63+ Chicken Coop With Garden Roof

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Opening: A Chicken Coop with a Green Roof? Why Not! Are you looking to build a chicken coop that's both functional and beautiful? A chicken coop with a garden roof is a fantastic DIY project that offers several benefits: insulation, camouflage, and even a little extra growing space. This step-by-step guide will walk you through building your own!

Step 1: Planning and Design Before you start hammering, it's crucial to have a solid plan. Consider these factors:

Size: How many chickens do you have or plan to have? A general rule is 4 square feet of coop space per chicken and 8-10 square feet of run space.

Location: Choose a well-drained location with partial shade. Consider sunlight exposure during different seasons.

Design: Sketch out your coop design, including dimensions for the coop, run, roof, and any access doors or windows. Make sure the roof is strong enough to hold the weight of the soil and plants when wet. A slight slope for drainage is essential.

Materials: List all the materials you'll need (lumber, roofing materials, hardware cloth, soil, plants, etc.). Buy quality materials; this structure will have to be weatherproof.

Step 2: Building the Coop Frame This step involves building the main structure of the chicken coop.

Cut the Lumber: Cut all lumber according to your design plans. Double-check measurements to avoid mistakes.

Assemble the Walls: Build the wall frames using screws or nails. Ensure they are square and sturdy.

Construct the Floor (Optional): A raised floor can help with drainage and pest control. If you're building a floor, construct it first and attach the wall frames to it.

Attach the Walls: Secure the wall frames together to create the coop's main structure.

Add the Run Frame: Build a frame for the attached run area.

Step 3: Roofing and Waterproofing This stage is vital for the garden roof's integrity and the coop's weather resistance.

Build the Roof Frame: Construct a sturdy roof frame with a slight slope for drainage.

Install Roofing Material: Cover the roof frame with plywood or OSB board. Use exterior-grade material for durability.

Waterproof the Roof: This is the most important part. Apply a waterproof membrane to the plywood. Options include EPDM rubber roofing, modified bitumen, or a thick layer of pond liner. Ensure complete coverage and seal all seams and edges with sealant.

Add a Root Barrier (Optional but Recommended): Place a root barrier membrane on top of the waterproof layer to prevent roots from penetrating and damaging the waterproof layer.

Step 4: Creating the Garden Roof Now for the fun part: building the garden on the roof!

Add a Drainage Layer: Spread a layer of gravel or drainage mat over the waterproof membrane. This helps with water runoff and prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Add a Filter Fabric: Place a layer of landscape fabric over the drainage layer to prevent soil from washing down into the gravel.

Add Soil: Use a lightweight growing medium specifically designed for green roofs. This type of soil is typically lighter and drains better than regular garden soil. Spread the soil evenly across the roof, leaving a few inches of space at the top to prevent soil from washing off.

Plant Vegetation: Choose plants that are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and lightweight. Sedums, succulents, and herbs are excellent options. Plant them according to their spacing requirements.

Step 5: Completing the Coop and Run Almost there! Now to finish the interior and exterior.

Add Hardware Cloth: Enclose the run with hardware cloth to protect your chickens from predators. Bury the hardware cloth a few inches into the ground to prevent digging.

Build a Door and Windows: Install a secure door for access to the coop and windows for ventilation.

Install Roosts: Place roosting bars inside the coop for the chickens to sleep on.

Add Nesting Boxes: Provide nesting boxes inside the coop for the hens to lay eggs.

Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation inside the coop to prevent moisture build-up. You can add vents near the roofline.

Finishing Touches: Paint or stain the exterior of the coop to protect it from the elements and enhance its appearance.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Green-Roofed Coop! Congratulations! You've built a beautiful and functional chicken coop with a garden roof. Remember to regularly maintain the garden roof by watering the plants, weeding, and adding fertilizer as needed. This unique addition will not only benefit your chickens but also add a touch of green to your backyard. Enjoy your eggs and the beauty of your sustainable coop!

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