More people than ever are raising backyard chickens. Fertilizer, pest control, companionship (pets), and fresh eggs are all benefits of keeping chickens. For those ready to commit, the first step is finding the right housing, but it can be tough to find a chicken coop and run that will fit the flock, is easy to maintain, and still looks good in the yard.
Firstly, let's discuss the difference between a chicken coop and a chicken run. Put simply, a chicken coop is a chicken house. During the night your chickens can be protected from nocturnal predators by completely closing the coop, which includes nesting boxes and roosts. A chicken run is an outdoor area attached to the chicken coop.
Some chickens have it easy. Foraging to their hearts' content throughout the day, they spend their days roaming the range. But free-ranging the flock may not be feasible for many backyard chicken enthusiasts. Keeping the flock enclosed is often the best choice. Adding a chicken run to the chicken coop will provide your flock with all the outdoor space they need without needing to roam freely. It's worth noting that even those free-ranging chickens end the day by being confined, much to the disapproval of the raccoons and opossums waiting to strike after the sun sets on them.
Although chicken runs are normally simple and easy to construct, a few important requirements must be met to ensure flocks of any size remain happy, healthy, and safe from predators. When you are building your dream coop or expanding to accommodate a growing flock, consider that your chickens will spend most of their time outdoors. When building a run for your flock, keep these tips in mind.
Good fencing is critical. While you might assume chicken wire or general wire mesh is a good choice for your hen-house, it does not take much for an aggressive predator to breach the flimsy fence so durability is key. A chain-link fence will keep out larger predators like dogs or foxes, but smaller attackers like weasels will simply slip through. Hardware cloth or a small-mesh welded wire fence are ideal, but any strong, small-mesh barrier will do the job. Ensure that you keep your fence in place with screws or nails and not staples as some predators can pull these off with ease. Remember that some predators have been known to burrow under fences to get to their prey. Run fences should be buried at least 6 inches below the ground.
The roof may be solid or consist of additional fencing. Using inferior materials to cover the run can cause heartache when predators find weak spots. Corrugated or asphalt roof panels can be used for a fully covered roof. Industrial netting or the same fencing used for the walls can also be used. At least some shade is recommended.
Install a strong access door. A screen door or recycled storm door may be utilized, but the simple push-button latches will not keep raccoons from entering the run. Consider installing a latch secured with a carabiner or even a padlock.
You need a chicken coop, but how big should it be? Can you convert an old shed or dog kennel into a chicken coop? Planning the right chicken coop starts with thinking about and answering a number of important questions.
Which type of coop you choose depends on whether you want the chickens to live in it full-time and have access to a run or larger portions of pasture, or if you want it to be a movable coop that can be moved frequently to provide fresh pasture for the chickens.
Before planning further, decide if you want your coop to be a fixed, stationary structure or if you need a movable "chicken tractor" that you can move around at will.
Here is a practical guide:
If your birds have access to foraging outdoors, allow two to three square feet per bird in the coop. Of course, more space is better, so do not be afraid to make your coop more spacious if you have the room.
If your birds need to stay indoors all the time or for part of the year (winter, for example), you should plan for five to 10 square feet per chicken. If your birds live in a chicken tractor that moves with them, five square feet per chicken is just fine.
These are just general guidelines. The larger the chicken, the more space it will need. Meat chickens generally need more space than layers and adult pullets more than chicks. Many behavioral problems in chickens, such as pecking and aggression, can be remedied with more space. So plan for a coop that is as generous as your space and budget will allow.
If you live in an urban or suburban setting, you may need to consider both safety and esthetics, as well as local building codes, zoning regulations or HOA (homeowners association) restrictions. Some neighborhood associations create their own CC &Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) that you agree to abide by when you move in. These CC &Rs are often more restrictive than the community's building codes, but you have no choice but to follow them. Restrictions on chickens and other farm animals can be especially strict. So find out beforehand to avoid disappointment later.
If you have laying chickens, they need:
Read more about Nest Boxes here:
Read more about Roosts here:
You also need to make sure that your coop has:
Read more about Chicken Coop Ventilation here:
Read more about Dust Baths here:
Read more about Protecting Your Flock from Predators here:
Do you have a dog kennel or shed that can be converted into a chicken coop? Do not build a new structure if you do not have to. If you are not a builder, you can search the internet for possible chicken coops that are small enough to be brought onto your property. A fresh coat of paint, a few windows or ventilation holes covered with chicken wire, and the installation of nesting boxes and roosts - and you are in business.
