11 Common Chicken Coop Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Keeping backyard chickens has become a popular hobby for many people. Not only can it provide a source of fresh eggs, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. However, setting up a chicken coop requires careful planning and preparation. In this blog post, we will discuss some common mistakes to avoid when setting up a chicken coop in your backyard.

1) Not Considering the Size of the Coop
The size of the coop is one of the most important factors to consider when setting up a chicken coop, as it directly affects the health and well-being of your birds.
If the coop is too small for the number of chickens you have, it can lead to overcrowding, which can result in poor air quality, increased competition for resources, and aggressive behavior among your birds. Overcrowding can also lead to the development of diseases and parasites, as the birds are forced to live in close quarters.
In addition to overcrowding, a coop that is too small can also lead to stress and boredom among your birds, which can result in a decrease in egg production, or even cause them to stop laying eggs altogether. Chickens need space to move around, stretch their wings, and engage in natural behaviors such as dust bathing and foraging.
To avoid these problems, it's important to consider the size of the coop when setting up a backyard chicken coop. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least four square feet of space per bird inside the coop, and at least eight to ten square feet of space per bird in the outdoor run. For example, if you have six chickens, your coop should be at least 24 square feet in size, and your outdoor run should be at least 48 to 60 square feet.
It's also important to consider the height of the coop, as chickens need vertical space to perch and roost at night. The coop should be tall enough for your birds to stand up straight and fully extend their wings without touching the ceiling.

2) Neglecting Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good air quality and preventing the buildup of harmful gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues in chickens.
If a coop is poorly ventilated, it can lead to a buildup of moisture and humidity, which can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. This can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory infections, fungal infections, and other diseases.
In addition to health problems, poor ventilation can also lead to a range of other issues, such as foul odors, excessive heat or cold, and excessive moisture or condensation. These issues can make it difficult to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment for your chickens, and can also make it unpleasant for you to spend time in or around the coop.
To avoid these problems, it's important to ensure that your chicken coop has adequate ventilation. This can be achieved by providing openings such as windows, vents, or screened openings, which allow fresh air to circulate through the coop while also preventing drafts and protecting your birds from predators.
It's also important to ensure that the ventilation openings are placed strategically, to promote good airflow and prevent the buildup of moisture or drafts. The openings should be placed higher up on the walls of the coop, to allow warm, moist air to rise and escape, while also allowing fresh air to enter from below.

3) Not Providing Enough Light
Chickens rely on natural light to regulate their internal clock and reproductive cycles, and without enough light, they may become stressed, sick, and less productive.
The amount of light that chickens require can vary depending on the breed, age, and season, but generally, chickens require at least 14 to 16 hours of light per day to maintain optimal health and productivity. This can be achieved through a combination of natural and artificial light sources.
Natural light is the most important source of light for chickens, as it provides the full spectrum of light that they need for healthy growth, development, and reproduction. It also helps to regulate their circadian rhythm, which is important for maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
To provide enough natural light for your chickens, it's important to ensure that their coop is located in an area that receives plenty of natural light, such as a sunny spot in your backyard. You can also provide windows or skylights in the coop to allow natural light to enter, and ensure that the coop is oriented to receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.
In addition to natural light, artificial light can also be used to supplement the amount of light available to your chickens. This is especially important in the winter months, when daylight hours are shorter and natural light may be limited.
Artificial light can be provided using light bulbs, such as incandescent or LED bulbs, which are designed to emit a similar spectrum of light as natural sunlight. The light bulbs can be placed in the coop and turned on in the early morning and late evening to provide additional light and extend the amount of daylight hours.
However, it's important to note that too much artificial light can also have negative effects on chickens, such as disrupting their sleep-wake cycle and causing stress. It's important to provide a balance of natural and artificial light, and to gradually adjust the amount of light over time to avoid sudden changes that can cause stress or other health issues.

