Learning Survival Skills: Building Chicken Coops for Self-Reliance
Imagine being able to provide your own food, even if grocery stores are closed or supplies are hard to find. That’s what a group of Republic High School students has helped families achieve by designing and building chicken coops for Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit organization. Their project shows how important self-reliance and practical skills are, not just for people in need around the world, but for anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies.
Why Chickens Are a Prepper’s Best Friend
Raising chickens is one of the best ways to become more self-sufficient. Chickens don’t need a lot of space, and they can provide a steady supply of eggs and meat. This makes them an excellent choice for families who want to be prepared for food shortages or disasters. The students’ project focused on making chicken coops that are easy to build, sturdy, and portable, which are all qualities any prepper should value in their own homestead or backyard.
Designing for Survival: What Matters Most
When the Republic High School students started their project, they looked at some important factors:
- Weather protection – The coops needed to keep chickens safe from rain, wind, and cold.
- Predator safety – The designs had to protect chickens from wild animals like raccoons, foxes, and snakes.
- Local materials – The coops were made to be built with supplies that are easy to find, even in tough times.
- Simple assembly – Anyone should be able to put the coop together with just a few basic tools.
Preparing Your Own Chicken Coop: Practical Tips
Building your own chicken coop doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple steps and tips inspired by the students’ project:
- Choose a safe location – Place your coop on high ground to avoid flooding, and keep it close enough to your home to watch for predators.
- Use strong fencing – Hardware cloth is better than chicken wire for keeping out raccoons and other animals.
- Make it portable – Consider building a “chicken tractor” (a movable coop) so your chickens can graze fresh grass and bugs, but still stay protected.
- Ventilation matters – Make sure your coop has good airflow to keep chickens healthy, but avoid drafts in colder weather.
- Plan for easy cleaning – A coop with a removable floor or droppings tray will save you time and keep your flock healthy.
Eggs for Food Security
Eggs are one of the most nutritious and versatile foods you can have in your pantry. A small flock of chickens can produce enough eggs for a family, providing protein and important vitamins. In a crisis, this steady food supply can be a lifesaver. Plus, extra eggs can be traded or shared with neighbors, helping you become a valuable part of your community.
- Plan for at least 2-3 hens per family member for a steady supply of eggs.
- Learn how to store eggs safely without refrigeration (such as water glassing or oiling).
- Keep extra chicken feed in your supplies, but also learn about growing your own feed or letting chickens forage.
Teaching the Next Generation: Skills for Life
This project shows that hands-on skills like building, problem-solving, and teamwork are just as important as book learning. For preppers, teaching kids and teens real-life skills can make the whole family stronger and more self-reliant. Even simple projects like building a chicken coop, planting a garden, or fixing things around the house can give young people confidence and practical know-how for any emergency.
Action Steps for Preppers: Get Started Today
If you want to follow the example set by these students, here’s how you can start preparing your own backyard chicken setup:
- Research local regulations – Make sure you are allowed to have chickens where you live.
- Gather supplies – Start collecting building materials, chicken feed, waterers, and nesting boxes.
- Find a good breed – Look for chicken breeds that are hardy, friendly, and lay plenty of eggs.
- Practice building – Try making a small prototype or model coop before building the real thing.
- Connect with others – Join local or online groups to share advice and trade supplies.
Be Ready, Be Resourceful
The story of the Republic High School students is a great reminder that self-reliance starts with learning and doing. By building something useful like a chicken coop, you take control of your own food supply and grow your survival skills. Whether you live in the city or the country, adding chickens to your prepping plan can help your family stay strong, healthy, and ready for anything.
Remember, it’s not just about being prepared for the worst—it’s about building a better, more independent life every day.