Requirements for your Coop

    In 6-8 weeks your layers will be feathered out and it is time to move them to their coop. There are 3 must haves in a new coop. First, it should be ventilated but be draft free. Second make sure your birds have access to their food and fresh water. And lastly, make sure their coop is predator proof!

    Most sources will recommend that a coop allow 2 square feet per bird. We have found this is not enough room in the winter months or if your birds do not have access to the outdoors. We allow 3 ½ square feet for production layers and 4-5 square feet for larger birds (such as brahmas or buff orphingtons). If your birds are not free range but have access to an outside coop, you should allow 10 square feet per bird in their outdoor area. Overcrowding your birds can lead to aggressive behavior, feather pecking or pulling, and lethargy all will result in lost egg production. You will also see dirty, misshapen, or broken or cracked eggs. You will also be exposing your birds to a variety of diseases such as mites, premature molting, infectious bronchitis, rotgut, aspergillosis, lameness, coccidiosis, fowl pox, Merek’s disease.

    Your chicken’s new homes should include a 12” x 12” laying box made out of wood, plastic, or metal for every 4 birds. Their coop should also have roosting bars which allow 12  inches per bird with each roosting bar positioned 14” away from each other. Ample waterers and feeders for the number of chickens. Feeders and waterers should be raised to the height of the chicken’s backs. Your chickens should receive fresh water every day. Your coop should provide 14-16 hours of “daylight” each day using a 15-25 watt light bulb that can be managed through a timer.