What You Should Know Before Building a Chicken Coop

If you’re getting ready to tackle the project of building a chicken coop, you might be asking yourself, ‘What are the essentials for a functional and comfortable coop for my chickens?’ Building a chicken coop is a straightforward task, but it comes with its own set of important considerations to ensure your flock’s well-being. We’ll cover all the key elements, from sturdy construction to cozy nesting areas, to guide you in building the right coop for your chickens. Get down to the nuts and bolts of a chicken coop that will be a safe and happy home for your flocks.

Building a Chicken Coop

Exploring the vast world of chicken coop designs reveals a spectrum of possibilities, from simple, functional structures for serious farming to elaborate designer coops for casual backyard enthusiasts. Your choice will ultimately reflect your personal goals for your flock. The practical needs of a sustenance farmer like myself differ significantly from those of a backyard hobbyist.

This diversity in chicken keeping doesn’t imply one is better than the other; it simply highlights our differences. As my grandfather would say, “There are as many ways of gettin’ a farm job done as there are farmers. Ya gotta be willing to listen, help, and learn from ’em, even if it’s just to see what not to do.”

Remember, regardless of the design you choose, the primary goal remains the same: providing a secure and comfortable shelter for your chickens. These birds, especially when asleep, are quite vulnerable – true zombies, you might say! So, ensuring they have a safe roost is imperative for their well-being.

With these diverse styles in mind, let’s consider the fundamental components of a chicken coop, the building blocks that ensure your chickens’ safety, comfort, and happiness.

Housing space

When planning your chicken coop, a key consideration is the amount of space each bird needs, which varies depending on their outdoor access. For flocks that have free range during the day, a smaller shelter suffices for sleeping and protection from the elements. In contrast, birds confined to their coop and a small adjacent yard require more space to prevent overcrowding, with larger breeds needing more room than smaller ones.

A general guideline is to allocate a minimum of 5 square feet per bird for small, fully confined flocks. For larger flocks, flocks of over 12 birds, that are confined to the coop and a small run, consider 8 square feet per bird. Remember, the larger the outdoor yard area, the less indoor space is needed, allowing for adjustments based on your setup.

For flocks with free-ranging privileges or access to an open yard, a space as compact as 7’ x 8′ can comfortably house a dozen chickens, as they’ll primarily use it for sleeping, laying eggs, or shelter.

Additionally, when designing your coop, don’t forget to factor in practicalities like food storage and ease of cleaning. A higher roof you can stand under and a shovel-friendly design will make maintenance much smoother. Also, consider the roof pitch for efficient rain and snow runoff.

You might also find a chicken coop calculator tool useful for fine-tuning these dimensions to suit your specific needs.

Location

In my experience, having the chicken yard a short stroll away from your home has its perks. It’s not just about the convenience of gathering eggs or being alert to predators; it’s also about the joy of easily visiting your flock.

Before you start building, it’s important to check local regulations. In many areas, especially urban ones, building permits may be required for chicken coops. Additionally, there could be specific restrictions or guidelines to follow, so it’s best to be informed beforehand.

Climate plays a significant role in coop design. In warmer regions, like the South, insulation isn’t a major concern. Instead, focus on protecting your chickens from storms and ensuring they have a cool refuge during hot weather. Conversely, in colder climates, building a well-insulated and ventilated coop is crucial to keep your birds warm and comfortable.

Lighting

If you’re considering adding windows to your chicken coop, it’s essential to ensure enough roof overhang to shield against the intense summer sun. For those in colder climates, placing windows on the south side can help capture warmth during the winter months.

In my case, since my birds are free-ranged daily, I opt not to include windows in my coop. However, remember that lighting plays a significant role in the health and fertility of your chickens, as the reproductive systems of both roosters and hens respond to the amount of light they receive. More light generally equates to better fertility rates.

The decision to install electricity in your chicken coop is often a topic of much debate. Personally, I’ve never had electricity in my coop. In the Deep South, I would occasionally use an infrared heat bulb connected via an extension cord when temperatures fell into the 20s and the weather was wet. Now if I use heat in the chicken coop, I use the ChickCozy Chicken Coop Heater because of its safety. It’s really about personal preference.

If you would like to learn more about heating your chicken coop in the winter, you can read our article.

If you do decide to introduce artificial lighting, make sure to thoroughly research and implement measures that prioritize the safety and welfare of your flock. And, as always, it’s wise to seek advice from fellow chicken keepers whose practices align with how you envision managing your flock.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a chicken coop is paramount, especially as your flock increases. More chickens mean more moisture in the air, a result of their respiration and waste. Chickens, unable to sweat, regulate their body temperature through respiration, exhaling excess moisture in the process.

Without adequate ventilation, this moisture turns the litter damp, leading to an unhealthy buildup of ammonia. High ammonia levels in the coop can cause a range of health issues for your birds, including ammonia poisoning, respiratory damage, foot problems, and more.

