Planning Your Coop Size

Before embarking on your chicken coop construction, it's crucial to plan the size, tailored to the number of backyard chickens you intend to raise. Allocate a minimum of 2-3 square feet per chicken. This calculation ensures that your feathered friends have ample space to move around comfortably, promoting their well-being and reducing stress. Adequate space is not only essential for physical movement but also contributes to a harmonious social environment within the coop. In cramped quarters, bullying within the flock increases and they tend to be noisier. By providing enough space in your urban chicken coop design, you prioritize the health and happiness of your flock, laying a solid foundation for a thriving urban chicken-keeping experience.

Allocate a minimum of 2-3 square feet per chicken in the coop.

Choosing the Right Coop Materials

Choosing the right material for your chicken coop is crucial, and understanding the pros and cons is key. Plywood is a budget-friendly option, easy for beginners, but may lack durability. Pressure-treated lumber is strong and low-maintenance but raises concerns about chemical treatment and can be more expensive. Exterior-grade plywood offers improved weather resistance and durability, though it may be costlier. Metal or plastic options provide durability and low maintenance but may lack insulation and customization. The choice depends on factors like budget, climate, and preferences, shaping the success of your urban oasis chicken coop.

For our coop we used ½ inch plywood for the floor and roof, ¼ inch plywood siding for the walls, and corrugated plastic roof paneling.

Crafting a Comfortable Nesting Box

Establishing a comfortable environment for your hens to lay eggs is crucial for successful backyard chicken keeping. Integrate thoughtfully designed nesting boxes into your coop, positioning them above ground level to ensure privacy and security for your hens. Place the nesting boxes at a lower height than the roosts to avoid the chickens turning the rim of the nesting box into a nighttime roost, which results in droppings in the nesting box. Optimal nesting box dimensions are 12x12x12 inches. Ensure a proper ratio of nesting boxes to hens, aiming for one box per 4-5 hens. The layout should prioritize accessibility for egg collection and easy cleaning. I suggest adding an exterior access door to the nesting box for convenient egg collection. Ensure that the door's height is suitable, allowing you to easily reach in and gather the eggs. This design not only enhances egg-laying conditions but also fosters a sense of safety and seclusion, encouraging your hens to lay eggs comfortably.

One nesting box can accommodate 4-5 chickens.

Designing for effortless maintenance

Creating a chicken coop with elements specifically tailored for easy cleaning is essential for both the cleanliness of the coop and the health of your flock. Start by determining your coop cleaning strategy. If you plan to implement the deep cleaning method, consider adding removable borders to contain the bedding. Alternatively if planning frequent mini cleanings, consider incorporating removable features, such as slide-out trays beneath roosting bars and nesting boxes. These trays simplify the removal of droppings and soiled bedding, minimizing the effort required for daily maintenance.

Additionally, consider designing coop flooring with a slight slope towards a removable cleaning point. This ensures efficient drainage and facilitates the easy removal of waste. Employing materials like exterior-grade plywood or vinyl flooring can make cleanup smoother and prevent the absorption of moisture and odors.

Opt for hinged or removable panels in the coop structure to provide easy access for thorough cleaning. Consider installing large access doors or sections that swing open, allowing you to reach all corners without constraint. Incorporating well-ventilated designs not only aids in maintaining a fresh environment but also expedites drying after cleaning.

By strategically integrating these elements into your chicken coop, you not only create an environment that prioritizes the health and comfort of your chickens but also streamline your cleaning routine, making the upkeep of the coop a manageable and efficient task.

We chose the deep litter method and incorporated removable borders near the coop doors to contain the bedding and prevent spillage when we open them. Additionally, we installed swing coop doors equipped with hooks, facilitating an easier clean-out day.

Crafting an Efficient Coop Door

In the realm of chicken coop design, an automated coop door stands out as a game-changer, offering a host of benefits that prioritize both convenience and security. These doors are especially useful if you plan to allow your chickens to free range during the day. Automated doors can be programmed to open and close at specific times, eliminating the need for manual intervention each morning and night. This not only saves time but ensures a consistent routine, promoting the well-being of your chickens.

Moreover, automated coop doors serve as a robust line of defense against predators. The door's automatic closure at dusk provides an added layer of protection, reducing the risk of nocturnal attacks. This feature is particularly crucial for urban chicken keepers, where the proximity of residential areas may attract opportunistic wildlife.

Investing in an automated coop door not only enhances the efficiency of your daily routine but also reinforces the safety measures essential for a thriving and secure chicken-keeping experience in your urban oasis.

In our coop, we've taken a different approach by implementing measures to predator-proof the run. The entrance to the coop is consistently open, providing direct access to a secure run that is well-guarded against potential predators. Each evening, the chickens independently enter the coop. While we do allow our chickens to explore the yard, we always supervise them to prevent any mischief, especially when it comes to safeguarding our vegetable garden from their curious appetites.

