Coops and runs

Build for dry birds and locked doors

A good coop does not need to be fancy. It needs to be dry, ventilated, easy to clean, and hard for predators to enter.

The basic housing system

Coop

Protected sleeping and laying space with roosts, nest boxes, ventilation, and cleanout access.

Run

Outdoor daytime space with shade, drainage, and predator-resistant sides.

Feed storage

Sealed, dry containers that reduce rodent pressure and wasted feed.

Work path

A layout that lets you refill water, collect eggs, and clean bedding without crawling.

Predator proofing matters more than decoration

Chicken wire keeps chickens in, but it is weak against many predators. Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth on vulnerable openings, secure latches, and buried or skirted edges around the run.

Ventilation without drafts

Moisture causes problems fast. Put ventilation high in the coop so humid air can leave above roost level, while the birds stay out of direct cold drafts at night.