In my coop, both ends are ventilated at the roof line, and the door is covered with hardware wire to ensure continuous airflow, which is particularly beneficial during the sweltering summer months. It’s crucial to maintain good ventilation even during winter. In winter, while I cover the doors with insulation to keep out the cold, the roof ventilation remains open to avoid moisture accumulation. I prefer using hardware wire over regular window screening, as it provides far better airflow and it’s harder for predators to rip into, an essential factor for a healthy coop environment.

You can read more about protecting your flock from predators in our article.

Flooring

My grandmother’s chicken coop had a simple dirt floor, which worked well since her chickens were free-ranged and cleaning wasn’t much of an issue. However, for those planning to keep their birds more confined, a dirt floor might not be the best choice. It’s challenging to keep clean and dry, and it’s a welcome invitation for burrowing critters like mice. Additionally, parasites can thrive in soil, making them tough to eradicate.

In contrast, my husband built our portable coop with a wooden floor. If you don’t have a mobile coop but choose a wooden floor, consider elevating it off the ground. This not only deters mice but also helps in keeping the floor dry. Remember, though, wood can rot over time, particularly when exposed to moisture.

Concrete is another option some might consider. While more expensive, it’s durable and easy to clean, especially if you design it with a slight slope from under the roost towards the door for easier maintenance.

A unique idea I came across was from a fellow chicken keeper who used a plywood floor covered in Tyvek. Initially skeptical about its safety and effectiveness, he assured me that it keeps moisture away, is easy to clean, and has been durable for several years. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the floor showed signs of wear but no rips or damage from pecking, suggesting it’s a viable and practical option.

Laying Boxes

The options for constructing nests or laying boxes are nearly limitless, but a key tip is to ensure they’re at least 10 inches square. I prefer making ours 12 inches for that extra bit of comfort.

Interestingly, it seems not to matter how many nests you have; hens often vie for the same one. It’s quite amusing to watch them fuss over a single nest when several others are vacant. If you’re looking for a guideline, a good rule of thumb is one nesting box for every four layers.

Some chicken keepers add curtains to their laying boxes for extra privacy, but I haven’t found that necessary. My boxes are 12×12 inches and about 14 inches deep, offering the hens ample space and a sense of security without being directly in the sun.

Maintaining the cleanliness of the nest litter is important, especially if your hens tend to poop in it. I generally freshen it up rather than change it frequently, finding an annual change sufficient for both their comfort and my peace of mind.

An interesting challenge I faced was when a snake’s presence in the coop prompted a couple of my hens to lay their eggs under the roost. Retrieving eggs from there was not ideal. It took some effort, including dismantling their makeshift nest in the litter daily and physically moving them to the laying boxes, to retrain them to lay in the appropriate spot.

You can read more about the egg-laying process in our dedicated article.

Roosts

Chickens instinctively roost; they fly up to perch, curling their toes around a roosting bar. That’s why it’s essential to provide a suitable roost in your coop, either by adding a pole or rounding the edges of your chosen material. Without a roost, they might seek higher ground, like trees, due to their deep sleeping nature.

A good roost can be fashioned from various materials, but it should be at least 2 to 3 inches in diameter and placed about 2 to 4 feet off the floor. Avoid smooth materials as chickens need a surface they can grip without slipping. We often use green tree limbs – they’re readily available, cost-effective, and durable.

Spacing is important too. Chickens tend to poop at night, so avoid placing the bars too close together. Under normal conditions, allocate about 18 to 24 inches of roosting space per bird, making adjustments based on your breed’s size. In colder weather, they’ll naturally huddle together for warmth.

Don’t forget to lay bedding material underneath the roost for easy manure cleaning. We use wood chips covered with hay or straw but use the bedding material you prefer. Also, consider your chicken breed’s preferences: Bantams, for example, like higher roosts, while feather-footed breeds often prefer lower ones, sometimes just an inch off the ground.

Coop Doors

Ensuring easy access to your chicken coop is essential, so including a people-sized door is a must. I’m partial to the Dutch door setup – it’s versatile, allowing the top to remain closed while the bottom is open for the chickens’ free movement during the day. When I need to enter the coop, simply opening the top door makes tasks like egg collection, cleaning, and dealing with the occasional mouse or snake much more manageable.

If the Dutch-style door isn’t your preference, it’s still important to have separate doors for people and chickens. Having a larger door designed for people not only makes accessing the coop easier but also serves a dual purpose. When closed, it effectively shields against drafts and enhances the coop’s security, offering an additional barrier against predators.

The smaller chicken door is crucial for their access to the nests, shelter from the weather, and escape from predators. You have the freedom to design this smaller door in any way that suits your coop’s layout and your flock’s needs.

For those not keen on early mornings, an automatic door with a timer is a convenient option. These doors open automatically at set times and require a power source. I never thought I would use one, but when I was asked to try the ChickCozy Automatic Chicken Coop Door, I was hooked. I take pleasure in my morning routine of tending to the coop, watching the chickens, and checking their health. Knowing that the coop is open and they can move around before my arrival has alleviated some pressure when I can’t be there right on time.

