Set up a secure coop and outdoor run

Build or buy a coop that provides at least 4 square feet of interior space per bird, with an attached outdoor run offering 8–10 square feet per bird. The coop needs roosting bars (8–10 inches per bird), nesting boxes (one per 3–4 hens), and good ventilation near the roofline. Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth on all openings — chicken wire keeps chickens in but does not keep predators out.

Why It Works

A properly sized, predator-proof coop is the foundation of backyard chicken keeping. Overcrowding causes pecking, stress, and disease. Hardware cloth stops raccoons, weasels, and snakes that easily tear through chicken wire. Adequate ventilation prevents ammonia buildup and moisture-related frostbite in winter.

Tips

• Pre-built coops often overstate capacity by 2–3x — a coop advertised for "6–8 birds" typically fits 3–4 comfortably
• Install predator-proof two-step latches on all doors and nest box lids
• Add a buried or surface-laid hardware cloth apron around the perimeter to stop digging predators
• Design the coop for easy cleaning — a removable dropping board saves significant time