Now that you’ve decided to raise chickens for eggs, you need to have a nice, sturdy chicken coop. The coop that you have for your chickens should be designed to keep them safe from predators, comfortable, and healthy. Here’s what you need to know about what a chicken coop needs inside (and outside).
What Size Should My Coop Be?
There are varying opinions on how much space each chicken needs and some of this depends on your setup. If your chickens are being let out daily, they only need about 3-5 sq. feet per chicken.
However, if they will not be spending much time outside, they will need at least 10 sq. feet per chicken.
Overcrowding your chicken coop can cause more disease, so you need to make sure they have plenty of space.
What Features Does My Chicken Coop Need?
When planning for your chicken coop, there are several factors to consider. Some features are vital, and some are optional. Let’s talk about the features that you might want to have in your chicken coop.
Safety from the elements and predators
It’s important to consider how you will protect your flock from predators. Chickens are vulnerable to hawks, raccoons, and other predators, who will pick them off quickly. One way to help combat predators is to have a good rooster. If that isn’t enough, you may need to consider a different setup or a farm dog.
Roosting bar
Roosting bars are elevated structures within a coop where chickens rest, sleep, and spend a significant portion of their night. These bars are typically made of wood and are installed at varying heights to accommodate the roosting instincts of chickens. Roosting is instinctive for chickens, derived from their ancestors’ tendency to perch on branches to evade predators during the night.
Incorporating roosting bars into a chicken coop is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it provides chickens with a safe and comfortable place to sleep, away from potential ground-based threats. Secondly, roosting bars promote order and hierarchy within the flock. Chickens have a natural pecking order. The arrangement of roosting bars allows them to establish their position within the flock based on their chosen perching spots. Providing adequate space and multiple bars ensures that each chicken has a place to roost.
Many people choose to use 2×4 boards because they are fairly inexpensive and easy. As tempting as it is, do not use round bars, dowel rods, or limbs as these can distort their feet.
Nesting box
Nesting boxes are essential compartments within a chicken coop. They are designed to serve as comfortable and secure spaces for hens to lay their eggs. These boxes mimic the natural instinct of a hen to find a secluded, safe spot to lay her eggs. They are typically small, enclosed spaces furnished with soft bedding. (I recommend these grass rugs that can simply be rinsed off when they get dirty). Nesting boxes offer an inviting environment for a hen to lay her eggs and ensure the eggs remain clean, intact, and easy to collect.
Including nesting boxes in a chicken coop is crucial for a couple of reasons.
- Nesting boxes help maintain the hygiene and quality of the eggs. By providing a designated and clean space for egg-laying, it reduces the chances of eggs becoming soiled or damaged.
- Nesting boxes promote a stress-free and comfortable laying experience for hens, encouraging regular egg production. When hens have a designated space to lay their eggs that is cozy and secure, they are less likely to get stressed, which can cause decreased egg production.
Overall, nesting boxes are a practical and essential feature of any chicken coop, contributing to the overall well-being of the flock and the quality of the eggs produced.
Many chicken owners find that it is fairly simple to build or repurpose items to make nesting boxes for their coops.
For those who aren’t as DIY-friendly, these roll-out nesting boxes are practical and convenient. Who wouldn’t want nesting boxes that slant so the eggs automatically roll to the bottom for protection and easy access?
Litter
The flooring within a chicken coop serves a crucial purpose beyond just a surface for your chickens to walk on. Litter, the material covering the floor, plays a significant role in maintaining cleanliness, comfort, and the overall health of your flock.
Wood shavings, straw, hay, or even sand are commonly used as litter materials. The primary function of litter is to absorb moisture, droppings, and odors, thereby keeping the coop dry and reducing the risk of bacterial growth. This helps in preventing diseases and foot issues in chickens.
Regularly replacing soiled litter is essential to ensure a clean environment for your chickens. The depth of litter needed may vary, but maintaining a layer of several inches is generally recommended. In addition to absorbing moisture, the litter also provides a soft surface for your chickens to walk on, reducing the likelihood of foot injuries.
Furthermore, the used litter can be a valuable addition to compost piles, providing nutrient-rich material for gardening once it’s no longer suitable for the coop (you will need to let it compost for at least 6 months, however, as chicken droppings are too hot and will burn your plants). Consider the litter as an integral part of your coop’s hygiene and maintenance routine, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living space for your chickens.
Chicken door
When it comes to the chicken door, an automatic chicken door can be a fantastic addition to your coop. These doors are equipped with timers or light sensors, allowing them to open and close at specific times or in response to daylight. They offer convenience by automatically letting your chickens out in the morning and securing them safely inside at night, minimizing your daily involvement in opening and closing the coop.
If you don’t want to spend the money on the automatic chicken door, a hole cut into the wall with a simple piece of wood on a hinge will be just fine. Make sure it has a good lock on it to keep predators out!
Human door
While quite obvious, a human-sized entrance in your chicken coop offers essential practicality. This door provides easy access for maintenance, egg collection, and health checks. Opt for a sturdy, well-placed door that ensures convenient entry for daily tasks like feeding, cleaning, and ventilation. Prioritize functionality, durability, and security when selecting or constructing this vital access point.
