What are the vital things to include in a chicken coop so the chickens are happy and healthy???

6 Responses to “What are the vital things to include in a chicken coop so the chickens are happy and healthy???”

1. reillyj1989 says:

   June 12, 2009 at 9:21 am

   Make sure that it will keep all the predators out and the chickens in at night.

   Perches up high. They really like it because they feel safe up there.

   Nesting boxes for your hens. Depending on how many hens you have, you might need one for every three or four hens. Depends if the hens choose that they want to nest at the same time or not.

   Either dirt or wood shavings for the floor and straw. Not only does this make for simple clean up when there is too much poop, but it also acts as kitty litter in a way. The small piles get covered in it and won't dirty your small chickies feet as much. And when you're ready to do some spring cleaning (I really clean my chickens coop out about once a month), all you have to do is rake the messes up!

   I keep my hens as pets, so this may be a bit different. I just have a dog food bowl that I fill for their feed, and a large tub of water. I just keep it on the floor of their pen and they seem to be pleased with it.

   If you plot on making the coop completely enclose (four walls), you might want to consider including a run. My chicken's coop is sheltered from rain with a roof, and has two walls that shelters them from the dominant winds. But the two other walls are just chicken wire so that it is open. If I'm not home to keep an eye on them, they're still outside, but don't feel like they're 'caged' in.

   That's all I can reckon of… But here's a pretty decent site for coop designs! Hope I was of some service to you!

   http://www.backyardchickens.com
2. overanxious_neurotic says:

   June 12, 2009 at 9:21 am

   a rooster?????
3. Michael J says:

   June 12, 2009 at 9:21 am

   freshwater, for drinking, some where for them to lay eggs( sheltered with some hay/straw ), some where with some shade, there may also be legalities on the minimum size depending on how many chickens you want to keep, and there may also be restrictions on having roosters, check with your local council on what requirements/standards need to be met.

   much luck
4. wheres_yourcardude says:

   June 12, 2009 at 9:21 am

   You need one nest for every hen. They should be 2-3 ft off the ground I believe. You should install a door on the side for you to have access.
   (All of the following should outside the coop)
   A fenced in area outside the coop for them to roam [unless you are allowing them to roam freely on your property.] Something for them to perch on [a couple ancient dog houses will work.] And a large water dish. The feed can be tossed in anywhere, so you don't need anything to place it in. If you can, build it under some trees to allow shade when they're outside the coop.
5. rochellelhendrix says:

   June 12, 2009 at 9:21 am

   Of course you need the essentials…food,water,…shelter. Depending on what type of area you live in, you will need to ensure that it is secure from all predators(which may include~ hawks, crows, rats, weasels, etc.. Always keep coop clean with changing wood chips or hay regularly. These help absorb droppings and in keeping deadly bacteria from forming. Most chickens will delight in a perch, but some prefer a nesting box. Make sure your coop is weather proof. In extreme hot weather misters will help your birds from over heating. Excellent luck with your coop.
6. ddstantlerstill says:

   June 12, 2009 at 9:21 am

   You need amble space,4 square foot per bird.They will need nesting boxes,You don't need one box per bird because chickens tend to share the nests so most won't get used.Best way to factor the amount of nesting boxes you will need is divide the number of hens you have by 2.The chickens will also need roosts in the coop most any closet rod wooden dowels will do just fine.Just be sure what ever you use for roosts doesn't have sharp edges.There is no need for food and water in the house part of the coop,so if you are building a fenced yard on the house part then be sure and use tall enough fence that the birds can't glide over it.It is generally best to enclose the yard part all together this will keep out predators.Keep your designs simple remember you will have to clean the darn thing.As well same applies to feed trays and waterers.They have to be cleaned so keep that in mind as you buy them.