Owning chickens can be rewarding and enjoyable experience, providing fresh eggs and a connection to nature. Creating a comfortable and functional coop & run is very important for the well-being and productivity of your feathered Ladies. Here are the key elements to have a successful coop:
Coop with proper ventilation
Ventilation is extremely important for chickens. A well ventilated coop ensures, fresh air circulation, prevents moisture buildup, and reduces the risk of respiratory issues. Provide windows or vents on opposite walls for cross ventilation. You could also put a fan in the coop if you would like, but it’s not mandatory.
Nesting boxes
Nesting boxes provide a private and secure space for chickens to lay eggs. Provide one nesting box for every 3 to 4 hens. Choose boxes with plenty of space ( 12×12 ). My personal favorite nesting boxes are the galvanized. Fill the boxes with clean straw or shavings for comfort. I personally love how cozy the straw looks. I’m sure you will notice with time, that they all like to use the same nesting box and will scream at each other if one is in their box lol.
A large size feeder
Choose a waterer that is durable and easy to clean. Galvanize feeders are a popular choice and my personal favorite. Choose a size appropriate for the number of chickens you have, and fill it with your choice of chicken feed. After many years of having chickens personally, I have learned that the biggest feeders always the best. I currently have one feeder in the coop and one in the run just to make life a little easier.
Large waterer
Chickens, need access to freshwater at all times. Use a large waterer that can accommodate all your chickens and keep it clean regularly. Galvanize waters despensers are good choice for their durability and a personal favorite of mine. I have two of those. I have one in the coop and one in the run. Mine is 5 gallons, the biggest the tractor supply offers. Never want my ladies to run out of water especially during the summer.
Roosting area
Chickens , need a safe in a high place off the ground to roost at night. Perches or ladders can be used for this purpose. However, it’s important to note the ladder should only be used temporarily. The chickens don’t always face the same way, and when they go potty at night, it goes everywhere including the chicken below them. It is also time consuming to keep clean.
Bedding and odor control
I personally use pine shavings, but you can use straw or sand as bedding in the coop to absorb moisture and provide insulation. To neutralize ammonia, orders, and deter pests, I sprinkle PDZ on the floor of the coop. During the winter, I like to use the deep litter method with the pine shavings. The deep litter method also helps keep the coop warm in the winter time.
Automatic door opener
While it is not a mandatory requirement, I would strongly recommend installing and using an automatic door opener for your chicken coop . Our experience of going for an entire year without a chicken coop door was not a pleasant one, and we encountered several inconvenient situations during that time.
During that year, we had to go outside twice a day, regardless of the weather conditions, to lock and unlock the chicken run door manually. We had to go out in the rain, snow, mud, it was not a fun experience at times. However, despite the inconvenience, there was one positive aspect to this situation. We had the opportunity to greet our chickens twice a day, saying ‘hi’ in the morning and ‘good night’ in the evening. It was a nice way to connect with our Ladies and appreciate the role they played in our lives. With all the wonderful things said, I was worried that we weren’t always going to be there to do it. It’s nice to have a peace of mind if you go on vacation know when your ladies are safe, or if you have a night out on town, you know your ladies are tucked in. Again, it’s not mandatory, but I highly recommend it.
Predator proof your coop
Predator-proofing your coop is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to Keeping your ladies safe. Chickens, being low on the food chain, find themselves as desirable prey for many predators, ranging from wildlife to domestic animals. Failure to properly protect your coop can lead to devastating consequences, including the loss of your flock. This crucial step should not be overlooked, as it serves as the foundation for the safety and security of your chickens . By taking effective predator-proofing measures, you create a barrier against potential threats.
We decided to predator proof our coop, by burying hardware cloth around the entire chicken coop, so no predator could dig in while they were in the run or in the providing peace of mind and the well-being of your beloved chicken coop. It is such a great peace of mind, knowing that they are safe.
Decor and aromatherapy
This is not an essential part of having a successful chicken coop, we are extra here and love to go above and beyond with our ladies. Whenever I’m thrifting, I’m always on a hunt for decor for their coop. Keep in mind whatever you put in there will get dusty and might get damaged. In the spring and summer months, I like to sprinkle their nesting boxes with lavender from our hedges and rose petals from our garden. I feel a touch of aromatherapy helps create happy eggs. Don’t be afraid to even put a chandelier in there, break all the rules, and do what makes you happy!!!
Remember, the size and design of your coop will be different, depending on the number of chickens you have in the space available. By providing these essential elements, you can create a comfortable and healthy environment for your ladies, ensuring their well-being and happiness.
