Are you eagerly preparing to welcome a flock into their new home but feeling a bit unsure about what do chickens need in a coop? You’re in the right place! This post is your guide to discovering the essential elements that will make your coop the perfect, cozy home for your chickens.
This guide will provide you with the top considerations and necessities needed to create the perfect, cozy coop for your soon-to-be flock. From choosing the ideal coop, predator proofing, roost and nest box setup, bedding, and even some best practices for pest control, we’ve got it all covered.
This post is all about what do chickens need in a coop. After reading through these 8 tips, you’ll be equipped with the know-how to create a secure and happy home for your flock.
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What Do Chickens Need in a Coop | The Coop and Protection
1. The Coop
Before diving into the essentials for your chicken coop, it’s important to evaluate the coop itself. The process of selecting the perfect coop introduces a myriad of options, ranging from pre-built structures to converting existing ones or embarking on a DIY project. The sheer variety is both exciting and potentially overwhelming, so let’s break it down with some coop questions to see what might fit you best.
Considerations when choosing a coop include:
- Type of Coop: Decide whether to purchase a pre-built coop, convert an existing structure, or opt for a DIY build if you’re handy (or have handy family and friends!).
- Pre-Built Coops like the Omlet that’s easy to clean and already has an attached secure run.
- DIY coops allow for so many different configurations. I love the Bee Jeweled Coop design plans as they look super cute. There’s also plenty of free designs online if you look around.
- Coop location: When selecting the best area to place your coop, you will want to consider the shade options for summer and protection in the winter. Placing a coop under a large shade tree can help keep your coop cool in the summer and protected from wind in the winters.
- Predator Protection: Depending on your chosen coop option, prioritize robust predator protection measures.
- Size and Accessibility: Determine whether you prefer a coop that allows easy human access or a more compact space suitable solely for your chickens. Do you want to walk into your coop or do you want something small?
- Weather Considerations: Assess if you have alternative weather shelters, like other structures or trees, for your chickens. Elevated coops can provide additional shelter underneath.
- Chicken Math: Acknowledge the reality of “chicken math” – the tendency to expand your flock (my original plan for 4 turned into 12 in a matter of a few months!). A few years later I now have 15 chickens and would love to add a few more this year. So plan for a coop that accommodates more chickens than your current planned count, considering future additions if possible.
2. Predator Proofing
Chickens naturally wind down in the evening, their vision diminishing with the setting sun, prompting them to roost and enter a docile state. Chickens cannot see in the dark and with them being more docile at this time they become extra vulnerable to potential predators. Predator-proofing your chicken coop is extremely important as your chickens will be defenseless when they sleep and predators will be a foot.
Predator Proof Locks
For doors or any areas of your coop that can open, make sure you have a two step lock to prevent predators who can open simple latches (think raccoons). I use a carabiners clip on top of my door lock for an extra layer of security.
Chicken Coop Wire Mesh | Hardwire Cloth Vs. Chicken Wire
An effective method involves using hardware mesh as a sturdy barrier that, when installed over ventilation openings and windows, adds an extra layer of defense against cunning intruders like raccoons, foxes, snakes, rats, etc. The fine grid ensures optimal protection without compromising essential airflow and natural light within the coop. Depending on the type of coop you have selected, you will want to burry the hardwire cloth into the ground about 3 feet down and 3 feet out in order to prevent digging predators from accessing your coop.
Using hardwire cloth significantly fortifies your coop against unwelcome visitors, ensuring you and your chickens can rest peacefully, knowing they’re protected by a robust defense system.