4) Not Considering Predators
Predators such as raccoons, foxes, hawks, and snakes are common threats to backyard chickens, and failing to protect your coop from these predators can result in injury or death to your birds.
It's important to understand the types of predators that are common in your area and take steps to prevent them from accessing your chicken coop. This may involve installing predator-proof fencing around the coop and run area, using hardware cloth instead of chicken wire to reinforce the coop walls and windows, and using locks or latches to secure the coop door at night.
Another effective way to protect your chickens from predators is to use deterrents, such as motion-activated lights, alarms, or decoys, which can help scare off predators and prevent them from approaching the coop.
In addition to physical barriers and deterrents, it's also important to be vigilant and observant when it comes to predator activity around your property. This may involve monitoring the coop and run area regularly, looking for signs of predation such as paw prints or feathers, and taking action immediately if you suspect a predator is in the area.
If you do encounter a predator, it's important to take appropriate measures to protect your chickens and discourage the predator from returning. This may involve setting live traps, using noise makers or other deterrents, or even calling in a professional pest control service for help.

5) Not Providing Enough Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes provide a safe and comfortable space for hens to lay their eggs, and not having enough boxes can lead to several problems.
Firstly, if there aren't enough nesting boxes for all the hens in your flock, they may start competing for the same boxes, which can lead to aggression and fighting. This can result in stressed-out hens, which may lead to a decrease in egg production, or even cause them to stop laying eggs altogether.
Secondly, if hens don't have access to a nesting box when they need to lay an egg, they may lay their eggs outside of the coop, which can make them vulnerable to predators, or other birds who may steal or break the eggs. This can also make it difficult for you to collect the eggs and keep them clean and hygienic.
Lastly, not providing enough nesting boxes can lead to poor hygiene and cleanliness in the coop. Hens prefer to lay their eggs in a clean and comfortable environment, and if there are too few nesting boxes, they may start laying eggs on the floor of the coop or in other areas that aren't suitable for nesting. This can result in dirty, cracked, or broken eggs, which can create a mess and attract pests or parasites to the coop.
To avoid these problems, it's important to provide enough nesting boxes for your hens. A good rule of thumb is to provide one nesting box for every three to four hens. The boxes should be placed in a quiet, dark corner of the coop, away from high-traffic areas, and should be filled with soft and comfortable bedding material such as straw, shavings, or hay.
It's also important to keep the nesting boxes clean and well-maintained. Remove any soiled bedding or eggs daily, and replace the bedding regularly. This will help keep the boxes clean and hygienic, and will also make them more attractive to your hens.

6) Using Inadequate Bedding
One of the most important functions of bedding is to absorb moisture and prevent the buildup of ammonia, which can be harmful to your birds' respiratory health. If the bedding is inadequate, it may become saturated with moisture and ammonia, leading to unpleasant odors and health problems for your birds.
In addition to moisture control, bedding also provides insulation for your birds, helping to regulate the temperature inside the coop and keep your birds comfortable. Inadequate bedding can make it difficult for your birds to maintain their body temperature, leading to stress and illness.
The type of bedding you use in your coop can vary depending on your needs and preferences, but common options include straw, wood shavings, and shredded paper. It's important to choose a bedding material that is absorbent, easy to clean, and safe for your birds to ingest.
When adding bedding to your coop, it's important to ensure that there is enough depth to provide adequate cushioning and moisture absorption. As a general rule of thumb, aim for a depth of at least 2 to 3 inches of bedding, and add more as needed to maintain cleanliness and moisture control., provides insulation, and is easy to clean. Some common bedding materials include straw, wood shavings, and paper products.

7) No Outdoor Space Being Provided
Chickens are naturally active and curious animals that require plenty of space to roam, scratch, and forage. In addition to providing physical exercise and mental stimulation, outdoor space can also provide important health benefits for your hens.
Fresh air and sunlight are important for your hens' respiratory health and overall well-being. Lack of fresh air and exposure to high levels of ammonia in the coop can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues, such as eye infections and fungal infections.
In addition to fresh air and sunlight, outdoor space can also provide your hens with access to a variety of natural food sources, including insects, worms, and vegetation. This can supplement their diet and provide important nutrients that are not found in commercial feed.
When providing outdoor space for your hens, it's important to consider a few key factors. First, the area should be secure and predator-proof to ensure the safety of your birds. This may involve installing a fence or other physical barrier around the outdoor space and using predator deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or alarms.
Second, the outdoor space should be appropriately sized for the number of birds you have and should provide plenty of room for them to roam, scratch, and forage. Aim for at least 10 square feet per bird in the outdoor area.
Third, the outdoor space should be well-maintained and cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of waste and bacteria. This may involve raking or removing debris, regularly adding fresh bedding or mulch to the area, and providing access to clean drinking water.

