How to build your own chicken coop in Central Oregon

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How to build your own chicken coop in Central
Oregon

• DIY Chicken Coop

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• Building a chicken coop in Bend, OR is really
  easy. You would be surprised how many people are
  going in this direction, especially in the
  suburbs given the cost of food nowadays.
  Outbuilders is good at making chicken coops and
  at a fraction of the cost, but you can build one
  with basic household stuff. An old shed works
  best, but if you want to build one, read on.
• First, how many chickens are you going to house?
  You cannot build a coop fitted for 3 but place 10
  inside. This is a home for your chickens and you
  want them to live happy so they produce. Once you
  have figured out how many chickens you are going
  to have, go ahead and start planning your
  building design.
• Your building needs to be completely accessible
  for cleaning and for the chickens to get to
  ground, their nesting boxes (cubby holes) and
  perches. A 3 tier (story) coop is ideal. The
  ground floor, the egg gathering level (second)
  and the top (perch). An L shaped coop is the
  best shape for a coop. Try and plan your design
  around a door that opens up all levels so you can
  get in, collect or clean. If you dont have any
  plans, you can find thousands online. Just Google
  them.

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• Insulation is a must in Central Oregon. We have
  long winters and cold springs. Insulation will
  prolong your chicken(s) lives. You should use
  home insulation, but on the cheap, you can use
  egg cartons, paper, blankets or cardboard as long
  as they are twisted or crumpled. Make sure you
  also invest in a heat lamp. Oh yeah, and you will
  need light to 1. See the eggs and 2. Check on the
  chickens, so plan on installing two light bulbs
  for the second and third floors.
• There is a reason why they call it chicken
  wire. You will need this for your bottom of the
  design so the chickens can walk around on the
  ground and see the outside without feeling
  trapped. Make your entire bottom portion (1st
  floor) with as much chicken wire as you can. The
  more open the better.
• Do some research on dropping trays. They are a
  blessing when installed properly. They help you
  clean out the coop faster and with ease. There
  are all kinds of designs for them. Just google
  it. Chickens drink water, so you will need to
  have a water tray and an easy way to fill it.
  During the winter, the water tray can freeze so
  give it some thought on how you will achieve that
  from happening. A heat pad placed underneath the
  water tray works really good, but can be a fire
  hazard.

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• Remember, safety first. Your chickens and your
  home should be the priority. Make sure you have
  the proper materials, equipment and a fire
  extinguisher handy. Heat lamps are dangerous and
  so are any electrical devices you place on, in or
  around the coop. There you go. A simple checklist
  of how to build a chicken coop in Redmond, OR.
  Good luck!
•  
• http//www.outbuilders.com/build-chicken-coop-cent
  ral-oregon/
• Kirk Sandburg
• [phone]  Mobile
• kirk_at_outbuilders.com
• www.outbuilders.com