Raising chickens is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby for many people. Fresh eggs every morning and adorable fluffy chickens can brighten anyone’s day! But before you get started, it’s important to understand what is needed for a proper chicken coop. A good coop is essential to keep your flock healthy, safe, and happy.
In this beginner’s guide, we will cover everything you need to know about chicken coop requirements, from size and layout to specific features and accessories. Whether you plan to build your own coop or purchase a kit, use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your chickens have a cozy home.
Basic Chicken Coop Requirements
When deciding what is needed for a basic chicken coop, keep these key requirements in mind:
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Covered space To protect the chickens from rain, wind, sun, and aerial predators. Aim for at least 3-4 square feet per bird inside the coop.
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Ventilation: Fresh air flow prevents buildup of odors, humidity, and ammonia levels. Include windows, doors, and vents protected with hardware cloth.
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Insulation: Depends on your climate, but some insulation helps moderate temperature extremes.
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Predator protection: Use strong materials like hardware cloth or welded wire, bury fencing, and secure all entries.
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Nest boxes: Provide a secluded space for laying eggs, about one box per 2-3 hens.
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Perches: Chickens prefer to roost off the ground at night. Allow 8-10 inches per bird.
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Easy access: Doors and panels that open easily for cleaning and collecting eggs.
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Rodent-proof: Seal any gaps or openings bigger than 1/4 inch to keep rodents out.
Chicken Coop Size and Space
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating how much space chickens need. Overcrowding causes stress, unhappiness, injuries, and illness. So what size should your coop and run be?
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Coop space: Minimum of 3-4 square feet per bird inside the coop.
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Outdoor run space: 8-10 square feet per chicken in an attached run.
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Nesting boxes: Provide one 12×12″ box for every 2-3 hens.
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Perches: Each bird needs 8-10 inches of roosting space.
As a general rule, more space is better. Also consider adding space for future flock growth.
Essential Features of a Chicken Coop
Beyond basic shelter, here are some must-have features:
Ventilation
Proper airflow keeps odors, humidity, and ammonia levels down. Include vents, windows, doors, and openings along the roof and eaves. In colder months, avoid drafts directly on the chickens.
Nesting Boxes
Provide a dark, private space for hens to lay eggs comfortably. Include one 12×12” enclosed box for every 2-3 chickens. Line the boxes with straw, pine shavings, or other litter.
Roosting Bars
Chickens prefer to sleep elevated off the ground on perches or roosts. These should be made of wood, about 2” wide, with rounded edges. Allow 8-10” of space per chicken.
Feeders and Waterers
Use feeders and waterers designed for chickens to minimize waste. Elevate them on stands to discourage rodents and contamination.
Predator Protection
Secure the run and coop against predators like foxes, raccoons, and hawks. Use 1/4” hardware cloth on windows and doors. Bury fencing 1-2’ underground. Use metal roofing, siding, and tightly constructed wood.
Clean Bedding
Cover the floor with 2-4” of litter like pine shavings, straw, or sand. Keep it dry and replace often to prevent bacterial growth.
Roomy Run
An attached outdoor run allows chickens to roam safely. The run should be fully enclosed and covered partically for weather protection.
Electricity
Add lighting, fans, or heating with an electrical connection. Consider solar power for off-grid coops.
Easy Cleaning and Entry
Plan doors, panels, and boxes that open easily to allow cleaning. Ample headroom makes access easier.
Recommended Chicken Coop Features and Accessories
While not strictly required, these extras help create an even better home:
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Windows or skylights for natural light
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Insulation for temperature regulation
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Automatic door opener for locking up at night
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Storage shelves, hooks, and bins for supplies
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Waste collection trays under perches
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Feed storage containers to keep it fresh and pest-free
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Hand washing station and boot brush
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External feeder access so you don’t enter coop
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Gravel or concrete flooring for improved cleaning and drainage
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Automatic ventilation fans and misters
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Level flooring with shallow litter for cleaning ease
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Outdoor furnishings like swings, bushes, and tunnels
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Shelves or catwalks to utilize vertical space
Key Accessories and Supplies for Chickens
In addition to the coop itself, you’ll need these supplies:
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Food and water: Feeders, waterers, high-quality feed
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Bedding: Pine shavings, straw, sand, etc.
