Choosing the Best Chicken Coop
If you’re like us, one of the first homestead topics you got involved with was owning chickens. When it comes to keeping chickens, a good coop is essential. Not only does it provide shelter and security for your feathered friends, but it also plays a crucial role in their health and happiness. In this blog post, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best chicken coop for your flock, as well as the different varieties of coops available.
Some Variety of Coops:
-Wooden Hen House with Nesting Box
-Wooden Hen House with Chicken Run
-Country Style Coop with Nesting Box
-Chicken Coop on Wheels: Known as tractor coops, they are portable coops that can be moved around your yard to allow your chickens access to fresh grass and insects. They are typically smaller in size and are a great option for those with limited space.
Some Variety of Runs:
-Enclosure with Waterproof Cover
Before we choose a coop, we must consider the following list of things:
Local Regulations: Check your local regulations and zoning laws regarding keeping chickens and building structures like coops.
Size and Space: You want to assess the area you have available to determine the best location for your new coop. Be sure there is enough space for the coop, and the run. Determine the size of the coop you need based on the number of chickens you have or plan to keep and ensure each chicken has at least 2-3 square feet of space inside the coop.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and ensure good air circulation. You want to be sure you allow proper ventilation, and this could also be a great way to let in some natural light. However, be sure not to provide any access for predators.
Lighting: Chickens need natural light, so plan the coop's location to maximize sunlight exposure. However, be sure your chickens also always have access to shade.
Nesting Boxes: Provide enough nesting boxes for your chickens, typically one box for every 3-4 hens. Ideally, you want the coop you choose to have nesting boxes in built into it, but you can purchase boxes like these wooden individual nesting boxes, or these 3 compartment roll out nesting boxes for example to see which options are better for you and your chickens.
Roosting Bars: Chickens like to roost at night, so coops that have roosting bars inside for them to perch on are ideal. When you have baby chicks, they might enjoy smaller roosting bars. As for your full grown hens, you can build roosting bars inside your coop using branches from trees, or you can try larger roosting bars. Chickens may also enjoy perches like this roosting ladder, or this super fun hanging swing.
Protection: Ensure the coop is durable, and is secure from predators and can protect chickens from the weather by using sturdy materials and adding locks to doors and windows. Look for coops with a waterproof roof and walls that can withstand wind and rain.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Plan for easy cleaning by including features like removable trays or flooring, and other useful tools like this chicken coop scooper. The substrate you use will also affect cleanliness.
Access to Food and Water: Provide easy access to food and water inside the coop using feeders and waterers, and consider using hanging feeders and waterers to save space.
Integration with Run: If you plan to have an outdoor run attached to the coop, ensure they are well-integrated for easy access and security. You can also add things such as automatic coop door openers.
Enrichment: Chickens actually enjoy and benefit from enrichment they get from things such as toys and food puzzles. Try your chickens with this chicken toy accessory kit, this hanging feeder ball toy, or this chicken hanging pecking toy.
Choosing the best chicken coop for your flock is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By keeping these key factors in mind and exploring the different varieties of coops available, you can select a coop that provides a safe, secure, and comfortable home for your feathered friends.
Happy homesteading!