Where to put chicken coops | Where to put chicken coops (2024)

FAQs

Where to put chicken coops | Where to put chicken coops? ›

If you live in an area with cold winters, it is best to place the chicken coop in a location that will get sunlight in the winter, even if it means less shade in the summer. Often, placing your chicken coop facing south and near deciduous shade trees should offer a perfect blend of environments.

To have happy, healthy hens, you need a bit of both: Shade in the summer and Sun in the winter. The coop needs shade during the heat of the day, but a little morning sun is both healthy, and the sun in the winter allows the chicken coop to warm up from the night chill.

Build your chicken coop facing the south so that the coop will receive sunlight throughout the day.

You do not have to position the coop on grass, but this is the most popular choice. It will need to be relocated every one – three days before the grass becomes totally worn out. Hens will scratch all the grass and moss up to uncover tasty insects, so it is unlikely that your lawn will remain pristine for very long.

If the chicken coop is placed too far from your home, you can quickly lose interest in observing and caring for your birds as needed. Having the coop further away means a longer walk with feed/water, cleaning supplies, eggs, and anything else that might need to be taken to or from the coop.

Usually, the chicken door should be located on the south facing side of the chicken coop. If designing a large coop, include a full-size door to make it easier for you to access the coop and clean the coop. Windows should be located on the east and west facing sides of the chicken coop.

Adding a lamp to your chicken coop is a simple solution to dark nights. However, like humans, 24-hours of light a day isn't healthy for your hens. Setting the lamp on a timer ensures your chickens get a good night's sleep and you wake up to a warm basket of eggs in the chicken coop.

An elevated coop ensures air can circulate around the coop, can prevent flooding in flood-prone areas, and prevents rats and mice from nesting. An added bonus of an elevated chicken coop is that it can serve as a structure for free-ranging chickens to escape under from predators.

Chickens need 6-8 hours of darkness in each 24-hour period to allow them to rest and keep their immune system healthy, so if you DO add light, it should be on a timer and not just left on all night.

What is the best site for a chicken coop? ›

Make sure your coop faces in a direction where it receives maximum sunlight during the winter months. Sunlight will allow for any wet dirt to dry quicker. Make sure to view our other blog posts to learn how to properly protect your flock from freezing winters and high summer temperatures.

Finding the right flooring for your chicken coop is essential for the health and happiness of your feathered friends. Keep your chickens comfortable and cared for with a floor that's easy to clean, absorbs moisture, and hygienic to avoid pest infestations.

CONSIDER THE ELEMENTS

Make sure you have a solid foundation by placing your coop on level ground. Consider the type of weather you get, and plan accordingly. For example, if you live in an area that gets plenty of rain, place your coop on land that drains well to prevent flooding and other water damage.

4x8 Dutch Coop

Perfect for the backyard chicken hobbyist, this 4×8 Dutch style chicken coop houses 15-20 chickens.

Choose an appropriate location to build your backyard chicken coop, about 30 feet from the house, and prepare the area by clearing any vegetation and leveling it.

The last thing you want is a wet, muddy chicken coop or run. Place your coop in the driest area possible, ideally with a small slope so water will run off. Sunlight will also help keep the ground dry!

For the safety and comfort of all involved (except of course the predators), it's best to have a chicken coop that is at least a foot off the ground. This means that you will need a chicken coop ramp to be installed on your coop. Most coops come with a ramp attached to the coop, but some don't.

The best place for your feeder and waterer is where your chickens spend the most time during the day. Make sure to keep them off the ground to prevent potential contamination and debris, but low enough for all the chickens to have easy access.