Backyard Chicken Coop Basics
A small, predator-safe coop and run plan for a starter flock of 3-5 hens.
Materials / Tools
- Lumber, plywood, hardware cloth, nesting boxes, roost, feeder, waterer, bedding
## Overview A few hens turn kitchen scraps and bugs into daily eggs and rich manure. This coop keeps them safe at night while giving daytime access to a run or supervised free-ranging.
## Materials - Framing lumber and plywood - Hardware cloth (1/2" mesh) for run and windows - Nesting boxes (one per 3-4 hens) - Roosting bar, feeder, waterer - Deep bedding (straw or wood shavings)
## Steps 1. Build a 4x4 foot enclosed coop with a slanted roof for runoff. 2. Add a pop door and secure latch; raccoons can open simple latches. 3. Cover windows and run with hardware cloth, not chicken wire. 4. Provide 1 nesting box per 3-4 hens and 8-10 inches of roost per bird. 5. Use deep bedding and turn it weekly to control smell and start compost. 6. Check local ordinances before bringing birds home.