Backyard Chicken Coop Design Essentials: What Every Successful Poultry Keeper Needs to Know

Whether you're new to raising chickens or an experienced keeper, there's always something new to learn.

If you are just starting out with keeping chickens this blog will be extremely beneficial to YOU!

Creating a backyard chicken coop is more than just a project; it's a rewarding journey that can lead to fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a charming connection to nature. In fact, studies show that backyard chicken-keeping has increased by over 50% in recent years, as more people recognize the benefits of raising their own poultry

There are some essential elements necessary for a highly functioning chicken coop that will keep the flock healthy, happy and productive and make keeping backyard chickens more a joy than a chore.

The price of a poorly designed chicken coop can be sick chickens, behavior problems such as picking or egg eating, losses to predators and overall frustration with what should have been fun and rewarding experience.

 In this blog, we'll cover the key elements that every successful poultry keeper needs to consider for a thriving chicken coop, ensuring the health and happiness of your flock.

Location, Location, Location

Climate considerations:

Choosing the right location for your chicken coop is essential.

• Rainy climate? Locate chicken coop at the top of a sloped yard, not the bottom.

• Hot weather? Locate the coop in a shady spot.

• Cold winters? Seek-out natural windbreaks.

• Super cold AND super hot seasons? Favor a shady location since it's more difficult for chickens to keep cool in the heat than stay warm in the cold.

Additionally, a well-located coop enhances security. Elevate it off the ground to prevent water pooling during storms and make it accessible for monitoring. Keeping it near your home allows for quick checks on your flock throughout the day.

Size Matters

The size of your chicken coop directly impacts the well-being of your chickens. On average, each chicken requires at least 4 square feet of indoor space and around 8-10 square feet of outdoor run space. For example, if you have 6 chickens, aim for a coop that is at least 24 square feet inside and a run of 48 to 60 square feet. Overcrowding can lead to stress and increase the risk of illnesses.

Plan for the future, too! Many chicken owners find themselves wanting to expand their flocks as they grow more attached to their birds. It's smart to design your coop with potential growth in mind. Chicken Math, It's Real!!

Circulation Is Key, not Necessarily Ventilation

Adequate circulation (cooling of the coop) is vital for a healthy chicken coop, in the heat of summer. Provide functioning windows for natural light and circulation. Chickens are not built for the hot weather, they have a core body temperature of 107 degrees F, they wear down jackets and do not have sweat glands. Temperatures over 30 degrees C can endanger their lives. Windows are not a coop luxury, they are a survival essential. Egg production is triggered by light-let it in!

Secure windows with hardware cloth attached inside the coop with screws and washers to guard against predators.

Ventilation is a buzz word that originated from the commercial poultry industry and has been misconstrued by backyard chicken keepers, that it's a priority and it's not. The commercial poultry industry is where thousands of birds are housed in a single building. The large volume of droppings produced by so many birds necessitates the circulation of air to remove stale air and bring in fresh air. In contrast, in our backyards, we do not keep such a large number of birds, and they do not stay inside their coops all the time. The pop doors are open throughout the day to allow air to flow inside. Additionally, we maintain our coops much cleaner than those in the commercial poultry industry.

Chicken droppings contain 80% moisture, using best practices for cleaning and managing the waste,( ie droppings boards under roosts) you should not need ventilation.

Nesting Boxes

Nesting boxes are the heart of egg production in your coop. Aim for a minimum of 1 box for 4 hens ensuring plenty of space for laying. The boxes should be dark and quiet, elevated off the ground to provide security. Consider nest box curtains for privacy to make it more inviting for the hen as they naturally seek out dark, private places to lay their eggs.

Plastic Nesting Pads are used to simplify the cleaning of nest boxes in case a hen defecates or an egg breaks inside. This allows for easy maintenance. The purpose of nesting material isn't to provide comfort for the hen, as their feathers offer cushioning and their alligator-like feet are not affected by the plastic material of the nest pads. If an egg happens to break or there happens to be droppings in the nest box, we use feed bags cut up to size and use as a liner under the nest pads.

Roosting Bars

Chickens naturally roost at night, so incorporating sturdy roosts is essential. Place roosts higher than nesting boxes to discourage hens from sleeping in there.

Utilize sturdy wood, positioning 2x4's with the 4" side facing up. This aids in keeping their feet warm during colder months as their bodies rest on them. Make sure the roosts are at least 2 feet above the ground, and provide a ramp if necessary.

Most chickens prefer to roost together, meaning sufficient roost space is crucial. For example, a coop with 10 chickens should ideally have at least 10 feet of roost space. 12" of roost space per bird.

