Chicken Coop

A well designed coop will go a long way in keeping your feathered friends safe, healthy and happy! Take into account the climate you live in, preditors that live in your area and the size coop that can fit in your backyard. Regular maintenance is the ‘spa day’ for your coop—because happy chickens lay the best eggs, and we all know a well-pampered hen is an eggcellent hen!

Get Creative With Your Chicken Coop

There are many options for getting a coop. You can buy one used, repurpose something that’s already constructed, design and build your own, or you can take the IKEA route and assemble one with confusing instructions! Whatever you decide, the size of your chicken coop is very important when it comes to your clucking companions health and safety. Some people start out with just a few chickens and later increase the flock size; remember to factor that in when you plan the size of your coop. In the world of coops, bigger is always better—your chickens will thank you with eggsquisite gratitude!

Results of Overcrowding

Pecking and aggressive behavior
Poor ventilation resulting in unhealthy ammonia levels from the manure
More stress on the chickens which can lower egg production and make the chickens less resistance to disease

Important Questions

Will you also include a run and if so, will it have a roof or cover?
Will your chickens be free ranging at all?
Are your winters severe enough that the chickens will be confined to the coop when it snows or is cold?

Chicken Coop Essentials

Here is a brief overview of the essentials needed for your chicken coop.

Coop Structure

Secure and predator-proof construction.
Adequate ventilation to prevent respiratory issues.
Appropriate insulation for cold climates.
Elevated design to prevent waterlogging and cold drafts.

Roosting Bars

Horizontal bars at varying heights for chickens to perch at night.
Comfortable and wide enough for chickens to roost.

Nesting Boxes

Secluded and dark nesting boxes for egg-laying.
Easily accessible for egg collection.

Ventilation

Adjustable vents or windows with mesh screens for optimal airflow to prevent moisture build-up

Predator-Proofing

Strong locks and reinforced doors to deter predators.
Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire for added security.
Elevate the coop to deter burrowing predators.

Easy Cleaning Access

Removable droppings trays or doors that swing open for easy cleaning.
Design features that facilitate efficient coop maintenance.

Watering System

Reliable water dispensers to ensure clean and fresh water at all times.
Consider automatic waterers for convenience

Feeding Area

Secure feeding stations to prevent contamination and waste.
Adequate space for all chickens to access food simultaneously.

Dust Bathing Area

Designated area with dry dirt or sand for dust bathing.

Foraging Areas

Natural foraging spaces with dirt patches, vegetation, or scattered treats.

Perches and Enrichment

Perches for resting and enrichment.
Elements like logs, stumps, or hanging treats for activity.

Shade in Run

Provide shade in the run, especially in hot climates.
Use natural shading from trees or install shade cloth.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly remove debris, uneaten food, and refresh bedding material in the run.
Conduct routine inspections for wear, tear, or potential issues.

First Aid Kit

Keep a first aid kit with chicken-friendly supplies.
Include items for wound care, mite treatment, and basic health monitoring.

Dust bathing is the way chickens clean their feathers and control parasites.

Roll-up tarps were attached to this coop in anticipation of an upcoming snowstorm.

By combining creativity with practical solutions, you can customize your coop to provide the best protection for your chickens.

These chickens are not so happy about the snow, but I’m sure they appreciate that their run is dry!

Bedding

Each bedding material—sand, wood shavings, and straw—comes with its own set of pros and cons. The choice often depends on factors like availability, cost, climate, and personal preference.

Sand

Pros

Easy to Clean – Sand is excellent for cleaning as droppings tend to sit on the surface, making it easy to scoop.
Durable – Sand doesn’t break down quickly, providing long-lasting bedding.
Good for Dust Bathing – Chickens enjoy dust bathing in sand, which helps control mites and lice.

Cons

Heavy – Sand is heavier than other bedding materials, which can make cleaning and changing bedding more labor-intensive.
Drains Well – While good for drainage, it may not absorb moisture well in humid conditions.
Initial Cost – The initial cost of purchasing and filling the coop with sand can be higher than other bedding materials.

Wood Shavings

Pros

Absorbent – Wood shavings absorb moisture well, keeping the coop dry and reducing odors.
Lightweight – Wood shavings are relatively lightweight, making cleaning and changing bedding easier.
Readily Available – Wood shavings are widely available and come in large bales.

Cons

Breaks Down – Wood shavings break down faster than sand, so you may need to replace them more frequently.
Dust – Some wood shavings can produce dust, which may be an issue for respiratory health if not adequately controlled.

Straw

Pros

Insulation – Straw provides good insulation, especially in colder climates.
Comfortable – Chickens find straw comfortable for nesting and lounging.
Readily Available – Like wood shavings, straw is generally easy to find and purchase.

