21 Most Common Chicken Coop Mistakes You Must Avoid!

When building or maintaining a chicken coop, it’s easy to miss some key aspects, and you make mistakes. Ignoring these factors can lead to unhappy and unhealthy chickens!

Chicken coop mistakes start from ventilation to failing to offer adequate space. One big mistake is not keeping the coop safe from predators that might want to harm your chickens. Also, you have to think about the weather. Just like us, chickens can feel too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. So, their home should be comfy for them no matter if it’s snowing or sunny outside.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can take steps to avoid them. Read this guide to learn 21 Common Chicken Coop Mistakes new chicken owners make!

21 Common Chicken Coop Mistakes: What Not to Do in a Chicken Coop?

As a beginner, we make a lot of mistakes while making coops or caring for chickens. Let’s find out what you should do or don’t!

1. A Coop Plan without Roadmap!

Winging it with coop construction can lead to a coop that’s too small, poorly ventilated, or unsafe. Make a plan with proper measurements, ventilation strategies, and predator-proofing techniques before you start hammering.

2. Incorrect Coop Size

Chickens love to have some room to stretch their wings! A coop that’s too small can make your feathered friends stressed and grumpy. 

Too little space = stressed chickens. In a crowded coop, chickens get stressed which can make them sick or even fight.

Less space = more mess. A small coop gets dirty fast, and that can make your chickens sick.

How much space do chickens need? Give each chicken at least 4 square feet of floor space. Think of it like their own personal chicken apartment!

Chickens love to explore outside the coop. Make sure they have a run attached to their coop with at least 8-10 square feet per chicken. This is like their backyard to play in!

Remember: More space is always better! If you have room, give your chickens even more space to roam around.

3. No Coop Walls

An open coop leaves your chickens exposed to the elements and vulnerable to predators. Walls provide shelter, security, and protection from wind and weather.

Be sure you keep walls!

4. Selecting the Coop Materials that Don’t Last

Chickens can be surprisingly strong! A coop made of flimsy materials won’t withstand their pecking and scratching, and won’t protect them from predators.

Always use strong, durable materials like treated wood or welded wire mesh.

5. Lack of Ventilation

Ventilation is an essential part! But if you forget it by mistake, here’s how bad air can affect your feathered friends.

Chicken poop stinks! Without good air circulation, the coop gets smelly and ammonia builds up. Ammonia can make your chickens cough and sneeze, just like us!

In cold weather, poor ventilation can make the coop damp and chilly. This can lead to frostbite on your chickens’ combs and wattles, which are the red bits on their heads.

So, you need to ensure fresh air for poultries!

Think of vents like windows for your coop. Place vents near the top and bottom of the coop to allow fresh air to come in and stale air to go out.

While chickens need fresh air, they don’t like strong drafts. Make sure the vents aren’t directly facing the roosting area where your chickens sleep.

6. Insufficient Lighting

Chickens are like little feathered alarm clocks – they need sunlight to stay healthy and productive. A coop that’s too dark can throw their whole schedule off!

Chickens lay eggs based on the amount of daylight they get. In a dim coop, they might lay fewer eggs, or even stop laying altogether.

Without enough light, chickens might sleep in or become confused about when to sleep and be awake. This can disrupt their natural rhythm and make them grumpy.

Now what you can do? South-facing windows are best for your coop. They allow the most natural light to shine through during the day. Aim for windows that take up at least a third of the wall space.

During shorter winter days, you might need some extra help. Consider adding chicken-safe coop lights that mimic natural daylight.

7. Placing Roosts in the Wrong Place

Nesting Boxes Above Roosts? No Thanks! This creates a dusty situation for your hens and discourages them from laying eggs. Keep nesting boxes separate and on the ground.

Placing Roost Higher? Not for Chickens! Roosts that are too high up can be dangerous for chickens, especially older ones, who might injure themselves by jumping down.

