Choosing the Right Chicken Coop Plan for You
Whether you’ve always wanted to raise backyard chickens or you’re just beginning to toy around with the idea, finding a coop that’s a good fit for your space is a smart start to creating an area that can support a flock. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right coop plan, including size, placement of essential features, and budget considerations.
Getting Started: Sizing and Placing Your Coop
The interior space of your coop is crucial for your chicken’s happiness and overall health. A small coop will lead to overcrowding, stress, quick disease spread, pecking disorder issues, and reduced egg production. Large coops can be more comfortable for your chickens in warmer months, but can become seriously pricey to heat in the winter.
First, consider how many chickens you will have. Most experts recommend two to four square feet per standard-size chicken. If you’re raising larger breeds, they’ll need more space. You’ll also need to consider how often your chickens will be in their coop. If they’re going to be confined for longer periods, they’ll need more space than if they’re spending a significant amount of time outside of their coop. Run space (outdoor space where chickens can exercise, take dust baths, etc.) is an important consideration as well. Plan for about 8-10 square feet of running space per chicken, and make sure your coop design makes it easy for chickens to exit the coop.
Where you place your coop matters – choose a location where your coop will be protected from adverse weather elements like heavy rains, wind, and snow. A south-facing coop is ideal for your birds as it provides adequate morning sun penetration and shade during hot afternoons. Excess humidity can increase the spread of illness within a flock, so it’s important to keep moisture out of the coop as much as possible. Be sure to create an adequate drainage system in your coop, as this can help to prevent muddy conditions and moisture buildup. Next, we’ll take a look at some other features that can help you create a comfortable living space for your chickens.
Essential Coop Features
Now that you understand how big your coop will need to be to support your flock, it’s time to consider features in your coop that will keep your chickens happy and healthy.
Some factors to keep in mind when creating your chicken coop include:
- Airflow: Creating a comfortable interior requires proper ventilation to enhance airflow. Inside the coop, provide your chickens with roosting bars that offer at least 10-12 inches of space for each large breed of chicken.
- Nesting boxes: Nesting boxes provide a comfortable, private space for your hens to lay eggs. Plan for at least one nesting box for every 3 to 4 hens.
- Access points: Caring for your chickens can be tough without simple access points. Features like drooping boards and removable trays can simplify the cleaning process, and adequate access points can help you check on your chickens, collect eggs, and keep the coop clean.
- Security: Choosing a coop design that protects your flock from predators is important. Creating a coop with secure latches on windows and entryways can help ensure your chickens stay safe. For added security, have your coop raised slightly above the ground.
Coop Styles, Materials, and Your Budget
When it comes to choosing a coop style, you’ve got options. A classic A-frame design is a simple choice that’s easy to clean, while a Dutch-style coop offers more space, and many chicken flock owners prefer a combination of classic A-frame and Dutch-style coops.
Tractor coops are movable and can be a smart option if you’d like to provide your chickens with regular access to fresh grazing areas. This can also be a good fit if you live in an area where weather changes are common, as you’ll be able to move the coop in the event of flooding or other weather conditions that aren’t conducive to the health and comfort of your chickens. Quaker coops are another popular option, as these styles offer an overhanging roofline to provide extra headroom. This can be used for shelter or storage of outdoor equipment. If you’re looking for a space-saver, consider a lean-to design that you can prop against an existing wall.
After you’ve chosen your coop design, it’s time to decide what type of material you’d like to use. Wood coops are a traditional, aesthetically pleasing, popular option, but they require high maintenance. Metal coops are sturdier and more resistant to predators, but may be a poor choice if you live in a warm climate, as these coops can get extremely hot in the summer. In many cases, vinyl and plastic are ideal materials for chicken coops. While these options may not offer a traditional look like wood or metal, they’re durable and easy to clean.
Of course, it’s important to consider your budget before building your coop and choosing a design. Most basic structures are relatively inexpensive but may require frequent maintenance. Choosing a mid- or high-price range coop can offer premium materials and a more aesthetically pleasing design. That being said, if you’re willing to put in the work of regular maintenance, you can create a comfortable structure for your flock on a low budget.
Additional Tips
- Before building your coop, check local regulations to see whether a permit is required. Your town or municipality may have specific ordinances regarding chicken keeping.
- Your chickens will multiply over time. Consider how your flock will expand as you choose the right coop design for you.
- Not sure what design is the right choice for you? Talk to friends and neighbors with chicken coops to get an idea of what they love about their chosen style and what they wish they could change.
- If you find that the coop style you’ve chosen is no longer a smart fit for the needs of your flock, you may want to consider revamping your coop, or building an additional coop.
With the right plan and preparation, you’ll have a comfortable, safe, and productive home for your chickens in no time. Explore our free plans to get started!