You’ve decided to embark on the rewarding journey of chicken keeping, but you have a pressing question: What should be inside a chicken coop?
With so many designs and features available to keep your hens cozy and improve air quality, it can be overwhelming to determine what’s essential for your feathered friends.
In this guide, our coop and greenhouse builders in Oklahoma at Burnett Affordable Buildings sum up what to include in a chicken coop.
#1. Roosting Perch
One of the primary features to consider when asking what should be inside a chicken coop is the roosting perch. Chickens instinctively seek elevated places to roost at night for protection.
A flat, wide roost is ideal, especially during colder months, as it allows chickens to tuck their feet under their feathers for warmth. Using 2” x 4” boards with the 4” width facing up provides an optimal surface for their feet.
Avoid slippery materials like plastic or metal piping, as these can be challenging for chickens to grip.
#2. Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes are essential for laying hens in chicken coop sheds. These boxes provide a dark, protected space where hens can lay their eggs. A 12” square box is suitable for standard-sized birds, while a 14” square box is best for larger breeds.
Have one nesting box for every four hens. Ensure the boxes have a front lip to hold bedding material and a sloped roof to deter roosting on top.
#3. Coop Insulation
Insulating your chicken coop is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Proper insulation helps in regulating the coop’s temperature, ensuring it’s warm during the winter and cool during the summer. This keeps your chickens comfortable and promotes better egg production and overall health.
#4. Adequate Lighting
Light plays a significant role in the well-being and productivity of your chickens. Adequate lighting stimulates egg production and helps maintain a regular laying cycle. Natural sunlight is the best source of light. During shorter winter days, supplemental lighting might be necessary.
Ensure the coop’s location maximizes natural light exposure, and consider adding safe artificial lighting options if necessary.
#5. Litter Trays
Maintaining cleanliness in the coop is paramount for the health of your chickens. Litter trays, placed under roosting areas, can significantly ease the cleaning process.
These trays collect droppings, making it simpler to keep the coop clean and reduce the buildup of harmful ammonia. Regularly cleaning and replacing litter material ensure a hygienic environment for your flock.
Get a Sturdy Chicken Coop Shed at Burnett Affordable Buildings
Understanding what should be inside a chicken coop is the first step toward ensuring the health and happiness of your chickens. By incorporating features like roosting perches, nesting boxes, insulation, adequate lighting, and litter trays, you can create an environment where your chickens thrive.
At Burnett Affordable Buildings, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best for your feathered friends and transforming your shed’s functionality.
Give Burnett Affordable Buildings a call at (918) 427-6005, and let’s discuss what should be inside a chicken coop and set you up with a durable shed to house your flock.