Roosting Too Close to the Wall? A Recipe for Drafts! Leave enough space between the roosts and the wall for proper ventilation.

8. Inviting Predators

A sneaky predator might be planning a visit! Here’s how predators can be a disaster for your chickens:

Predators like foxes, raccoons, and owls see an insecure coop as an easy meal.

Also, to keep out raccoons and weasels, use 1/2″ – 1/4″ hardware cloth. It’s to stop them from reaching and crawling through the wire.

Bears and cougars have a heavy coop with strong connections between wire and material, like steel wire fasteners. For coyotes and dogs, add a skirt around the coop and use sturdy materials like wood or metal that will last.

Even if a predator doesn’t get inside, the constant threat can make your chickens stressed and unhappy. A stressed chicken lays fewer eggs, and nobody wants that!

To resolve such conditions, follow the guidelines –

Use strong, galvanized hardware cloth for all sides of the coop, including the floor and roof. This special mesh is tough enough to keep even the most determined predator out.

Don’t forget to bury the hardware cloth at least a foot underground! This stops sneaky diggers like foxes from entering the coop. Burying wire 6 inches deep next to the coop won’t always stop a digger. That’s why try using a 2-foot-wide heavy gauge wire barrier around the coop.

Always secure the coop door at night with a sturdy latch or lock. Predators are most active during darkness, so a flimsy door is an open invitation for trouble.

9. Nest Box Conflicts

Nest box conflicts can disrupt the peace in your chicken coop.

Chickens prefer to lay eggs in quiet, private spaces. If there aren’t enough nest boxes, hens have to wait their turn, leading to frustration and pecking order battles.

In a crowded nest box, eggs can get broken or stepped on. This means fewer eggs for you and a sad situation for your chickens.

How to Create a Nest Box for Poultry? A good rule of thumb is to provide one nest box for every 4-5 hens. This gives everyone enough space and reduces competition.

Place nest boxes in quiet, well-ventilated areas of the coop. Chickens prefer to lay eggs in secluded spots.

Fill the nest boxes with comfortable nesting material like soft straw or wood shavings. This makes egg-laying a pleasant experience for your hens.

10. Bedding Mistakes

The wrong kind of bedding can be a real pain for chickens. You must avoid such mistakes!

Chickens have sensitive feet. Bedding that’s too hard or slippery can make it uncomfortable for them to walk around.

Certain materials, like cedar shavings, can irritate chickens’ respiratory systems and make them cough or sneeze.

Dirty or non-absorbent bedding leads to a buildup of ammonia from chicken waste. This can make the coop smelly and unhealthy for your chickens.

What is ideal bedding then? Straw is a classic and affordable choice for chicken coop bedding. It’s soft, absorbent, and comfortable for chickens’ feet.

Another great option is wood shavings like pine or aspen. They’re absorbent and help control odors. Just avoid cedar shavings, which can be harmful.

Hemp bedding is a growing favorite. It’s super absorbent, controls odors, and is even compostable!

11. All Coop, No Run

Chickens stuck in a coop with no outdoor space. How frustrating it could be!

Here’s why a coop without a run is a big mistake for your feathered friends:

Chickens are naturally active birds who love to scratch, forage, and explore. A cramped coop stifles their natural instincts and can lead to boredom and frustration.

Bored chickens can start developing bad habits like feather picking or fighting with each other. Nobody wants that!

Chickens that can’t exercise and explore outdoors might lay fewer eggs, or even stop laying altogether.

How to keep enough space for the backyard chickens? An attached run gives your chickens a safe space to roam and be chickens! Aim for at least 8-10 square feet of space per chicken in the run.

The run allows your chickens to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and the chance to peck around for bugs and grubs. This keeps them happy and healthy.

Related Reading: Steps to Build A Chicken Run!

12. Neglecting Cleaning

Neglecting your coop cleaning can turn it into a smelly, unhealthy mess.