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Health supplies: Basic first aid kit, vitamins
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Egg handling: Cartons, egg baskets
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Cleaning tools: Shovels, brooms, disinfectant
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Feeding and watering: Scoops, storage containers
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Climate control: Heating lamps, fans, generators
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Entertainment: Swings, tunnels, peck toys
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Tools: Hammer, nails, staple gun, wire cutters
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Predator protection: Fencing, netting, hardware cloth
Design and Material Considerations
How you design and construct the coop also matters. Focus on:
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Easy cleaning: Smooth, non-porous surfaces that won’t harbor bacteria. Removable litter trays.
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Convenience: Doors and access points where you need them. Storage for tools.
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Durability: Weather-resistant and chew-proof materials built to last.
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Workable size: Not too large or small for your flock. Room to expand later.
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Predator-proof: Tight construction, no gaps over 1/4″, and hardware cloth.
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Ventilation: Airflow is a must. Windows, roof and wall vents, gaps, and fans.
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Insulation: For climate moderation in hot or cold weather.
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Lighting: Natural light plus supplemental lighting in winter for egg production.
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Location: Dry, well-draining, sheltered from wind and sun. Near an electrical outlet.
Common New Chicken Owner Mistakes
It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re new to chicken coop construction. Be sure to avoid these pitfalls:
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Choosing cheap chicken wire instead of sturdy hardware cloth.
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Not including a roomy outdoor run area.
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Neglecting ventilation and airflow inside the coop.
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Using porous wooden surfaces difficult to disinfect.
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Forgetting nesting boxes, roosts, food, and water space.
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Locating the coop in a flood-prone or inconvenient area.
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Making doors and access points too small to use easily.
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Allowing gaps that rodents or predators could enter through.
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Forgetting to plan for electricity, lighting, drainage, cleaning.
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Not considering insulation and climate control.
Building a secure, functional chicken coop doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on meeting the flock’s basic needs first, then incorporate creature comforts. Provide ample space, clean living conditions, and protection from the elements and predators. With good ventilation, lighting, access, and extra features like electricity, your chickens will thrive in their homestead.
Use this comprehensive guide to understand exactly what is required before your new feathered friends move in. With proper planning and preparation, you’ll give them the safe, cozy coop every chicken dreams of.
what should be inside a chicken coop – the essentials
It is not only about what should be inside the chicken coop but also the coop’s structure which is essential for a healthy flock and their needs. Below are some of the most important elements of a coop!
Adequate space is vital for your chickens overall health and happiness.
On average, chickens need 2-3 sq ft of floor space per chicken inside the coop and 4-5 sq ft of secure outdoor space in the run. This will give them ample room to move around, stretch their wings, and be themselves.
Proper ventilation (but not a draft) is essential to maintain fresh air circulation and prevent the buildup of harmful ammonia fumes.
Your coop should have windows, vents, or openings that can be adjusted according to weather conditions.
Adequate airflow helps:
- Supplies oxygen-rich air
- Removes moisture from the air
- Removes dust particles
- Reduces the amount of disease-causing organisms that are in the air.
- Prevents respiratory issues
- Keeps the coop cool during hot summer months.
If you go into the coop and smell ammonia, etc., then the coop needs to be better ventilated.
Read more: How to prepare your chicken coop for winter
Protecting your chickens from predators should be a top priority.
Ensure your coop has sturdy walls made of hardware cloth, wood, or welded wire mesh to prevent entry by predators like raccoons, foxes, or snakes.
Additionally, install locks on doors and windows to keep out curious, clever critters.
Shade within the chicken run or coop is essential, especially during the hot summer months.
Although many chicken breeds are somewhat heat tolerant, you do not want your babies to suffer from heat stroke or exhaustion. This can also severely impact their egg-laying capacity.
Incorporate shade structures, such as awnings or trees, to protect your flock from excessive heat and direct sunlight. This helps prevent heat stress and keeps your chickens comfortable.
Read more: How to choose backyard chicken breeds that are perfect for your family
And now for the inside of the coop
Wood or pine shavings will give off a pleasant smell, absorb moisture to prevent bacteria from growing and causing illnesses in your flock, and are easy to clean out and replace.
I like to first spread a layer of First Saturday Lime all over the floor and then a layer of pine shavings. I use a whole bag of pine shavings, which ends up being about 3 inches or so.
Chickens love to roost, so providing them with sturdy perches is essential.
Place roosting bars at different staggered heights (2 feet and higher) within the coop, allowing approximately eight inches of space per bird. Smooth and rounded perches free from splinters help prevent foot injuries and promote restful sleep.
