Backyard Chicken Coops

There is no one “perfect” chicken coop design for a small backyard flock, but whether you are building your own coop, repurposing a garden shed or kids’ playhouse, or shopping for a pre-made structure, there are several things to look for and take into consideration when making your choice. First and foremost, a chicken coop needs to be functional and secure to keep your chickens healthy and safe

from predators, but there are some other features that all good coops share. Allow for 3 to 4 square feet of interior floor space per hen, dependent on the breeds you plan to raise. Bantams need less space, larger breeds like Brahmas or Jersey Giants need more. Be sure to consider the size of the flock you eventually plan on raising, since it’s easier to build (or buy) big in the beginning than to try to add on later