Chicken poop releases ammonia, and a dirty coop becomes an ammonia factory. This gas can irritate your chickens’ lungs and make them cough and sneeze.

A dirty coop is a magnet for flies, mites, and other pests. These uninvited guests can stress out your chickens and even transmit diseases.

Bacteria thrive in a dirty environment. A buildup of droppings can lead to illnesses. It can even make your chickens sick and reduce their egg production.

Now, how to keep the coop clean? Scoop out poop and remove soiled bedding every day. This helps control odors and ammonia buildup.

Do a more thorough cleaning every few weeks, removing all the old bedding and scrubbing down the coop surfaces with a disinfectant safe for poultry.

Always replace old bedding with fresh, clean material after a deep clean. I hope these ideas can ensure it will be the best chicken coop design for easy cleaning.

13. Feeding Wrong

Chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy and productive egg-layers. But feeding them the wrong things can lead to a whole coop of problems!

Chickens love treats like table scraps or sugary snacks. But too much of this junk food can lead to obesity, nutrient deficiencies, and even digestive issues. Treats are best in moderation!

Certain foods are actually poisonous to chickens, like avocado pits, raw potatoes, and onions. Be sure to research any new food before offering it to your feathered friends.

Giving your chickens a random assortment of leftovers isn’t enough. They need a complete feed that provides all the essential vitamins, minerals, and protein they need to thrive.

So, how to feed your chickens right? Invest in a high-quality, balanced chicken feed specifically formulated for laying hens.

Supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables like chopped kale, carrots, or berries.

Provide grit for your chickens. This helps them grind up their food for proper digestion. You can find grit at most farm supply stores.

14. No Dust Bathing Area

Chickens love a good dust bath! But we beginners skip this idea! Here is why you need it –

1. Chicken dust bathing is like a natural spa day for chickens. They roll around in the dust to remove dirt, parasites, and dead skin flakes. This keeps them clean, healthy, and comfortable.
2. It helps control pests like mites and lice. The dust smothers these tiny critters, keeping your chickens itch-free and healthy.
3. Dust bathing is a natural behavior for chickens and helps reduce stress.

How to make a dust bath area for chicken? Set aside a shallow container or area in your coop specifically for the dust bath. A kiddie pool or a large plastic bin works well.

Fill the container with a mixture of dry, loose soil and sand. You can also add some wood ash for extra pest control.

Place the dust bath in a well-ventilated area of the coop.

I would say it’s a must-have in a chicken coop!

15. Overheating Issues

A coop that gets too hot can be dangerous for your flock. It’s another mistake we make as we lack the knowledge of the proper environment.

When it gets too hot, chickens struggle to regulate their body temperature. This can lead to heat stress, a condition that can cause –

• Panting
• Lethargy, and
• Death.

What symptoms or signs of overheating in chickens?

Watch for these signs of heat stress in your chickens:

• Rapid breathing with open beaks
• Drooping wings
• Listlessness
• Reduced egg production

How do you care for chickens in summer? There are several ways to create a cooler environment for your chickens:

1. Provide ample shade over the coop run using shade cloth, tarps, or trees. Aim for at least half of the run to be shaded during the hottest part of the day.
2. Ensure proper ventilation in the coop with vents near the top and bottom. Good air circulation helps hot air escape.
3. Make sure your chickens have access to plenty of clean, fresh water at all times. They’ll drink more when it’s hot to stay hydrated.
4. On scorching days, offer frozen fruits or vegetables as a refreshing snack.
5. Consider a misting system for the run. A light misting can help cool the air.

16. Inadequate Warmth

A coop that gets too chilly during winter can be detrimental to chickens.

Chickens can tolerate cooler temperatures than humans. But extremely cold weather can lead to health problems like –

• Frostbite on their combs and wattles
• Respiratory issues, and
• Death in extreme cases.

