Building the perfect chicken coop is about more than just throwing up a basic structure. Your feathered friends deserve a comfortable, functional home that meets all their needs.
But what are the things your chicken coop must have? Nesting boxes, lighting, and ventilation are primarily the must-have things. Plus, roosting bards, and food and water stations in the coop will keep them nourished and chill. Keep ample space to roam around, and let them have dust baths. Also, they need some other stuff!
This article will cover every must-have thing chicken coop should have! Let’s explore the must-have elements for an exceptional chicken abode.
Table of Contents
9 Must Have Chicken Coop Things for You!
In this section, I’m gonna talk about the must-have things in a chicken coop. Let’s take a look at what should be in a chicken coop.
1. Cozy Nesting Boxes
Every mother hen needs a private, tranquil spot to lay her precious eggs. Nesting boxes provide that calm sanctuary within the coop.
Designed with seclusion in mind, these snug spaces allow your layers to go about their business undisturbed. The boxes should be well-ventilated, easy to access for egg collecting, and carefully bedded for maximum coziness.
2. Bright Lighting
Sunlight doesn’t just keep your coop cheerful – it’s a vital part of your chickens’ biological cycles. Their egg-laying productivity depends on proper light exposure.
Make the most of natural illumination with big, sunny windows. Then, supplement with artificial bulbs or lamps to extend that “daytime” ambiance when the sun isn’t cooperating.
3. The Shady Oasis: Cool Hangouts
Chickens may be tough, but even they need an escape from scorching summer rays. Shaded areas, whether created by trees, awnings, or separate “cluckshacks,” provide feathered friends with a cool, comfortable retreat.
A well-designed coop allows smooth airflow too, sucking in refreshing breezes.
4. Ample Ventilation
Speaking of airflow, your coop needs exceptional ventilation to stay fresh and healthy.
This prevents noxious, moisture-ridden air from building up and creating immunosuppressive conditions for your flock. Carefully positioned vents, windows, and even fans promote continuous air cycling.
5. Roomy Roosting Bars
When the sun sets, chickens instinctively seek out secure, elevated perches to roost for the night. Grant them that primordial comfort with well-designed roosting bars at the proper height and spacing.
Comfy, safe roosting spaces promote restful nights and protect delicate feathers.
6. Expanding the Village
Even though your chickens live in a coop, they still need room to roam around outside. This lets them scratch in the dirt, take dust baths (like a feathery spa!), and just explore.
A big fenced-in area will keep them safe from animals that want to eat them. It’ll also be good exercise for their bodies and brains.
7. Oversized Food & Water Stations
A constant supply of fresh food and water is essential for your feathered tenants.
Invest in generously proportioned, accessible feeders and drinkers to keep them happily nourished and hydrated while reducing your workload.
Shade these stations to prevent food from spoiling and water from heating up unnaturally.
8. The Dust Bath Spa
Dust bathing for chickens may look silly, but it’s a crucial feather care ritual for chickens. Give your flock their own miniature desert oasis in the form of a deep, dry dirt bath.
There, they can happily roll, flap, and preen to remove dirt, dander, and pests from plumage. Ahhh, refreshing!
9. Windows
Bring the outside world into your coop by incorporating large, well-placed windows. These provide stimulating views of nature’s drama unfolding beyond the coop’s walls.
From watching dawn’s first light to keeping guard for predators, window views engage your chickens’ primal instincts and curiosities.
For making chicken coops, you’ll find tons of videos on YouTube for extended ideas. Here’s one for you to take help!
Discover Other External Coop Element Ideas
Well, we already got to know what should be inside a chicken coop, but not extendedly. Now, we’ll try to find other ideas that’ll make the coop environment even better.
Fun Things to Put in Chicken Coop
Chickens can get bored! To keep your feathered friends happy and entertained, here are some fun ideas for their coop:
- Swinging Treats: Hang some rope toys with vegetables like kale or cabbage for them to peck at.
- Mirror on the Wall: Chickens are curious creatures. A small, shatterproof mirror can provide hours of entertainment.
- Hay Bales: Hay bales provide a great climbing challenge and a cozy spot to nap. Just make sure to replace them regularly as they get soiled.
- Pecksicles: Freeze some chopped fruits and veggies in a cup with a string attached. Hang it in the coop for a refreshing summer treat!
- Chicken Swing: A simple chicken swing made of wood or rope will provide entertainment for your chickens.
Small Scale Chicken Flock Coop Interior Layout Idea Explained
When it comes to setting up your coop for a small flock, think cozy and functional! Here’s a basic layout.
- Nesting Boxes: Provide one nesting box per 3-4 hens. Line them with soft hay or straw and place them in a quiet corner, off the floor.
- Perches: As mentioned before, perches at different heights are essential. Make sure they are sturdy and spaced out enough for all your chickens to perch comfortably.
- Food and Water Dispensers: Choose feeders and waterers that are easy to fill and clean. Place them off the ground to avoid contamination.
- Dust Bath Area: Dedicate a corner for your scratching patch, using sand, dirt, or wood shavings.
Remember, this is just a starting point! You can adjust the layout based on the size and needs of your coop and flock.
FAQs
I hope this Q&A helps shed some light on what a chicken coop needs. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Q: How much space do chickens need in their coop?
A good rule of thumb is to provide 4 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop. This allows them enough room to move around comfortably.
Q: What kind of ventilation is needed in a chicken coop?
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent ammonia buildup from chicken waste. Aim for adequate airflow throughout the coop, but avoid drafts. You can achieve this with vents near the top of the coop.
Conclusion
With a coop that has all the essentials, your chickens will be happy and healthy! It’ll be like their own little palace, with comfy spots to rest, and a place to dust and bathe (like a feathery spa!). Also, nest boxes for their special deliveries!
Happy hens mean fresh, delicious eggs for you, and a fun connection between you and your feathered friends. Now get ready to enjoy the charm of having chickens in your own backyard!