8) Not Cleaning your Coop Regularly
A dirty coop can lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that can cause a range of health problems for your birds.
In addition to health risks, a dirty coop can also be uncomfortable and stressful for your birds, leading to reduced egg production and overall poor health. Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment for your chickens.
The frequency of cleaning will depend on several factors, including the size of your coop, the number of birds you have, and the climate in your area. As a general rule of thumb, aim to clean your coop at least once a week, or more frequently if you have a large number of birds or if the weather is particularly humid or wet.
Cleaning your coop involves several key steps, including removing any waste or soiled bedding, scrubbing the surfaces of the coop with a disinfectant solution, and adding fresh bedding or mulch to the area. It's important to use a disinfectant solution that is safe for your birds and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
In addition to regular cleaning, it's also important to practice good hygiene habits when handling your birds or working in the coop. This may involve washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling your birds, wearing gloves and other protective gear when cleaning the coop, and avoiding contact with other poultry or wild birds.

9) Not Securing your Chicken Feeds from Pests
Pests such as rodents, wild birds, and insects can contaminate your chicken feed with feces, bacteria, and other pathogens, making it unsafe for your birds to consume.
Protecting your chicken feed from pests involves several key steps. First, it's important to store your feed in a secure, rodent-proof container that is elevated off the ground. This can help prevent rodents from accessing the feed and contaminating it with feces or urine.
Second, it's important to keep your feed area clean and free of debris or spilled feed. Pests such as ants, flies, and wild birds are attracted to spilled or leftover feed, which can lead to infestations and contamination.
Third, it's important to monitor your feed area regularly for signs of pest activity, such as rodent droppings or chew marks on containers. If you suspect that pests have accessed your feed, it's important to dispose of any contaminated feed and clean the area thoroughly to prevent further infestations.
Fourth, consider using natural pest control methods such as diatomaceous earth or nematodes to help control pests in your coop and feed area. These methods can be effective and safe for your birds when used properly.

10) Lack of Dust Bathing Area
Dust bathing is a natural and important behavior for chickens, which helps them to regulate their body temperature, maintain healthy skin and feathers, and reduce stress.
A dust bath involves the chicken digging a shallow hole or depression in the ground and then vigorously flapping and rolling in the dust, creating a cloud of dust that covers their body. The dust helps to absorb excess oil and moisture from their skin and feathers, as well as to suffocate and kill any external parasites that may be living on their skin.
If you don't provide a dedicated area for your chickens to dust bathe, they may resort to using other areas of the coop or yard, such as areas with bare soil, under bushes, or in piles of debris. This can lead to problems such as soil erosion, damage to landscaping, and exposure to potentially harmful chemicals or toxins.
To provide a suitable dust bathing area for your chickens, you can create a shallow pit or container filled with a mixture of sand, dirt, and wood ash. The sand and dirt provide a soft and absorbent material for the chickens to dig and roll in, while the wood ash provides natural insecticidal and anti-fungal properties that can help to prevent external parasites and fungal infections.
It's important to keep the dust bathing area clean and well-maintained, removing any feces, feathers, or debris that may accumulate over time. You may also need to add more sand or dirt periodically to maintain a suitable depth and consistency.

11) Leaving the Chicken Coop Unlocked at Night
Not locking up your chicken coop at night is a mistake that can have serious consequences for your birds. At night, chickens are vulnerable to predators such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and even domestic dogs and cats. These predators are attracted to the smell and sounds of chickens and will stop at nothing to get to them, often killing many or all of the birds in one attack. To protect your birds from predators, it's essential to lock up your chicken coop securely at night. This involves ensuring that all doors, windows, and other openings are securely fastened, and that there are no gaps or holes that predators can squeeze through. It's also important to use sturdy locks or latches that are difficult for predators to open or tamper with.

To Sum it All Up

Setting up a chicken coop can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, but it requires careful attention to detail. Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure that your chickens have a safe and comfortable environment to thrive in. By providing your chickens with adequate space, proper ventilation, and protection from predators, you can enjoy the benefits of having a happy and healthy flock. Remember to regularly maintain and clean your coop, and provide your chickens with the necessary resources for their physical and mental well-being. With the right preparation and care, your backyard chickens can be a great addition to your family and lifestyle. Remember a clean and well-maintained coop makes happy chickens!