Important distinction between hardwire mesh versus chicken wire:
- Hardwire Cloth – Keeps predators out, keeps chickens in
- Chicken Wire – Does not keep predators out, only keeps chickens in
What Do Chickens Need in a Coop | What’s Inside the Coop
3. Chicken Roost Bars
Chickens instinctively seek a high place to roost at night for safety from predators. Making them a comfortable and secure roost in your chicken coop is essential for their sense of well-being overnight. Roost bar designs vary, offering choices like a single long bar or tiered roosts. Personally, I opted for tiered roosts, especially suitable for my heavy-weight birds, allowing them to choose their roosting height. While some of mine use it to get down in the morning, others fly from the top perch. Go figure!
Roost Bar Size
For optimal comfort, a wooden 2×4 chicken roost bar serves as an ideal roost size, allowing chickens to sleep securely without potential foot issues. Unlike other birds, chickens don’t curl their toes to sleep; they prefer to rest flat-footed.
To ensure a smooth roosting experience, I sanded my 2x4s and coated them with linseed oil. Sanding eliminates rough surfaces and potential splinters, a proactive measure against bumblefoot, an ailment best avoided for your flock’s well-being.
Chicken Roost Height
To avoid leg injuries, try keeping your maxim roost height at about 3 feet. When your birds jump down they can hurt themselves if the roost is too high. This is especially true for the medium to heavy weight birds.
Chicken Roost Spacing
Proper chicken roost spacing is an important consideration for ensuring the comfort and well-being of your flock. Aim for at least 8-12 inches of space per bird on the roosting bar to prevent overcrowding and keep it a stress-free environment. Some of my ladies like to cuddle in with each other and some love to spin around, claiming their space.
I have my 15 chickens on these roost bars and everyone fits on the top and middle bar. I have larger chickens – Orpingtons, Australorps, Speckled Sussex, Cream Legbars, and a Bielefelder.
4. Chicken Coop Droppings Board
While not strictly necessary, incorporating your chicken roost with poop board into your coop design can significantly simplify your life! The convenience of having a designated space right beneath the roosting bars to catch overnight droppings has proven invaluable for maintaining a clean and fly-free coop in my experience.
If you would like some chicken poop tray ideas, I opted for two washing machine pans and filled them with Sweet PDZ Coop Refresher. This product, comprised of Zeolite, is all natural and minimizes ammonia odors. Cleaning up in the mornings now takes me less than 2 minutes with a kitty litter scooper, and I’ve noticed a substantial reduction in the presence of flies and odor in the coop compared to when I’ve just had pine bedding down. This simple addition has made a remarkable difference in my coop maintenance.
5. What to Put on the Floor of a Chicken Coop | Chicken Coop Bedding Ideas
There are various types of coop bedding available, each with its own set of advantages. Some of the best chicken coop bedding options include; Pine, aspen, and hemp, and even river-rock sand are all popular choices.
When deciding what to use for chicken coop bedding, consider the specific needs of your chickens, the local climate, and the coop’s location. In colder climates, for instance, thicker bedding may be necessary to provide additional insulation by using the deep litter method where you keep tossing more and more bedding overtop of the chicken poop so that it provides more heat in the coop. Additionally, think about the coop’s flooring material.
Because I have concrete I chose to place horse stall mats down then covered with pine or aspen shavings. This allows my chickens to jump from their roost without hurting themselves and landing on hard concrete. Regular cleaning and replacing of bedding are essential, regardless of the type chosen (except for sand – you don’t need to replace sand), to maintain a hygienic living space for your chickens.
6. Chicken Nest Boxes | Laying Boxes
Nest boxes play a vital role in the well-being of laying hens, providing a designated and secure space for them to lay their eggs comfortably. These boxes serve as a private sanctuary, reducing stress and ensuring that eggs are laid in a clean, protected environment. When selecting nest boxes, consider factors such as size, material, and placement within the coop. Ideally, one nest box per four to five laying hens is a general guideline, ensuring ample space and minimizing competition. Although I’ve found that some of my hens tend to wait for the nest box of the day – i.e. the box that has eggs already! Additionally, choose nest boxes with low front edges to allow easy access for the hens while preventing the eggs from rolling out.
