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Community Highlights: Meet David Zahn of The Easy Chicken & A-Plus Builds

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Zahn.

Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Easy Chicken is a one-man business. I design and build every pet home myself. My journey started many years ago when I saw someone needing to rehome their chickens. I decided to step in, brought them home, and that moment pulled me into the chicken world.

In the beginning, my chickens lived in a simple coop. Over time, I kept revising and improving their setup, rebuilding and refining the coop until I was truly satisfied with it. Through that process, I realized I wasn’t the only one looking for a sturdy, reliable, well-built home for chickens. Others were struggling to find locally made coops that were built to last, so I decided to try selling the one I built.

The demand was there, and it continued to grow. What started as a solution for my own animals turned into a full-time business that I’ve been running for many years now.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most journeys in life, there have been bumps along the way. Growth doesn’t happen without challenges. Each hurdle forced me to learn, improve, and refine what I do, and those experiences ultimately made the business stronger.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Easy Chicken and A-Plus Builds specialize in custom-built animal homes designed with care, safety, and durability at the forefront. While we’re best known for our chicken coops, I also build a wide range of custom homes for cats, dogs, duck, goats, pigs, rabbits, and even bats through A-Plus Builds. Every build is tailored to the specific needs of the animal and the owner. We do not mass produce or use shortcuts, because we believe people should feel confident putting their animals in the homes we build.

Customization is truly at the heart of what we do. From specialized pet homes to ramps for elderly or smaller pets within your own home, every project is designed with the same level of care and attention you’d give your own space. If you can do it to your house, chances are we can do it for your pet’s home too, built with purpose, functionality, and long-term use in mind.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and safety. I personally build every structure and treat each project as if it were for my own animals. For example, we only use treated or cedar lumber where it’s appropriate, on runs only, and never inside the coop itself. We also do not paint, seal or stain treated lumber, because it needs time to properly dry. Skipping that step can lead to peeling paint and ineffective protection, which compromises quality and longevity.

Beyond the quality of our builds, customer care is something I take great pride in. If a customer picks up a coop rather than having it delivered, I make it a point to follow up and ensure they arrived home safely. It’s a small gesture, but it reflects what this business is really about, care, trust, and standing behind what I build.

What I want readers to know most is that The Easy Chicken and A-Plus Builds are rooted in craftsmanship, honesty, and care, for the animals, the materials, and the people we serve. In addition to pet homes, we also build play houses, sheds, and a wide range of other custom projects. If you have something in mind, just reach out and let us know what you were thinking.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are the simple ones. Spending time with friends, having the pets my parents allowed me to have, and caring for animals that needed a home. Those early experiences with animals, including the ones we rescued, left a lasting impression on me and helped shape who I am today.

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