You can read our review of the ChickCozy Automatic Door in the dedicated article.

Water Supply

If you have a portable coop like ours, lugging water around the homestead multiple times a day can be unmanageable. To alleviate this, we devised a watering system for our coop that only needs refilling once a week or even less, depending on weather conditions and flock size.

Whether you opt for chicken waterers or water bowls, there are countless options available to suit your preferences. Our priority is ensuring the happiness and health of our free-ranged flock, which is why we prioritize providing ample water for them.

You May Also Enjoy

• We LOVE our chickens and have many other articles to help you raise a healthy flock.
• How to Free Range Chickens: Pros and Cons
• How to Introduce New Chickens to Your Flock

FAQ About Building a Chicken Coop

• How much space do I need to allocate per chicken in the coop?
  • The amount of space each bird needs varies depending on their outdoor access. For flocks that have free range during the day, a smaller shelter suffices for sleeping and protection from the elements. In contrast, birds confined to their coop and a small adjacent yard require more space to prevent overcrowding, with larger breeds needing more room than smaller ones.
  • A general guideline is to allocate a minimum of 5 square feet per bird for small, fully confined flocks. For larger flocks, flocks of over 12 birds, that are confined to the coop and a small run, consider 8 square feet per bird.
  • Remember, the larger the outdoor yard area, the less indoor space is needed, allowing for adjustments based on your setup.

• What are the benefits of a Dutch door design for a chicken coop?
  • Dutch doors offer versatility by allowing you to open the top and bottom halves independently. This design provides convenient access for tasks like egg collection and cleaning while maintaining security and ventilation.

• What materials can I use for nesting boxes, and how big should they be?
  • Nesting boxes can be constructed from various materials, such as wood or plastic, and should ideally measure at least 10 inches square. Providing ample space ensures your hens have a comfortable and inviting spot to lay their eggs. We like to make our nests 12″ x 12″ and 14″ deep for plenty of room and privacy.

• How often should I clean the coop, and what’s the best way to do it?
  • It’s essential to regularly clean the coop to maintain a healthy environment for your chickens. Depending on the size of your flock and the coop’s design, cleaning may be needed annually or bi-annually.
  • We do a fall and spring cleanout removing the bedding, washing the roost, floor, and nests with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, letting it dry, and then replacing the bedding and nesting materials. The final touch is a dusting of diatomaceous earth on everything.
  • You can freshen the nests as needed by removing any solid nesting materials and replacing it with clean dry material.

• Do I need to provide additional heating for my chickens in the winter?
  • This is a controversial subject among chicken keepers. Ultimately you have to decide what you feel comfortable with and go with it.
  • In most cases, chickens are well-equipped to handle cold temperatures, especially if they have access to a well-insulated coop and ample bedding. However, if you live in an extremely cold climate, you may consider supplemental heating options such as heat lamps or heated waterers. Ensure that any heating devices are installed safely to prevent fire hazards and burns.
  • You can read our dedicated article on whether should you have a chicken coop heater or not.

• What should I feed my chickens, and how often?
  • You can read our Guide to Feeding Chickens for answers to all your questions about feeding chickens.

• Can I keep different breeds of chickens together in the same coop?
  • Yes, you can keep different breeds of chickens together in the same coop, but it’s essential to consider factors such as temperament and size compatibility. Some breeds may be more dominant or aggressive than others, so monitor your flock closely for signs of bullying or aggression.
  • Additionally, ensure that there’s enough space and resources, such as nesting boxes and perches, to accommodate all chickens comfortably.

• Can I raise chickens if I live in a suburban or urban area?
  • Many suburban and urban areas allow residents to raise chickens, but it’s essential to check local ordinances and regulations governing poultry keeping in your area.
  • Some municipalities may have restrictions on the number of chickens you can keep, coop placement, and noise regulations.
  • If you live in an urban setting, obtain any necessary permits or approvals before starting your chicken-keeping venture to ensure compliance with local laws.

Wrap UP

When building a chicken coop, it’s essential to prioritize several key factors to ensure the optimal living conditions for your flock. One of the foremost considerations is space. Chickens require enough room to move around comfortably, particularly if they’ll be spending extended periods confined to the coop. Additionally, sufficient ventilation is crucial to maintaining good air quality and preventing the buildup of moisture and ammonia, which can lead to health issues for the birds.

When it comes to water provision, having a reliable watering system in place can greatly simplify daily maintenance. This system should be tailored to the specific needs of your coop setup, taking into account factors such as the size of your flock and the frequency of refilling required. By ensuring easy access to clean, fresh water, you can help keep your chickens healthy and hydrated.

Overall, the key to building a successful chicken coop lies in creating a space that prioritizes the well-being of your birds while also considering the practical needs of caretaking. By addressing factors such as space, ventilation, door design, and water provision, you can create a nurturing environment that promotes the health and happiness of your flock. Happy Coop building!

As always, we’re here to help.