Cons

Less Absorbent – Compared to wood shavings, straw is less absorbent, so it may require more frequent changes.
Can Harbor Mites – Straw can provide hiding places for mites and other pests if not regularly cleaned.
Can Mat Down – Over time, straw can mat down, reducing its effectiveness and creating an uneven surface.

Ultimately, the best bedding material for your chicken coop and run depends on your specific circumstances and preferences. Some chicken keepers even use a combination of materials, such as sand in the coop and wood shavings in the nesting boxes. It’s also common to switch out the bedding seasonally. For example, sand might be good option for the summer while straw might work better for the winter to provide warmth and at a time when mites are not a risk.. Experimenting to find what works best for you and your flock is always a good approach!

Roosting Bars and Nesting Boxes

Roosting bars and nesting boxes are essential components of a well-designed chicken coop, serving distinct but equally important purposes:

Roosting Bars

Chickens have a natural instinct to perch at night where they feel secure and comfortable perching off the ground. Roosting allows them to rest without being disturbed by other chickens and helps protect them from ground-based predators like rodents and snakes.

Wooden dowels, natural branches or 1×2 lumber with the wider side facing up are effective roosts. You can also create a ladder-style roost by leaning a sturdy ladder against the coop wall. Secure it in place, ensuring the rungs are at varying heights to accommodate different preferences among your chickens. Installing roosting bars at different heights to accommodate the natural pecking order and hierarchy within the flock allows dominant chickens to take higher positions.

Create roosts that can be easily removed for cleaning. This can be achieved by using brackets or hooks to attach the roosts, making maintenance more convenient. Repurpose old or reclaimed wood to create rustic and charming roosts. Sand any rough edges to prevent splinters.

Nesting Boxes

Nesting boxes provide a designated space for hens to lay their eggs. This helps keep eggs clean, prevents them from getting broken, and makes egg collection easier for you. There should be at least 1 nesting box for every 3 chickens.

Hens that go broody (wanting to hatch eggs) often seek out secluded nesting boxes. Having designated nesting areas can help manage broodiness and egg production.

Nesting boxes offer a protected environment for eggs, reducing the likelihood of them being damaged or pecked by other chickens. When chickens lay eggs directly on the coop floor, there’s a higher chance of egg eating. Nesting boxes create a distinct space, making it less likely for chickens to consume their own eggs.

Eggs laid in nesting boxes are less likely to be soiled by bedding or feces, maintaining a higher level of cleanliness.

Placing nesting boxes in accessible locations allows for easy monitoring of egg production and health. You can quickly identify any issues with individual hens.

By incorporating roosting bars and nesting boxes into your chicken coop, you provide your flock with a more natural and secure living environment. These elements contribute to the overall health, comfort, and productivity of your chickens, making for happy and contented birds.

Coop & Run Size

Determining the appropriate coop and run size for your chickens is crucial for their comfort, health, and overall well-being. Here’s a general guideline to help you make these calculations:

Coop Size

The size of the coop depends on the number of chickens you plan to keep. The recommended minimum space per chicken inside the coop is around 3 square feet. Here’s a simple formula to calculate the coop size:

Coop Size (square feet) = Number of Chickens × 3 square feet per Chicken

For example, if you plan to keep 6 chickens, the coop size should be
6 chickens × 3 sq ft/chicken = 18 sq ft

Ensure that the coop includes space for nesting boxes, roosts, and feeders, while still allowing enough room for the chickens to move comfortably.

Run Size

The chicken run is the outdoor space where your chickens can exercise, forage, and enjoy the outdoors. The recommended minimum space per chicken in the run is around 8-10 square feet. Here’s a similar formula:

Run Size (square feet) = Number of Chickens × 10 square feet per Chicken

For example, if you have 6 chickens, the run size should be
6 chickens × 10 sq ft/chicken = 60 sq ft

Remember that these are minimum recommendations, and more space is always beneficial. Providing ample space reduces stress, minimizes aggression, and promotes a healthier flock.

Additionally, local regulations or guidelines may dictate specific space requirements, so it’s essential to check with your local authorities or agricultural extension office for any specific requirements in your area

If you have a 4 x 8 (32 sq ft) coop and an 8 x 12 (96 sq ft) run you would not want more than 10 chickens. Even if you had more space than needed for the run, the coop is what matters most, especially if you are in a cold climate and the chickens might not be willing to use the run in the winter if here is snow in the coop. Most chickens don’t like to walk on snow!

