Chicken Coop Resource Page
Ready for backyard chickens but not sure where to start? This chicken coop resource page is here to help. Find everything you need to build a safe and secure home for your chickens.
Raising chickens might surprise you with how low-maintenance they are. Give them a spot for water, feed, shelter, and a cozy place to lay their eggs, and they’ll pretty much handle the rest of the day on their own.
A Good Coop Means More Eggs
A well-thought-out coop plays a big role in keeping your hens laying eggs consistently. Chickens need a dry, safe spot where they can eat, rest, and lay eggs without feeling stressed. A great coop should have a few main things:
- Outside area – Chickens love to scratch, peck, and explore. Give them a safe outdoor space to do so by including an attached run or providing access to a larger yard.
- Good ventilation – Chickens need fresh air to stay healthy, but drafts can cause problems. Make sure your coop has proper airflow that keeps things fresh without creating chilly drafts.
- Predator protection – Sadly, chickens are tempting for many predators. Close up holes as soon as you find them, be sure the area is fenced in, and use secure doors to keep your flock safe from any unwanted visitors.
- Enough space – Crowded chickens aren’t happy chickens. Aim for at least 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken in their outdoor run.
- Nesting boxes – Hens prefer a quiet, private spot to lay their eggs. Plan for at least one nesting box for every 4-5 hens to keep them comfortable.
Chicken Coop Resource Page
Whether you’re building your first coop or upgrading an existing one, this guide will help simplify the process. A safe, comfortable coop is essential for keeping your chickens healthy, happy, and laying plenty of eggs. Start with a strong foundation and build a home where your flock can thrive for years to come.
All in one coops
All-in-one coops can be a great option if you’re just starting out or have a small flock. They might cost a bit more, but they’re a much quicker and easier solution to get your chickens settled in.
What to Look For:
- Nesting Boxes – If you’re keeping hens for eggs, ensure there’s at least one nesting box per 4-5 hens.
- Size – Make sure the coop is roomy enough for your flock and any future additions. Aim for about 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run.
- Durability – Choose a coop built with sturdy materials that can handle tough weather and keep predators out.
- Ease of Access – Look for a setup that makes cleaning, collecting eggs, and handling repairs easy.
- Outdoor Space – Chickens love exploring, scratching, and pecking around. Check if the coop comes with an outdoor area or if you’ll need to add one.
- Roosting Bars – Since chickens like to perch at night, make sure there’s enough space for them to roost comfortably.
All-in-One Coops:
Here are three options for coops that are ready to use. Be sure to check the size and setup before investing.
- Chicken Coop for Up to 20 Chickens
- Metal Walk-in Poultry Cage – Good option for warm climates.
- Chicken Coop Plans – So you can build it yourself!
YITAHOME Large Metal Chicken Coop with Waterproof Cover, 13.12’L x 9.84’W x 6.49’H Walk-in Poultry Cage with Run, Chicken Hen Run Duck House Rabbits Cage for Outdoor Backyard Farm Use-2 Cages
ECOLINEAR Outdoor 80” Wooden Chicken Coop Nest Box Hen House Poultry Pet Hutch Garden Backyard Cage (Chicken Coop)AECOJOY Large Chicken Coop, 56
Turn a Shed Into a Coop
If you are on a tight budget, you can look to see what you have on your property now and see if you can adapt it into a coop for your chickens. We did this with an old shed we had in the back corner of our property and even though it took work to get it set up, it had a very minimal cost.
Check out our Chicken Coop Shed Essentials list to see what we included in our layout.
That shed has lasted us over 10 years and is still holding up well, even with our brutal winters and very wet springs. Read our guide on how to Turn Your Old Shed into a New Chicken Coop for our step-by-step plan.
Chicken Coop Layout
Designing the right chicken coop layout is all about creating a space that works for both you and your flock. A well-thought-out layout keeps your chickens happy and stress-free while making daily tasks like cleaning, feeding, and collecting eggs much easier for you.
#1. Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes are a key part of any chicken coop. They give your hens a private, cozy spot to lay their eggs and serve a dual purpose. Not only do they help your chickens feel safe and comfortable, but they also keep the eggs protected until you can collect them. A good rule of thumb is to have one nesting box for every 4-6 chickens.
