20 COOP CONSIDERATIONS

Keep these 20 things in mind when designing a home for your chickens.

- HEATHER LUSK

Whether it’s a custom-designed prefabricated construction or self-built structure, every chicken coop should be planned with certain needs in mind. Generally, a flock’s home will consist of a coop where hens sleep and a spot for them to lay their eggs. Birds also need enough space to stretch their wings, usually in an enclosed run attached to the chicken coop.

Windows that can be opened in the summer encourage air flow and make a coop air-tight in the winter.

START WITH THE BASICS

1 LOCATION: Before hammering the first nail or sketching the first design, figure out where to locate your coop. It should be a spot that can be leveled with plenty of drainage and protection from winds. Placing a coop so it’s visible from the house can be very handy. A coop near trees provides ample water drainage, wind protection and shade in the summer.

2 SIZE: Whether constructing a new coop or expanding an existing one, the next thing to determine is how large the coop should be. If birds won’t be able to free-range every day, a good rule of thumb is a minimum of 4 square feet of space per hen, which includes an enclosed run if hens have access to it at all hours. Larger hens need more space. Without ample space, chickens become vulnerable to undue stress, which can result in lots of pecking and reduced egg production. It also puts them at risk for infections and diseases.

3 ENCLOSURE: The coop and run should be enclosed on all sides to protect hens from predators. Many chicken owners use small mesh wire fencing or hardware cloth for the sides of their runs. Coop construction can range from plywood to metal to concrete. If it’s sturdy and nontoxic, there are many choices.