When my family agreed to join some neighbors in raising chickens, we decided to create our own chicken coop design, and it seemed only natural that I should offer my services in designing and drafting it. Working weekends with help from family and friends, we built it ourselves. The coop features nesting boxes at the east end of the coop; a large chicken run on the north side; built-in storage cabinets at the west end; and on the south side large doors for full access to the coop's interior. A skylight in the roof, along with ventilation openings on all four sides, permits daylight and fresh air to enter the coop. A climbing hardy kiwi plant provides shade on the south and west sides, to guard against overheating.

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