Nesting Box Options:
You can DIY yoru own nesting boxes or purchase ready made ones.
- 3 Hole Metal Chicken Egg Laying Box
- 6 Pack of Large Chicken Nesting Boxes – Hang in your coop where they fit.
- 6 Hole Standard Hen Nest – Nesting boxes and roost.
Tiflev Chicken Nesting Boxes, 3 Hole Metal Roll Away Nest Box for Chickens Laying Egg with Lid Cover to Protect EggsNesting Boxes for Chicken Coop – Wooden Chicken Nesting Box for Poultry Heavy Duty 4 Compartments Laying Eggs Nest Box Wall Mount for Chickens, Hens, DucksChicken Nesting Box, 6 Compartment Metal Chicken Laying Box with Vented Holes, Poultry Nest Boxes with Chicken Perch, Rust Proofed Wall Mount Chicken Coop Nesting Boxes
Chicken Roost
Vital for a healthy flock is a stable roost for your chickens. A chicken roost is a perch that your hens will sit to sleep at night. Chickens have horrible eyesight after dark and their instinct is to be up off the ground away from danger and predators.
Having a chicken roost is important for your hens to feel safe while they are sleeping. Be sure you have enough room for your entire flock. A good rule is to have 8-12 inches per chicken.
Roost Options:
Roosts are easy to build, but if you are short on time, you can purchase ready made for yoru coop.
- 30 inch Roosting Perches
- A-Frame Roosting Ladder – for small flocks.
ECOFLEX Large L Frame Chicken Perch in Walnut, Perfect for Up to 12 Birds with a 10 Year Limited Manufacturer’s WarrantyChicken Coop Roosting Accessories, Chicken Activity Play Toys for Healthy & Happy Animals, Chicken Toys for Coop, Backyard Chicken Raising Poultry Habitat Supplies, Large Chicken Coop ToyPETSFIT Chicken Coop Accessory with Multiple Chicken Perches Chicken Toys for Pet’s Health & Happy, Chicken Roosting Bars Fit for 4-6 Chicks
Chicken Waterers and Feeders
There are plenty of waterers and feeders to choose from, and I’ll break them down for you here real quick. Keep in mind, the size of your flock and the weather in your area will play a big role in what works best for you.
Galvanized chicken waterer – This is a heavy-duty waterer that you can fill and hang in the chicken coop. This waterer is pretty rugged although I have seen it rust up after a time. This option does not work in cold climates since the water will freeze overnight and getting it out is nearly impossible without damaging the waterer.
- Galvanized Waterer – with Double Wall Founts.
- Hanging Chicken Canteen Waterer – Good for 1-3 chickens.
- Hanging Waterer for Chicken Coop – Holds 2 gallons of water.
Harris Farms Poultry Drinker | Simple and Easy to Use for Any Size Flock | Made of BPA-Free Plastic | 6.25 Gallon, GreenFarm Tuff Double Wall Cone Top Hanging Galvanized Metal Automatic Poultry Fountain Waterer for Chickens, 2 Gallon CapacityLittle Giant® Plastic Dome Waterer | Heavy Duty Plastic Gravity Fed Poultry Waterer Container Tank | Chickens, Ducks & Other Birds for Hobbyists, Farmers and Ranchers | 10 Gallon
Plastic chicken waterer – This is a thick plastic waterer that you can also fill and hang like the galvanized steel option. This is a much more affordable option but it does not hold up well in cold climates. When the water freezes this type of waterer tends to crack quite quickly.
- Automatic Chicken Waterer Cups – Use these to turn a plastic bucket into an automatic waterer.
- 1.5 L Waterer Chicken Waterer – Great for warm weather.
- Steel Waterer Feeder – Self Filling Water Trough for Poultry
- 4 Gallon Poultry Drinker – Plastic so good for warm weather only.
Galvanized Steel Feeders – Made just like the waterer this is a more expensive yet pretty durable option. I purchased ours over a decade ago and it is still going strong. It works well with pellets, crumbles, or any other type of chicken feed. This feeder is all one piece and can be a bit difficult to clean.
- 25-Lbs Capacity Galvanized Chicken Feeder – Good for small flocks.
- Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder – good for medium flocks.
- 65-lb Capacity 6-Port feeder – Good for HUGE flocks.