Number of Chickens	Coop Square Footage	Run Square Footage
3	9	30
4	12	40
5	15	50
6	18	60
7	21	70
8	24	80
9	27	90
10	30	100
11	33	110
12	36	120
13	39	130
14	42	140
15	45	150

Maintaining Your Coop

Keeping the coop and run clean is crucial for the health and well-being of your chickens. A clean environment reduces the risk of diseases and infections. Bacteria, parasites, and pathogens thrive in dirty, damp conditions so regular cleaning helps minimize the chances of your chickens contracting illnesses. Pests can stress your chickens and even affect egg production.

A clean environment will also make it easier for you to monitor your chickens. You can quickly identify any signs of illness, injury, or behavioral issues when the surroundings are well-maintained.

Each flock and coop set-up is unique so you will develop your own processes for caring for your chickens and you will come up with your own ideas and solutions.

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The Deep Litter Method

The deep litter method is a sustainable and natural approach to managing the bedding in chicken coops and considered beneficial during the winter months in cold climates.

Steps for Keeping Your Coop Clean and Healthy

Remove Bedding and Droppings – Start by removing the old bedding, straw, or hay. Use a rake or shovel to scoop up the droppings and soiled bedding. Place everything in a bucket or wheelbarrow for easy disposal.

Scrubbing and Disinfecting – Occasionally you will want to scrub surfaces with a mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar. The frequency will depend on the number of chickens you have, or whether you have placed trays in the coop to collect the droppings. Pay attention to corners, roosting bars, and nesting boxes. This helps eliminate bacteria and parasites.

Replace Bedding – Replenish the bedding material like straw or wood shavings. This provides a comfortable and clean surface for your chickens.

Clean the Run – Remove any accumulated debris, leaves, or uneaten food. Rake the run to level the ground and make it more comfortable for the chickens.

Food-grade diatomaceous Earth – Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic, and cost-effective solution for keeping chickens mite-free. DE works as a natural insecticide, controlling not only mites but also other external parasites like fleas, ticks, and lice. It is effective against a wide range of crawling insects without the use of harmful chemicals. Dust the coop and nesting areas with DE. Sprinkle it in nesting boxes, bedding material, and cracks and crevices where mites may hide. This helps create a barrier against infestations. Apply DE regularly, especially during warmer months when mite activity tends to increase.

When applying DE, wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fine particles and make sure the chickens are out of the coop.

see more about Diatomaceous Earth

Monitor Chicken Health Pay attention to your chickens’ health. Regular cleaning helps prevent diseases, but it’s essential to monitor for any signs of illness and seek veterinary care when needed.

Keep Your Coop Safe from Preditors

Outlined below is a list of preditors that should be considered as you plan your coop. It might seems daunting as you review this list but if you take the time to design your structure properly to be predator proof, most of your concerns can be alleviated.

Birds of Prey such as Hawks, Eagles, Falcons and Owls

The best way to prevent attacks from birds of prey is to not let them free range without supervision. It’s helpful if they have places to hide like bushes or a woods. A run with netting or a roof is the best defense against birds of prey. After you’ve had your chickens awhile, you will tune into what birds are in your area and what you should listen for. Help warn your chickens when you hear a hawk and train them to go back in the run. You might also discover there are certain times of the day when attacks are more prevalent like late morning for hawks and dusk for owls.

Coyotes

Coyotes are prevalent in many areas, both rural and urban. The best way to keep your chickens safe from coyotes is to use hardware cloths around your entire structure as well as bury the wire 56 inches into the ground extending out a foot. This will prevent the coyote from digging under the run to get into the coop.

Foxes

Foxes will come anytime of the day or night so supervising your chickens while they free range is advisable. Like coyotes, the best defense at night is to make sure your coop and run are predator proof by installing hardware wire both on the sides and bury it as well to prevent digging underneath the coop and run.

Minks/Weasels

These animals can fit through extremely small spaces and wipe out an entire flock in one night. The best advice is to use 1/2 inch hardware wire; anything larger and they can fit through.

Racoons

Racoons have the dexterity to open up latches and they have the strength to pull out staples and pull out boards. Use a carabiner to insure they cannot open latches and check your wire over time to make sure there are no loose sections they can pull up.

Dogs

Neighborhood dogs are big offenders. Besides supervising your chickens when they are free-ranging, the best defense is to have a fence around your yard. Be vigilant of any potential dogs in your neighborhood that could get in your yard. They can do a lot of damage in a short time.

Possums and Skunks

Possums and skunks can be a nuisance and have the potential to do some damage to your flock particularly to the eggs and smaller chickens. If you coop is strong and they are shut in every night, they should not be a problem.

Wild Cats such as Cougars, Bobcats and Mountain Lions

Wild cats are rare but if you live in an area where they exist, your best defense is a strong coop.

Bears

Hopefully you don’t live in bear country because there is little you can do to prevent a bear attacking your chickens. Fortunately, attacks are rare and they are not likely to go after your chicken unless they are desperate so they are more likely to attack them in the winter.