If you cannot find an already-built structure to convert, consider building a coop yourself or buying a ready-made one. For city dwellers and hobby farmers with small flocks and for esthetic reasons, it may make sense to buy a prefabricated barn. For small farmers with a few dozen chickens, building a chicken coop is probably the more economical choice.
Regardless of whether you reuse a coop, buy a prefabricated coop, or build your own, the flooring system must be carefully considered. A wooden floor may decompose if you use the deep litter method. So if you decide to go this route, plan on more frequent cleaning. If you choose not to use a floor, you can use the deep litter method by placing the coop on bare earth or a concrete slab.
Vital Resources:
Chicken Coop vs Chicken Run
Firstly, let's discuss the difference between a chicken coop and a chicken run. Put simply, a chicken coop is a chicken house. During the night your chickens can be protected from nocturnal predators by completely closing the coop, which includes nesting boxes and roosts. A chicken run is an outdoor area attached to the chicken coop.
Some chickens have it easy. Foraging to their hearts' content throughout the day, they spend their days roaming the range. But free-ranging the flock may not be feasible for many backyard chicken enthusiasts. Keeping the flock enclosed is often the best choice. Adding a chicken run to the chicken coop will provide your flock with all the outdoor space they need without needing to roam freely. It's worth noting that even those free-ranging chickens end the day by being confined, much to the disapproval of the raccoons and opossums waiting to strike after the sun sets on them.
Although chicken runs are normally simple and easy to construct, a few important requirements must be met to ensure flocks of any size remain happy, healthy, and safe from predators. When you are building your dream coop or expanding to accommodate a growing flock, consider that your chickens will spend most of their time outdoors. When building a run for your flock, keep these tips in mind.
What Size Should A Chicken Run Be?
As expected, the size and dimensions of a chicken run should be determined by the flock size. However, there is some degree of flexibility. A flock of bantams, for example, needs less space than a flock of heavier breeds. A good rule of thumb is that you should provide ten square feet of run space per chicken. So a 5'x6' run will accommodate 3 chickens, 6'x10' for 6 chickens, etc. Chickens in a run that is too small are more likely to fight and unsanitary conditions can lead to health issues. Bigger is always better in this case.Chicken Run Fencing
Good fencing is critical. While you might assume chicken wire or general wire mesh is a good choice for your hen-house, it does not take much for an aggressive predator to breach the flimsy fence so durability is key. A chain-link fence will keep out larger predators like dogs or foxes, but smaller attackers like weasels will simply slip through. Hardware cloth or a small-mesh welded wire fence are ideal, but any strong, small-mesh barrier will do the job. Ensure that you keep your fence in place with screws or nails and not staples as some predators can pull these off with ease. Remember that some predators have been known to burrow under fences to get to their prey. Run fences should be buried at least 6 inches below the ground.
The roof may be solid or consist of additional fencing. Using inferior materials to cover the run can cause heartache when predators find weak spots. Corrugated or asphalt roof panels can be used for a fully covered roof. Industrial netting or the same fencing used for the walls can also be used. At least some shade is recommended.
Install a strong access door. A screen door or recycled storm door may be utilized, but the simple push-button latches will not keep raccoons from entering the run. Consider installing a latch secured with a carabiner or even a padlock.
You need a chicken coop, but how big should it be? Can you convert an old shed or dog kennel into a chicken coop? Planning the right chicken coop starts with thinking about and answering a number of important questions.
Do you need a movable tractor or a stationary chicken coop?
Which type of coop you choose depends on whether you want the chickens to live in it full-time and have access to a run or larger portions of pasture, or if you want it to be a movable coop that can be moved frequently to provide fresh pasture for the chickens.
Before planning further, decide if you want your coop to be a fixed, stationary structure or if you need a movable "chicken tractor" that you can move around at will.
How big should your chicken coop be?
Next, calculate the interior space needed for the number of chickens you want to keep. Beware of underestimating the size - you may start small, but quickly decide you want a larger flock. Many people think it's best to build a large coop so you can expand your flock later.Here is a practical guide:
If your birds have access to foraging outdoors, allow two to three square feet per bird in the coop. Of course, more space is better, so do not be afraid to make your coop more spacious if you have the room.
