How to Build an Ideal Layer Chicken Coop: 4 Key Steps

A layer chicken coop plays a major role in productivity. Before you buy laying hen stock, it is wise to think through how to build a good, proper coop. Every type of chicken has its own ideal coop, and you cannot use the same type of housing for all of them. For example, an ideal coop for kampung chickens (Indonesian free-range native chickens) will not be ideal for layers. The ideal layer coop uses rectangular, elongated cages that can be stacked at least two tiers high. You can put one or two birds in each cage. Here are several ways to build an ideal layer chicken coop:

Also read 3 Ways to Meet Layer Chicken Nutrition Needs by Growth Stage

Coop Materials

The first thing to consider when building a layer coop is the material. You can match the material to your budget. A good coop is made of sturdy wire. If your budget is limited, bamboo is a better choice because it is cheaper. Unfortunately, wire coops last much longer. Anyone can build a bamboo coop, but a wire coop requires someone skilled or experienced in coop building.

Coop Size

Whether your coop is bamboo or wire, pay attention to its size. The more chicks you raise, the larger the coop needs to be. The wrong size can leave your chickens crowded and short of oxygen. You can build the coop floor with gaps so droppings and eggs fall through safely, and the floor should be sloped so they roll down easily. Build a long coop divided into compartments to keep the chickens separated from one another. The more birds you plan to raise, the longer the coop has to be. For comfort, give the coop plenty of ventilation at the back, top and front.

Also read 3 Tips for Feeding Layer Chickens the Right Nutrition

Feeders and Drinkers

What sets a layer coop apart is that you need to pay close attention to the feeders and drinkers. Broilers and kampung chickens have separate feeding and drinking stations, but layers are different. Layer feeders and drinkers should be tiered, with the feeder below and the drinker above. You can make them from wood or pipe. If you are a beginner, pipe is the easier option, since it is already curved, easy to shape and easy to find. Also make sure the pipe does not leak, because a leaking water line will empty quickly and leave your chickens thirsty.

Tiered Coops

An important part of building a chicken coop is how the cages are positioned. Since each cage holds only one or two chickens, you will need tiered cages. Do not place a cage directly above the one below it; offset it slightly to the side. This keeps the lower cage ventilated. Tiered coops should be no more than three tiers high, since a coop that is too tall makes the chickens hard to monitor.

Also read 3 Chicken Feeding Tips to Meet Their Nutritional Needs

One key to raising chicken productivity is building a coop that is as ideal and efficient as possible. The wrong coop leaves chickens uncomfortable and stressed, which keeps them from being productive. Build your layer chicken coop as described above so your chicken farming business becomes more productive and profitable.