Building your own chicken coop shouldn't be expensive. Some owners spend up to $300 by purchasing a ready-made chicken coop, but keep in mind that you don't really have to spend that much if you are aware of all the important elements that a fully functioning coop requires. More often than not, you can get everything that you need in your own house!
Before you start building, it is advisable to do a sketch out of your design on a piece of paper. A little creativity can help, but if you are not the artistic type, you can find a lot of blueprints that you can use as a framework for the coop you are about to install. A site I would recommend for this is buildingacoop.com.
Once you are ready to install the coop, make sure that it is set up in a way that will make cleaning and disinfecting more efficient. For instance, a floor that is slightly sloped downwards towards the door can make it easier for water to flow outside when you hose down the coop.
