Chickens - Laying Hens - Mini Dinosaurs

What does this have to do with Soap, Candles, etc... Nothing but I also know chickens.

What to consider when first getting chickens aside from the yummy fresh eggs!

Your space, how much space can you dedicate to your Run and Coop. Do you have any shade to help during the hot summer.

• A run is a secure space for your chickens to roam outside. Typically fenced to protect from land predators and covered to protect from aerial predators. 
• A coop is a secure place for your chickens to roost (sleep) at night. This should be a vented enclosure completely secure from even the smallest predators (think weasel size, pretty small!) 

The Coop 

Once you know your space you can determine the size of your coop. The coop size will then determine how many chickens you can have. Be aware of chicken math! You say “Oh I only want 6 chickens.” …next thing you know you have 20! Always allow room to grow. 

• Coop size is recommended at a minimum 4 sq ft per standard chicken. So if you want 6 chickens your coop should be at least 24 sq ft but I suggest adding extra space. Chicken math is real! You can also build your coop so it can be easily added to in the future. 

The Run

You then need to determine your run size. Your birds will spend most of their time in the run, which you want! You can choose to free-range which we will talk about in another section, but I recommend having a run as well. The run will be attached to your coop allowing your girls (and boys!) to come and go as they please. 

• Run size is recommended at a minimum of 8 sq ft per standard chicken. So if you want 6 chickens your run should be at least 48 sq ft.

That’s it you are ready for chickens! Ha.. not so fast.

Let's talk about the Coop in more detail. You will want to plan your coop style so you have good spacing for roosting bars and nesting boxes. You can search coops to get some ideas when building your own. You can also just buy a ready to go coop, just be sure you buy a quality coop (box stores are not the best). You can also find used coops that may fit your needs so check around. 

Lets assume you will be creating your own coop.Get your sketch pad out! Here is a list of what to consider.

• Shape, think 10” of roosting space per bird, nesting boxes and doors (for you and your chickens).
• Type of roosting bars. This is a preference thing, some say round bars, some swear by flat (2”x4”). You can read on the pros and cons, or include both!
• Will your coop be off the ground, if so how high. Will you need a ramp, as they age a ramp can become difficult.
• Do you want to be able to walk into your coop, if not think about how easily you can clean bedding out from outside the coop. While a walkin is nice for access it is likely more costly to build. (a mini barn works well if that is in the budget)
• Where should the door(s) go? You will need access and so will your chickens. Will this be the same door or will they have a smaller chicken door. You can consider an automatic door for their access or a manual door you open and close daily.
• Where will your nesting boxes go, you will need 3 for six birds (even though they will all use the same one). These should be a minimum of 1 sq ft. per box.
• Will you want to access the nesting boxes from outside the coop or will you have to go inside? (only go in if you can walk into the coop)
• Do you want any windows to allow light in and extra venting/cooling during the summer?
• Vents! These are very important. Vents allow air to circulate which will allow moisture and ammonia (from poop) out and fresh air in. Lack of venting will cause respiratory issues and eventually death. You want cross ventilation typically up high above where they roost. You do not want vents to allow wind directly on your girls (or boys!) during cold months. Do a little research on vents in a coop to help you determine where yours should be placed. 
• Will you have power to your coop/run? It is common not to have a power source but if you do you can consider hanging fans, a chick safe heater or heated waters based on your seasons. Note - chickens do not need heat in the winter unless you want to spoil them a bit like I do.

Now let's dive into the run which can be as simple as you like but there are a few basics. You will want to have it attached to some place on your coop to allow easy access in and out.

• The run should be wide enough to avoid a traffic jam that could lead to pecking wars. I recommend 12" x 14", this will also align to most automatic doors if you choose to use one. 
• You will want to keep water and food in the run, never in your coop. Decide where these should be located based on shade and ease of access.
• Ensure you have easy access into the run so you may want a door/gate this should also be considered when determining the height. 
• You will want predator proofing by using at least 2”x4” cattle fencing to stop most land predators that may come around in the daylight. As well as something for overhead, like a roof or netting. 
• Consider burying your fencing several inches in the ground or adding a hot wire to stop predators (including dogs) from digging under. 
• If you do not have shade consider adding a shade sail to help during the hot summers. Chickens can overheat and die.

While there is a lot to consider when determining a coop and run that will fit you and your chickens needs there is a wide array of information out there to help. Take the process line by line and it will come together!