In this month’s Modern Homesteading Academy, I am sharing some general information on building a chicken coop and I give you a tour of our current coop and run set up.
Get ideas for Chicken Coops in the Pinterest Board.
Find all the supplies I use in my own backyard coop.
Quick Look at Things to Consider When Building a Coop and Run
Raising chickens starts with creating a safe and functional home for your flock. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Size Matters: Plan for at least 4 square feet of coop space and 8–10 square feet of run space per chicken. Overcrowding leads to stress and disease.
Predator Protection: Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire!) around the coop and bury it a foot deep to deter digging predators.
Ventilation: Good airflow is essential—especially in summer—to prevent respiratory issues. Just make sure it’s draft-free in winter.
Easy Access: Build with cleaning and egg-collecting in mind. Hinged doors and removable roosts make upkeep easier.
Shade & Shelter: Chickens need protection from both rain and hot sun. A covered area in the run goes a long way.
🐓 Contrary Opinion: While many insist your coop must be fully insulated, some chicken keepers argue that a well-ventilated, uninsulated coop actually keeps birds healthier by avoiding dampness and mold buildup. It depends on your climate and your flock!
Modern Homesteading Academy
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A few Other courses in the Modern Homesteading Academy:
Make sure you download the chicken run and coop cheat sheet at the link below:
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