammer, drill, spanner, measuring tape, and level. Ensure you have the right safety gear, such as gloves and goggles.

Building the Frame

• Foundation: Start by building a sturdy foundation. You can use concrete blocks, a gravel base, or a timber frame to elevate the hen house off the ground. This helps with drainage and prevents moisture from affecting the structure.
• Frame: Construct the frame using timber. Ensure it is level and square. Securing the frame with screws and brackets can provide added stability and strength against the elements. 

Constructing the Walls and Roof

• Walls: Attach plywood or weather-resistant board to the frame for the walls. Unless you live in a particularly chilly part of New Zealand, you should not need separate insulation, as mature chickens are relatively hardy against cooler temperatures. Read more about looking after Chickens in Winter.
• Roof: Install the roofing material, ensuring it is well-sealed to prevent leaks. A sloped roof is ideal for rain runoff and to ensure leaves won’t pile up on the roof.

Ongoing Maintenance

Perform regular maintenance to keep the hen house in good condition. Check for wear and tear, clean bedding frequently, and ensure that ventilation remains effective. The use of treated timber as mentioned above can help resist rot and insect attack.

What about a Kitset Chicken Coop?

A kitset hen house is a pre-packaged set of components designed for easy assembly. These kits include all the necessary materials and step by step instructions, allowing you to construct your hen house with minimal tools and expertise. They are ideal for those who want a streamlined building process without sacrificing quality.

In Summary

Building a chicken coop is a project that can greatly benefit the health of your hens and their egg-laying output also. Sourcing the right materials, choosing the correct design and including internal features such as nesting boxes and perches are all important to consider for a functional and long lasting chicken coop. Choosing a kitset chicken coop is a very efficient and manageable alternative to doing it all yourself.  

Outpost Buildings kitset Chicken Coops include durable weather resistant components made for New Zealand conditions with features such as ventilation, raised bases and easy access doors, providing you peace of mind on material quality and overall design. They are easy to assemble with step by step instructions and using standardised tools with all the necessary materials and fittings. This ensures a quick assembly using quality materials with no waste due to mismeasurement. For more information, read up on the kitset assembly with Outpost.