Nowadays you do not really need to take a trip down to your local bookstore to obtain high quality backyard chicken coop plans.  All that you need to do is spend a bit of time on the internet, and download all kinds of schematics in PDF format.  This article debates the idea of digital building plans, and gets you on the way as soon as possible. 

Internet-based Chicken Coop Schematics

There is nothing stunning about the undeniable fact that DIY building plans can be downloaded on the web.  Plenty of formerly hardcopy plans have been converted to digital, and put up on sale thru the publisher’s web site.  There is a range of plans available.  You only need to pick the best one for your requirements. 

Chicken Coop Design Options

It may be possible to construct all kinds of coops from nothing employing a DIY approach.  Little, portable styles are the most simple, but even premium hen houses aren’t too hard to build, assuming you can use a handsaw and hammer. 

Here is a short list of the most common designs:

1) The most simple of all designs is the a-frame coop.  It’s just one level, and will allow about five chickens to fit inside.  The sole disadvantage is that you’ll have to let the flock out every day.  This may be an issue when you go on vacation. 

2) The next step up is the chicken ark.  It is analogous to the basic a-frame style, but is composed of two storeys.  Upstairs is devoted to nesting and egg laying, while the lower level is the feeding / running area. 

3) For those of us who would like to keep more than 5 or so chickens, the medium sized box-shaped coop is a good option.  It contains a fresh egg laying area, where the egg falls down into a collection box for easy access. 

4) The largest, and most “premium” style of backyard chicken coop is the hen house.  Coupled with a secure chicken run, this is the last word in home mini-farming.  It includes many features, for example an automated feeder and egg collection machine.

There is plenty of information out there that will aid you on [1] Hen Houses. More info at [2] plans for hen house.