If your birds need to stay indoors all the time or for part of the year (winter, for example), you should plan for five to 10 square feet per chicken. If your birds live in a chicken tractor that moves with them, five square feet per chicken is just fine.
These are just general guidelines. The larger the chicken, the more space it will need. Meat chickens generally need more space than layers and adult pullets more than chicks. Many behavioral problems in chickens, such as pecking and aggression, can be remedied with more space. So plan for a coop that is as generous as your space and budget will allow.
What features does your coop need?
Chicken coops can range from a simple wooden box with no floor, surrounded by chicken wire and covered with a plywood roof, to elaborate "designer" structures that cost thousands of dollars. There are so many options that the choice may seem overwhelming.If you live in an urban or suburban setting, you may need to consider both safety and esthetics, as well as local building codes, zoning regulations or HOA (homeowners association) restrictions. Some neighborhood associations create their own CC &Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) that you agree to abide by when you move in. These CC &Rs are often more restrictive than the community's building codes, but you have no choice but to follow them. Restrictions on chickens and other farm animals can be especially strict. So find out beforehand to avoid disappointment later.
If you have laying chickens, they need:
Nesting boxes
Plan on one nest box or one square foot of communal nesting space for every four to five hens. You might think this is too stingy in terms of nest boxes, but too many nests can cause the hens to "brood" and constantly sit on the nest to hatch eggs. Place nest boxes at least three feet off the ground and build them about one foot square. Milk crates or plastic tubs lined with shavings or straw make good nest boxes. Simply attach them to a shelf or directly to the wall.Read more about Nest Boxes here:
Roosts
Most laying hens like to roost. A good rule of thumb is six to ten inches of roosting space per bird. Roosts also known as perches can be as simple as sturdy wooden dowels or branches attached to the walls of the coop.Read more about Roosts here:
You also need to make sure that your coop has:
Ventilation
Because chickens are amazing producers of moisture, ammonia, and heat, an air vent in your chicken coop will prevent gasses from the birds' respiration and excrement from accumulating in the coop.Read more about Chicken Coop Ventilation here:
- Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!
- Some Thoughts On General Coop Hygiene And Ventilation
Dust baths
Provide areas of dry soil or dirt where hens can take a dust bath to control parasites. This can be as simple as a box filled with dirt or sand if there is no room on the floor of the coop. Hens that have full access to the outdoors can easily find a place for their dust bath. For winter, most hens just need a clean place in the coop, usually in a corner.Read more about Dust Baths here:
Protection from predators.
Predators are one of the biggest fears a chicken farmer has. They can be sly, fast and very sneaky. The list of predators ranges from the smallest mink to the largest bear. Depending on where you live, you will have different types of predators. So you need to take the necessary precautions and make sure no unwanted animals enter the coop, from stray dogs and cats to weasels, foxes, and coyotes.Read more about Protecting Your Flock from Predators here:
Should you reuse, build or buy it?
Do you have a dog kennel or shed that can be converted into a chicken coop? Do not build a new structure if you do not have to. If you are not a builder, you can search the internet for possible chicken coops that are small enough to be brought onto your property. A fresh coat of paint, a few windows or ventilation holes covered with chicken wire, and the installation of nesting boxes and roosts - and you are in business.
If you cannot find an already-built structure to convert, consider building a coop yourself or buying a ready-made one. For city dwellers and hobby farmers with small flocks and for esthetic reasons, it may make sense to buy a prefabricated barn. For small farmers with a few dozen chickens, building a chicken coop is probably the more economical choice.
Regardless of whether you reuse a coop, buy a prefabricated coop, or build your own, the flooring system must be carefully considered. A wooden floor may decompose if you use the deep litter method. So if you decide to go this route, plan on more frequent cleaning. If you choose not to use a floor, you can use the deep litter method by placing the coop on bare earth or a concrete slab.
Conclusion
Constructing a chicken coop and run may seem like a formidable task at first when deciding to keep chickens. But if you have some basic woodworking skills and a lot of patience, you can build a great coop where your chickens can live comfortably for years.Vital Resources:
- Housing & Feeding Your Flock - Your chickens need a safe & comfortable home as well as proper nutrition. In this section, you'll learn everything you need to know, from chicken treats and layer pellets to how to properly build, care for, and maintain your chicken coop.
- Chicken Coops - In this section, you will find thousands of chicken coop designs, pictures, plans, and ideas! See examples of chicken coops in every size, shape, and budget.
