Before we could build, we had to do our homework. In Raritan Township, you're allowed to keep up to five chickens (no roosters) for personal use, but there are some clear rules: the coop must have a 30-foot setback from property lines, a 6-foot perimeter fence, proper ventilation, and must not exceed 100 square feet for the coop and 100 square feet for the run.

With those requirements in mind, we began planning. I wanted the coop to be functional, sustainable, and built with character — so I decided to use as much repurposed material as possible. Our supplies list included:

1. **Sage's old crib** (for sentimental framing and roosting structure)
2. **An old picture window** (to let in natural light)
3. **A salvaged screen door**
4. **A Weathertech car liner** (perfect for a waterproof floor base)
5. **Pallets and more pallets**
6. **Leftover chainlink fencing**
7. **An old fence gate**
8. **Five cement post footers** we found around the property

New materials included:
- Six 4x5x6' posts
- Twenty 8' 2x4s
- Fifteen 1x4x8 boards

To add a modern touch (and make life a little easier), I also installed a **solar-powered coop door with remote control** ([Solar Coop Door on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4jWUOtg)). For overhead protection, I chose **deer netting**, which is both lightweight and effective.

One of my favorite problem-solving steps was designing an 18-inch **underground moat** filled with rocks wrapped in netting to deter predators from digging under the fence. It’s a simple trick, but one that adds real peace of mind.

Finally, we laid everything out on the ground before building began, taking time to visualize how the coop would sit, where the sun would hit, and how Sage could help access eggs and participate safely.

In the next chapter, I’ll share the building process — how all these materials came together with lots of sweat, laughter, and a bit of toddler mischief.

For now, we’re one step closer to a coop full of chickens and a backyard full of memories.

Stay tuned for Chapter Three of *The Sage Dad Coop Chronicles*! 🦚🏡

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