A chicken coop is more than just a shed — it’s your flock’s home, protection, and daily routine center. A good coop keeps your birds safe, dry, clean, and comfortable. This guide helps you decide whether to build or buy and how to get the size, layout, and features just right.
Minimum indoor space:
4 sq ft per standard-size chicken
2–3 sq ft per bantam chicken
Minimum run space:
8–10 sq ft per chicken if they can’t free range
Example: For 5 hens, you'll want at least a 20 sq ft coop and a 40–50 sq ft run.
Build it yourself if:
You want to save money or customize the size/layout
You have basic tools and skills
You like weekend projects
Buy a coop if:
You want to get started faster
You need something small and simple
You’re okay with the cost (pre-fab coops range $300–$1,200+)
Your coop must protect from:
Raccoons, opossums, foxes
Snakes and rats (especially if you keep chicks)
Aerial predators like hawks
Tips:
Use ½” hardware cloth (not chicken wire) on all vents and openings
Bury wire 12” deep around the run to stop digging
Lock the doors at night with secure latches
Add vents high on walls to release ammonia and moisture
Avoid drafts blowing directly on roosts
In hot climates, use shade cloth, fans, or open-air designs
In cold climates, insulate and reduce drafts, but never seal completely
Nesting boxes – 1 per 3–4 hens (fill with shavings or straw)
Roosting bars – At least 6–10 inches of space per bird, off the ground
Feeder & waterer – Keep off the floor to reduce mess
Litter – Pine shavings or straw (deep litter method is optional)
Scoop poop trays or bedding weekly
Deep clean with soap and water monthly
Replace nesting material weekly
Check for pests (mites, lice) often
Windows give natural light and help regulate laying cycles
Painted interiors are easier to clean
Raised coops help deter rodents and protect from floods