Look out for these signs that your chickens are too cold:

• Huddling together for warmth
• Lethargy and inactivity
• Pale combs and wattles
• Reduced egg production

How to care for chickens during winter? Here are the tips you can follow for poultry care –

1. Insulate the walls and roof of your coop with appropriate materials. For example – chicken wire and bubble wrap, or consult a professional for proper insulation methods.
2. Seal any cracks or gaps in the coop walls and door to prevent drafts.
3. Provide a deep layer of fresh, absorbent bedding like straw or wood shavings.
4. Consider a safe heat source for extreme cold snaps. Never use space heaters or anything that could ignite bedding.
5. In milder climates, roosters can help generate some extra warmth at night.

17. Ignoring Chicken Needs

Chickens are social creatures with specific needs that go beyond the physical structure of their coop. So, be sure you don’t avoid giving these things!

Consider keeping at least 2-3 hens together for a happy and healthy flock.

Observe your flock and avoid disrupting their hierarchy order. Wait to introduce new hens or favor certain chickens.

Feeding your chickens the right amount and type of food is vital. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health issues.

Clean, fresh water is critical for your chickens’ health. They need to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.

Regularly monitor their behavior, droppings, and overall appearance. It’s necessary as they cannot properly express their condition.

Related Articles:

• How To Make Affordable Dropping Board For Chickens Coop
• Ways To Build Chicken Playground

18. Difficult Egg Collection

Don’t make the egg collection pathway difficult!

Nesting boxes tucked away in dark corners or hidden compartments might seem like a cozy spot for your chickens. But for you, it can be a nightmare trying to find and collect eggs! And it’s a mistake!

Eggs left uncollected for too long risk being stepped on or broken by the hens themselves. This means fewer eggs for you and a potential mess in the coop.

What do you need to do for proper chicken egg collection?

Here are the things you can do for egg collection –

1. Place nesting boxes in easily accessible areas of the coop.
2. Good lighting in the nesting boxes helps chickens see and lay their eggs there.
3. Nesting boxes with easy-to-open lids or hinged doors allow for quick and effortless egg collection.
4. Placing a few fake ceramic eggs in the nesting boxes can encourage your hens to lay.

19. Rooster Troubles

Deciding whether or not to include a rooster in your flock. Don’t make the mistake!

Constant crowing might not be appreciated by your neighbors, especially early in the morning. Consider local ordinances regarding noise levels before introducing a rooster.

Roosters can be aggressive towards hens. If your flock is small, a single rooster might create an overly stressful environment.

Roosters are needed for fertile eggs. But most backyard chicken keepers are happy with unfertilized eggs for consumption.

The suggestion is, you could borrow a rooster for a short period to fertilize your hens’ eggs.

20. Health Care Oversights

Chickens hide illnesses well, so regular vet checkups are important. But we missed out and left the chickens with illness.

Early detection of health problems can make a big difference. Here’s how to keep your chickens healthy:

1. Schedule vet visits for your chickens.
2. Know your chickens’ usual behavior and appearance so you can spot changes.
3. Clean the coop regularly to prevent bacteria and parasites.
4. Feed your chickens a balanced diet to keep them strong.
5. Look out for signs of sickness like changes in eating or behavior.

21. When you Skip The Coop Plan!

Skipping the Coop Plan! Pre-built coops might seem convenient, but they often lack proper ventilation, space, or predator protection. Design your own coop or carefully customize a pre-fab to fit your flock’s needs.

Have a look at this video to get additional knowledge about chicken coop mistakes.

FAQs

You can read the following section to get more facts about chicken coop basics.

Summary

After learning about the mistakes to avoid when building and keeping a chicken coop, now you can fix the mistakes! Taking care of our chickens needs careful planning. We have to think about things like making sure there’s enough fresh air and space. Also, keeping them safe from animals that might harm them.

By knowing about these mistakes and following the advice given, we can keep them safe in their coop. And be sure the mistakes won’t be repeated!