Add droppings boards underneath roosts to collect chicken poop generated overnight, which removes the primary source of ammonia and moisture from the coop. Scrape boards down each morning with the use of a drywall taping knife and add to the compost pile. If any residual moisture remains on the droppings board after cleaning, it is beneficial to add FreshCoop to the boards to absorb any moisture.

Predator-Proofing Your Coop

Protecting your chickens from predators is crucial, as up to 30% of backyard chickens fall victim to various animals like raccoons, hawks, and foxes. Ensure your coop is equipped with sturdy, locking doors. Use hardware cloth fencing with mesh sizes small enough to prevent entry from sneaky foes. Weasels are very small and can fit through a hole the size of a quarter.

Furthermore, extending the fencing outward about a foot parallel to the ground, resembling a skirt, can discourage underground diggers. Cover the hardware cloth with garden soil or gravel. Conducting regular inspections for wear and tear can also help prevent potential intrusions.

Water Supply

A reliable and clean water source is crucial for the health of your chickens. The insulated four-season nipple drinker from Premier One Supplies is the highest quality drinker we have bought, and we own five of them for our various coops and runs.

In colder climates, consider using heated waterers or placing water sources in sheltered areas to prevent freezing, ensuring your chickens stay hydrated even in winter.

Feed Storage

Proper feed storage is vital to maintain your chickens' health and comfort. Use weatherproof containers to protect against pests and spoilage.

Make sure your feed containers are easily accessible for refilling while keeping them securely closed to maintain freshness. Properly stored feed can help promote a healthier flock.

Feeders

Choosing a feeder that doesn't draw rodents is the ideal option to buy.

Grampas Feeder is a treadle feeder requiring the chicken to weigh 13 oz to open it. Although this feeder is not inexpensive, it will eventually save you money by preventing chickens from scattering food on the ground and deterring rodents from eating the chicken feed at night.

Keep It Clean and Organized

Keeping a chicken coop clean is crucial for your birds' health. By removing waste from the droppings board every morning, you can quickly and easily maintain cleanliness without needing to spend time mucking out the coop weekly. With the use of droppings boards, it only takes minutes each day to have a clean, dry coop. This routine ensures the coop remains cleaner and drier, promoting better health for the chickens..

Establishing a routine helps keep your coop hygienic, minimizing the risk of disease and ensuring a healthy living environment for your flock.

The Type of Litter Matters- The use of sand for litter makes a huge difference on how you manage the waste.

For more information on the use of sand as litter, please refer to my blog, Sand in the Coop and Run

Predator- Proofing Your Run

Opt for a large chicken run! Allocate 10 square feet per bird for confined flocks in the chicken run. Even free-range flocks require similar space, so always prepare for bad weather. A roomy run provides chickens with personal space and exercise opportunities that are unavailable in the typical coop. Chickens need enough room to prevent boredom, obesity, and behavioral issues like feather picking and egg-eating.

Enclose the chicken run with a roof. Enclosing the chicken run allows the chickens to use the outdoor area even during bad weather. A roof shields the flock from aerial predators while they are in the run. While netting attached to the top can guard against raptors, it won't keep the flock dry and warmer when wrapped in contractors plastic during rain and snow.

Hardware cloth is essential, as chicken wire is designed to keep chickens in, not to keep predators out. Install automatic pop doors that operate on a timer for additional safety in case predators enter the run at night or if you accidentally forget to close the door to the run when they free range. Regardless of whether they free range or not, having the extra security of an automatic door is a wise choice.

Add roosts, ladders, chairs and tree stumps in and around the chicken run. Roosting areas create additional vertical space for confined birds.

Electricity

Supply electricity to the coop and run to power fans in the summer, a heated waterer in the winter, supplemental lighting and a safe heat source like a electric oil filled heater in severe winter weather.

Please note: You do not need to heat the coop on a regular basis in the winter. In extreme freezing temperatures at -20 degrees and below, if you think you need to bring up the temperature in the coop, make sure it's a safe heat source.

Embrace the Joys of Poultry Keeping

Building a superior backyard chicken coop takes careful planning and commitment. By focusing on the key components—location, size, circulation, nesting boxes, roosts, predator-proofing, water supply, feed storage, and maintenance—you create a thriving ecosystem for your chickens.

Your time and effort will be rewarded with the joy of watching your flock thrive, along with the added benefits they bring. With the right approach, raising chickens can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. Enjoy your journey in backyard poultry keeping!

To learn more about constructing and designing an optimal chicken coop that includes crucial features for your birds' well-being, such as having windows on all four sides, visit this link from The Chicken Chick Essential Coop™