Insulation
Insulating your chicken coop is essential, especially in regions with extreme weather conditions. Proper insulation helps maintain a moderate temperature inside the coop, providing warmth during winters and keeping the interior cool in summers. It also helps protect against condensation building up (especially if you are using metal), which can be problematic for chicken’s health. Common insulation materials include foam boards, fiberglass, or even recycled denim. Ensure the coop is well-ventilated while adequately insulated to prevent moisture buildup and drafts.
Ventilation
At the same time, if you live in a cold climate where temperatures drop below freezing during winter months, you will need to make sure that there isn’t so much ventilation that your birds freeze while they sleep! I recommend that you build in 1 square foot of ventilation for every 10 square feet of chicken coop floor space.
Optional: Lighting
Some choose to use supplementary lighting in chicken coops, particularly during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Artificial lighting can help maintain egg production by extending the hours of light, simulating longer days. Consider LED bulbs with timers to regulate the lighting schedule, providing around 14–16 hours of light daily for consistent egg laying.
Others like to let their chickens rest for the winter. Either way, it’s nice to have some lighting in your coop so that you can easily see at night/early morning without having to carry around a flashlight.
Optional: Run
They also need a place to forage, dust bathe, and explore their surroundings. Some chicken owners build fancy chicken runs with chicken wire all around, others allow their chickens to free range, and some choose something in between. It’s all about finding what works for you and your flock. Here’s a perfect solution for a simple run if you are not able to build one for yourself!
What About Food and Water?
Providing appropriate feeders and waterers is crucial for the health and well-being of your chickens. Chicken feeders and waterers come in various types, including gravity-fed or treadle designs for feeding, and nipple or traditional waterers. Ensure easy access to fresh water and proper feeding stations to meet the dietary needs of your flock. I highly recommend keeping the feeders and waterers outside of the coop. Doing so will keep moisture out of the coop (spills and leaks do happen), and will reduce the amount of cleaning you will need to do inside the coop.
Where Do I Find A Chicken Coop?
Acquiring a chicken coop can be approached in various ways, each with its own set of considerations based on ability, convenience, cost, and personal preferences.
Retailers and Farm Supply Stores
Numerous farm supply stores, pet shops, and retailers specializing in animal husbandry equipment offer pre-built chicken coops for purchase. These ready-made coops come in different sizes and designs, catering to various flock sizes and specific needs. Visiting local stores or checking online catalogs can provide options suitable to your requirements. I would highly recommend paying attention to the size of these coops, as many of them can be too small for a flock of chickens.
Online Marketplaces
Online platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, or dedicated farm equipment websites, offer a wide selection of chicken coops. These platforms often showcase a range of styles, from simple to elaborate, and provide customer reviews that can assist in making an informed choice. Ensure to check dimensions, materials used, and customer feedback before purchasing.
Local Classifieds and Auctions
Check local classified ads or online platforms where people sell used items. Sometimes, individuals might be selling or giving away chicken coops they no longer need. This option can potentially offer more cost-effective solutions, although it might require some refurbishing or maintenance.
DIY or Building Your Own
For those with some woodworking skills or a willingness to learn, constructing your own chicken coop can be a rewarding option. There are numerous DIY plans available online or in books, allowing you to customize the coop according to your preferences and flock size. Personally, my dad helped me build an amazing chicken coop from a shed kit from Home Depot.
Local Farmers or Breeders
Contacting local farmers or chicken breeders might lead to recommendations or opportunities to purchase or even acquire a coop secondhand. Networking within the local farming community could yield leads on available coops or resources to build one.
When selecting a chicken coop, consider factors such as size, durability, ventilation, ease of cleaning, and predator-proofing features. Assessing these factors in line with your budget and the specific needs of your flock will guide you in making the most suitable choice for housing your chickens.
Another Option: Chicken Tractor
A chicken tractor is a movable coop designed to provide chickens with access to fresh grass, insects, and sunlight while keeping them contained within a portable structure. Its unique design allows chickens to forage on new patches of grass or garden areas while ensuring their safety from predators.
This portable enclosure offers numerous benefits. It allows chickens to exhibit natural behaviors like scratching and pecking for bugs and seeds, contributing to a more varied and healthy diet. Additionally, chicken tractors aid in pest control and soil health, as chickens help aerate the soil and fertilize it with their droppings. They are particularly useful for rotational grazing, preventing overgrazing while allowing for the regeneration of grazing areas.
Moreover, chicken tractors can serve as a practical tool for gardening. By moving the tractor to different garden beds, chickens assist in weed control, pest management, and soil enrichment, making them a versatile asset for small-scale farming or gardening purposes. When considering a chicken tractor, assess its size in relation to your flock’s needs, its mobility across your property, and the additional protective measures required against predators and extreme weather conditions.
A Resource to Help Keep Track of Your Flock
If you are looking for a way to keep track of your flock, check out my Chicken Keeper Journal!
This printable journal simplifies the management of flock records, health details, egg production, finances, vital contacts, and more. Available in 8×11, A4, and A5 sizes, this comprehensive journal streamlines the process of documenting crucial chicken-related information. Just print, assemble in a binder, and effortlessly start organizing your poultry records. From calendars and chore lists to financial logs, egg production records, breeding specifics, contacts, and educational resources, this journal caters to all aspects of efficient poultry care.
Be on the lookout for more chicken-related posts (like this one about the top 10 productive egg-laying chicken breeds) and subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss them!
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