Maximizing Airflow for Happy Hens

Creating a well-ventilated environment is paramount for the health and comfort of your chickens. Adequate airflow within the coop helps regulate temperature, reduce moisture, and minimize the risk of respiratory issues. To achieve optimal ventilation, consider integrating windows strategically to facilitate cross-ventilation. Position them on opposite sides of the coop to encourage airflow.

Additionally, incorporate elevated openings, such as gable vents or vents near the coop's apex. These openings allow warm air to rise and escape, creating a continuous airflow that prevents the buildup of stale air. An extended roof with overhangs can shield windows and vents from rain while also preventing direct sunlight from overheating the coop.

Thoughtful design considerations, such as hardware cloth covered openings to protect against predators, contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living space for your urban chickens. By combining these ventilation strategies, you establish a coop environment that prioritizes the well-being of your feathered companions.

Elevating Comfort: Setting Up Roosts in Your Chicken Coop

Establishing proper roosting spots within your chicken coop is integral to ensuring the well-being and comfort of your feathered companions. Roosts serve multiple functions, primarily providing chickens with a secure perch for resting and sleeping during the night. Understanding the significance of roosts allows you to create an environment that caters to your chickens' natural instincts.

Place roosts at an elevated position within the coop, preferably higher than nesting boxes, to encourage chickens to roost at night. This mimics their instinctual behavior of seeking higher ground for safety and security. Allow at least 8-10 inches of space per chicken on the roost to ensure they have enough room to perch comfortably without crowding. Space multiple roosts evenly allowing each chicken to find its preferred roosting spot. Be mindful of what is below the roosts as this is where the majority of the droppings will accumulate.

By incorporating well-placed roosts into your coop design, you not only fulfill your chickens' natural roosting instincts but also contribute to a harmonious and restful nighttime routine, promoting their overall health and happiness.

Creating a Secure Chicken Run

Enhancing your chickens' living space with a secure run not only promotes physical exercise but also contributes to their overall well-being. The key to a successful chicken run lies in its design, emphasizing security and space.

The primary goal of a chicken run is to provide a safe outdoor haven, protected from potential predators. An animal-proof enclosure is crucial, especially in urban settings where various wildlife might pose a threat

A predator-proof run ensures the safety of your chickens, eliminating the need to worry about potential threats. With this setup, there's no requirement to manually let them in and out at dawn and dusk. This convenience allows you to leave them unattended for a weekend without concerns. Another option is to construct a basic, yet unsecured run and complement it with an automatic door to help secure the chickens in their coop every night.

Design Ideas for a Secure Predator Proof Coop and Run:

Durable Fencing: Choose robust materials for fencing, such as hardware cloth or welded wire, to withstand potential intruders. (Many animals are known to penetrate chicken wire)
Roofing: Cover the run with a secure roof or hardware cloth to protect against aerial threats like birds of prey or climbing animals.
Buried Skirt: Bury a portion of the fencing underground to deter digging predators.
Ample Space: Allow for sufficient space within the run to accommodate the number of chickens comfortably. A general guideline is at least 8-10 square feet per chicken.
Enrichment Activities: Introduce features like perches, dust baths, and hanging treats to keep your chickens engaged and active.
Easy Access: Design the run with easy access points for both chickens and caretakers, facilitating routine checks and maintenance.
Locks: Use double locking mechanisms. Raccoons can unlock doors and gates with a single mechanism.

A thoughtfully designed and animal-proof chicken run not only ensures the safety of your flock but also enriches their lives with a secure and spacious outdoor environment. By considering these design elements, you create a haven where your urban chickens can thrive while remaining protected from potential hazards.

Initially, we constructed a run for our coop with a space of 6 square feet per chicken, expecting to allow them to roam freely in the yard during the day. However, the chickens turned out to be mischievous, frequently indulging in our vegetable garden. Consequently, we had to confine them to the run for a longer duration than originally intended. They were quite noisy and seemed eager to get out and explore. To address this, we decided to expand the run to three times its original size, resulting in noticeably happier chickens. They have become accustomed to staying confined in the run for an entire weekend making travel considerably easier. We continue to allow them outdoor access, but it is always under supervision to protect the garden. Surprisingly, even when the door to the run is open, they often wander back into the run. While they still enjoy their time roaming outside of the run, they now seem content when they are confined to the run for prolonged periods. If you are considering a similar setup, I would recommend opting for a larger run from the start, especially if you plan to keep them in enclosed.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a functional and comfortable urban chicken coop. Tailor the design to your space, keeping in mind coop size, materials, nesting boxes, clean-out routines, coop doors, roosts, and airflow. Your feathery friends will thank you for providing them with a happy and healthy home.

A Beginner's Guide to Building a Chicken Coop in Your Urban Oasis