You can opt for a pre-made, easy to clean nesting box like this one or use a more DIY approach. Even things like crates can work, provided they have a nice opening for them to get in. Hens do enjoy their privacy however, so keep that in mind when selecting a nest box that is right for you.
Nest box bedding material is another thing to consider. I add some of the pine shavings I use in the coop into the nest boxes as my ladies like to kick it around and make themselves a nice spot to lay.
It is also important to note that you want your nest boxes lower than your roost bars. Chickens will naturally try and roost on the tallest thing in the coop, so if that turns out to be your nest boxes, you may have some extra cleaning to do!
7. Chicken Coop Door
Having a secure coop door to secure your chickens at night is absolute must for safeguarding your flock from potential nocturnal predators. By shutting and locking the coop door in the evening, you create a protective barrier that prevents access to the coop. This practice is crucial as many predators, such as foxes and raccoons, are more active during the night and pose a significant threat to vulnerable chickens. Come morning, you can watch your chickens bust out as they happily start their day!
Coop Automatic Door
While this is also not essential, having an automatic chicken coop door is a delightful convenience! Personally, during my morning routine of setting out fresh food and water for the day, I love to see them already out and about happily foraging for bugs and not waiting for me to let them out if I’m a little behind getting to them.
The added benefit is that I no longer feel rushed to return home before sundown to secure them, as the automatic door allows me to schedule the closing time when I know they’ll already be comfortably nestled in for the night. It’s a small luxury that enhances both my chickens’ well-being and my peace of mind.
I went with the automatic Omlet chicken coop door as it had great reviews and had my #1 requirement – it has a built in safety sensor that is able to sense if a chicken is in the door. If it senses a chicken it will stop the auto shut feature. When first looking at the options available, I read a few horror stories of chickens getting caught up in the door – not something I wanted to happen to my flock!
You can read my review on the Omlet Automatic Chicken Coop door here.
What Do Chickens Need in a Coop | Chicken Coop Pest Control
8. How to Keep Pests Out of Chicken Coop
Effective pest prevention is key to maintaining a healthy and stress-free environment for your flock. Incorporating natural strategies not only promotes environmental friendliness but also ensures the safety of your chickens.
Aromatic Herb Defense
Consider planting herbs such as mint, lavender, and rosemary around the coop. Apart from adding a pleasant aroma, these herbs possess insect-repelling properties, acting as a natural deterrent for pests.
Secure Feed Storage and Cleanup
Keep feed in rodent-proof containers and promptly clean up any uneaten food from the day. This practice helps avoid attracting unwelcome rodents and other pests to your chicken coop.
Strategic Feeder and Waterer Placement
Place feeders and waterers away from the coop, preferably in the run. This minimizes the risk of rodents being drawn into the coop due to spilled feed, creating a more pest-resistant environment.
First Saturday Lime: Eco-Friendly Pest Prevention
First Saturday Lime, is an eco-friendly, non-toxic method for pest prevention. Its drying effect is unfavorable for pests like mites. I like to apply it in my coop under the shavings and in my chickens dust bath.
Routine Coop Maintenance
Make routine coop maintenance a priority by engaging in thorough cleaning and proper waste disposal. Regularly remove soiled bedding and keep the coop dry. By combining these natural strategies and products, you create a comprehensive approach to pest prevention, ensuring the well-being of your flock and maintaining a comfortable living space for your flock.
{RELATED: HOW TO GET RID OF CHICKEN MITES AND KEEP A MITE-FREE ZONE}
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This post was all about what do chickens need in a coop. By incorporating these 8 best tips into your chicken coop setup, you will create a secure and happy home for your flock.
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Hi there! I’m Jess, a backyard chicken keeper living on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. With my flock of 22 friendly chickens, my mission is to help others feel confident about raising happy, healthy, and super friendly chickens. My dream is that everyone gets to know the love of a chicken and experience the joy they bring to your life.
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