So you have a spare doghouse. And now you’re thinking about getting some hens for fresh eggs. So why not turn that doghouse into a chicken coop? There’s no reason you can’t. Here are some things you need to include in your retrofitting plans.

Wooden doghouses are the best ones to use to change into a new home for your birds. You could retrofit a plastic one, but you would need to make adjustments so it doesn’t get too hot or too cold inside.

What You Need To Change And Add

You will need to add ledges to provide perching areas. You’ll need nest boxes in a good location. You’ll want to make sure that it is easily accessible. A healthy and happy hen can lay every day. You don’t want to have to strain your back by stooping or crawling into their home to collect.

For protection, either add a run or expand the house to provide exercise room and a locking door. You want to keep your flock in and predators out. That’s where the lock comes into play. Cats and raccoons, as you know, are very good at opening doors and boxes. Especially when they see a potential meal!

You’ll need to clean it regularly, so think about making it easier to clean the litter inside on a regular basis. The same goes with the materials you add and use. Pick ones that are easy to clean. You know how bird poop can stick to just about anything. So pick things that you can get wet.

If a part of the coop doesn’t seem to get a continuous supply of fresh air, you might need to make a window to that area. Cover it with wire mesh for ventilation.

If it sounds like turning your doghouse into a chicken coop means pretty much disassembling it, you might want to start from scratch. These plans are the best! Easy to follow and they take into account everything!

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