We have maintained a 50 to 100 bird layer flock for our family farm since 2002. We have also raised numerous broiler flocks in batches of 25 to 50 since that time. We made a lot of mistakes in those first few years, and learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. After a few years and better success rates, friends and neighbors began asking us for help to start their own flocks. We typically heard many of the same questions over and over again – what sort of housing do these birds need? How can we protect them against predators? How can we keep them healthy and productive year round despite heat/rain/wind/snow? Can we keep our birds safely out on pasture? How can we keep them clean and dry, happy and comfortable? And most importantly, how can we build a coop which will be an asset year after year, instead of an eyesore or a maintenance headache?” The Chicken Coop Manual is our answer to all those questions.

The Chicken Coop Manual is a comprehensive, well-organized collection of all the lessons we’ve learned along the way about coop layout, design, materials and operation. In the book, we cover all these concepts and practices, and describe the elements which can be varied versus the elements which need to be provided regardless of size, location or climate. We answer all the questions we’ve been asked over the years. Our goal is to help folks build safe, durable, efficient, clean and attractive coops, whether the coop is for a few backyard birds, a small homestead flock, or a small-scale commercial operation. We cover both seasonal housing, including pasture shelters, as well as year-round options. We also provide reviews of 20 different coop designs – 8 conventional shed-type coops and 12 “alternative” designs which creative people have built and used successfully over the years. It is our hope that by offering a collection of experience, best practices, and diverse coop designs, we can help future flock owners decide exactly which coop design will work best for them and their unique needs. The Chicken Coop Manual is available at www.amazon.com and through our website at www.frogchorusfarm.com/ChickenCoopManual.html.

Kathryn Kerby

Owner, Frog Chorus Farm, Snohomish,

WAAuthor

The Chicken Coop Manual