Ensure the roosting poles circumference is large enough for the birds to comfortably grip their feet for maximum stability while sleeping.
As chickens poop the most during the night, having a “poop board” below the roosting bars will make daily/weekly cleaning a lot easier.
Read more: Cleaning your chicken coop
Hens need a cozy place to lay their eggs.
Provide nesting boxes lined with soft bedding materials, such as straw, wood shavings, or nesting pads to create a comfortable and inviting space for egg-laying.
Aim for one nesting box per four to five hens.
Just a friendly warning: You can supply the coziest nesting boxes and have enough for everyone, but 90% of the time, they will fight over one! They will even lie on top of each other! Its really an instinctual thing. If they lay them in one place, it is easier for one hen to sit on and brood them for hatching.
Ensure your nesting boxes are elevated but no higher than 3 feet off the ground and easily accessible for collecting eggs. We usually use 12x12x12 squares.
Yup, chickens are messy. So get ready to step in chicken poop and have chicken poop everywhere! Oh, and they love to scratch and take dust baths, soiling everything around them.
For this very messy reason, you should choose sturdy and easy-to-clean waterers and feeders that accommodate your flocks size and habits.
Have enough feeders so at least 1/3 of the flock can feed at a time. Elevated or hung feeders will help to keep things a bit more manageable.
Your chickens should always have access to clean water and food, so regular cleaning of waterers and feeders is unavoidable.
Tip! If your flock is only locked up in the coop for the night, they do not need to have their waterers inside as they dont drink or eat during sleep time. They then only need waterers in the run for during the day.
When you have chickens, you can be sure there will be rodents and rats; its inevitable.
Having your chicken feed nearby in storage containers will protect the feed from these pests and save you a lot of time walking back and forth.
Invest in secure, airtight food storage containers to keep your chicken feed fresh, dry, and protected from pests. Proper storage helps maintain the nutritional value of the feed and prevents spoilage.
As I mentioned earlier, dust baths are one of the chickens favorite pastimes. It is like a spa treatment for them! This is their natural way to deter insects such as mites and lice.
Adding food-grade diatomaceous earth to your chicken coop will make this pastime activity even more beneficial. Diatomaceous earth combines minerals from clay, iron oxide, and silica from fossil remains that aid in controlling external parasites like mites and lice.
Apply a thin layer of diatomaceous earth in areas where your chickens dust bathe or nest, as it acts as a natural insecticide.
Even better than DE is something called First Saturday Lime. It’s not DE but it is similar and completely non-toxic to all animals. Sometimes Diatomaceous Earth can be toxic to some animals if inhaled. And as humans we have to wear a mask and be cautious when spreading it. First Saturday Lime does all the same things DE does but better. You can read more about it HERE
Raising Backyard Chickens // Beginners Guide
FAQ
What is required for a chicken coop?
You will need a waterer, feeder, feed, grit , scratch, a roost, nesting boxes, and chicken coop bedding. Consider having a hanging waterer and feeder so the birds don’t roost on them and contaminate the food and water with their poo. You want to create a clean space for your chickens to live and thrive in.
What supplies do I need for my chicken coop?
- ROOSTING BARS. Many chicken breeds love to perch up high in their chicken coops. …
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL. …
- CHICKEN TOYS. …
- FEEDERS AND WATERERS. …
- CHICKEN FEED. …
- BEDDING MATERIAL. …
- VENTILATION. …
- FENCING OR CHICKEN WIRE.
What is the 90/10 rule for chickens?
The “90/10 rule” for chickens refers to a feeding guideline that recommends 90% of a chicken’s daily diet should be a complete feed, while the remaining 10% can be treats.
How many eggs will 6 chickens lay in a week?
What makes a good chicken coop?
A concrete-slab floor makes the coop rodent- and fox-proof and Michelle’s chooks lay under their wide Pine perch alongside fragrant and calming lavender. 4. Chicken coop with Bunnings theme by @TheSaltyreefer
Do chickens need a coop?
Chickens are also sensitive to drafts and require shelter from wind and rain. In order to thrive, chickens require access to clean water, fresh air, and adequate space. They also need a clean and dry place to roost at night. The coop or pen where chickens are kept should be kept clean and free of pests.
How to choose a backyard chicken coop construction?
When considering backyard chicken coop construction, it’s essential to choose suitable materials and design features that focus on sustainability, safety, and security for your flock. As chickens forage in your backyard, they help to control pests like insects and small rodents.