Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
be hazardous to their health. Regardless of the type of coop you use to house your chickens, it
needs to have the following elements:
• Sound structure
• Bedding and flooring
• Nesting boxes
• Runs
• Roosts or perches
• Feeders and waterers
• Lighting for both chicks and chickens
• Ventilation
• Insulation
• Protection from predators and weather
The rule of thumb is to allow 3 to 4 square feet of space per chicken and 2 square feet for ban-
tams to keep from overcrowding. Find a space on your property that adheres to any zoning
laws (such as keeping fowl 50 feet from your nearest neighbor) and has enough room for you
to build your coop. It should be in an area that gets enough sunlight and drainage. Ideally, it
should be on a gently sloping piece of land that would allow heavy rainwater to dry quickly. If
this is not possible, elevate the building to avoid water problems because your coop will need
to stay dry.
A solid roof will be the best protection for your flock. Aviary netting or wire will work, too,
but a solid roof offers added protection from the elements. You can use metal panels, wood, or
roofing shingles. Some predators, such as raccoons, can pull apart chicken wire, so use wel-
ded wire fences that you can purchase at feed stores and lumber yards.
You can make a basic coop from a shed with fencing around it. Include the other require-
ments, such as ventilation, perches, and bedding, and you will have a safe, simple home for
your chickens in just a few hours. Check every angle of the coop to ensure it is secure from
predators and the elements.
Runs
A chicken run is an enclosed area where chickens are allowed to move around. The run
should have 10 square feet of space per chicken, but the bigger the run, the better it is for the
chickens. If you have trouble with predators, or anticipate having trouble with them, cover