Plastic feeders – A cheaper option compared to the steel feeder. It works the same way and does well with all types of chicken feed. It does not, however, stand up quite a well to chicken pecking and their sharp beaks. I have found, over the years, that the pecking takes a toll and my feeder has many dents and even small holes in it now.
- 10-lb 4-Port Feeder – Good for up to 12 hens
- Plastic Poultry Feeder
- Plastic Fence Feeder – A simple way to feed your flock.
Harris Farms 1000293 Galvanized Hanging Poultry Feeder, 15 lbs, MetalRentACoop Chick2Chicken 10lb BPA-Free 4-Port Feeder – Includes Anti-Roost Cone, Slider Port Cover, and Lid – Suitable for up to 20 Chicks & 12 Adult ChickensKHEARPSL Galvanized Wall Mount Chicken Feeder No Waste Hanging Chicken Feeder with Lid Weatherproof Metal Automatic Poultry Feeder Trough Food Dispenser for Outside Coop (10 lbs)
Coop extras
Want to make raising your flock a little easier? Check out these tools that help your chickens take care of themselves. You’ll get to enjoy your hens without all the constant upkeep. These can help you build a self-sufficient coop, so you only need to check in every few days while your flock thrives on their own.
#1. Self Sufficient Coop Tools
Raising chicken have never been easier with these additions:
- Electric Fence Netting – This fence allows your chickens to range while protected.
- Solar Chicken Door – Quite possibly the best money we have ever spent. Set the door to open and close at a specific time each day.
Cowiewie Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Solar-Powered with Timer and Light Sensor, Aluminum Alloy Anti-Pinch Electric Chicken Door for Chickens Ducks Farms, Battery, Solar or DC PoweredHappy Henhouse Electric Poultry Netting: Tough, Easy & Safe – Keep Your Chickens Protected with Our 164ft x 48in Electric Chicken Fence with 15 Sturdy Poles – Charger Not IncludedChicken Swing Toys and Chicken Toys Xylophone, 2pcs Chicken Toys for Poultry Run Rooster Hens Chicks Pet Parrots Macaw Entertainment Stress Relief for Birds
#2. Nutrition
Another important part of a thriving flock is providing a diet that helps them handle weather, parasites, and other health issues more effectively.
- Oyster shell – great for harder shells on eggs.
- Poultry grit – builds stronger shells and aids with digestion.
- Nesting herbs – help keep nesting boxes smelling fresh.
- Dried mealworms – a chicken’s favorite treat!
Manna Pro Crushed Oyster Shell | Egg Laying Chickens | 5 LB (4-Pack)Adaman Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae 5 LBS-100% Natural Non-GMO BSF Larvae-More Calcium Than Dried Mealworms High-Protein Chickens Treats, Food for Wild Birds, Ducks, Layer HensCountry Heritage Full Sized Poultry Chicken Grit Insoluble Crushed Granite for Chickens and Ducks 5 Pounds
#3. Activity
Keeping your chickens entertained while encouraging their natural behaviors is a great way to create a happier, less stressed coop—and even boost egg production.
- Chicken Toys – Keep chickens active and entertained for a more peaceful coop.
- Chicken Playground – A super fun all in one play area for the run.
Chicken Coop Toys – 9PCS Set: Xylophone, Swing, Mirror, Flexible Ladder, Vegetable String Bag & Hanging FeederHanging Chicken Feeder – 7.1 Inch, Black Upgraded Adjustable Hanging Chain 23.62 Inch, Chicken Enrichment -Poultry Feeder, Large Sturdy Iron Vegetable Treat BallVehomy Chicken Swing Chicken Perch Chicken Wood Stand Handmade Chicken Coop Toy for Hens Chicken Coop Accessories Chicken Ladder for Poultry Run Large Bird Parrot Hen Macaw Rooster Chick Toy
Once you have your coop and run set up and you now have a flock that is growing in your own backyard, be sure to set up a routine for their care. A chicken coop cleaning schedule can help you to stay on top of their care without things getting behind.
Setting up a coop for your new flock of chickens is a good way to raise healthy birds from day one. Be sure you have a roost, nesting boxes, feeder, waterer, and enough room for everyone to thrive.
By utilizing this chicken coop resource page, you can be sure you have all you need inside your coop.