Posted on by AK

Chicken Keeping Fundamentals – Housing, Care & Safety

Where to Place the Coop

  • Distance from the House: Ideally, place the coop 30–50 feet away from your house. Close enough for easy access (especially in bad weather) but far enough to manage odors, flies, and noise.
  • Drainage & Elevation: Choose a well-drained, slightly elevated spot to prevent water pooling and mud, which can lead to disease. If your yard is flat, consider adding a gravel base or raised foundation.
  • Sun & Shade: Chickens love sun, but they also need shade. If possible, position the coop where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade (near trees or a structure).

How to Keep Mice & Rodents Away

  • Secure Food Storage: Store feed in metal bins with tight lids—rodents can chew through plastic.
  • No Overnight Feed: Remove leftover food from the run at night.
  • Hardware Cloth, Not Chicken Wire: Mice and rats can squeeze through small gaps in chicken wire, so use 1/4-inch hardware cloth on vents and entry points.
  • Deep Clean Regularly: Rodents are attracted to spilled feed and droppings, so sweep and clean often.
  • Trap, Don’t Poison: If you have a rodent issue, use traps rather than poison, which could harm your chickens.

Essential Elements for a Good Coop

  1. Size & Space:
    • 4 sq ft per bird inside the coop (bigger is better).
    • 10 sq ft per bird in the run if they won’t free-range.
  2. Ventilation:
    • Proper airflow prevents ammonia buildup and keeps moisture down.
    • Install vents near the roof (covered with hardware cloth).
  3. Predator-Proofing:
    • Buried hardware cloth apron (12”–18” outward) to stop digging predators.
    • Secure latches (raccoons can open simple latches!).
    • Locking doors at night—even if you have an enclosed run.
  4. Nesting Boxes:
    • 1 box per 3–4 hens, each about 12”x12”x12”.
    • Keep them off the ground and lined with soft bedding.
  5. Perches/Roosts:
    • Chickens sleep on perches, so provide 8–12” of space per bird.
    • Use 2”x4” boards (wide side up)—better for their feet in winter.
  6. Dust Bath Area:
    • Chickens need dust baths to stay clean and pest-free.
    • A dry, sandy area with diatomaceous earth or wood ash helps.
  7. Weather Protection:
    • Shade in summer, windbreaks in winter.
    • Covered run to keep them dry.

Would you be building your own coop or getting a pre-made one? And are you planning to free-range them or keep them in a run?

Since you have a lot of predators around, security is going to be key. Here are some extra tips to keep your flock safe:

Predator-Proofing Your Coop & Run

  1. Hardware Cloth Everywhere
    • Use 1/4-inch hardware cloth instead of chicken wire (which raccoons and weasels can rip through).
    • Cover all windows, vents, and gaps bigger than ½ inch with hardware cloth.
  2. Dig-Proof Skirt
    • Bury hardware cloth at least 12-18 inches deep around the perimeter OR
    • Lay an apron of hardware cloth outward 12-24 inches along the ground to stop digging predators like foxes and coyotes.
  3. Locking Doors & Latches
    • Use carabiners or predator-proof latches (raccoons can open simple slide latches).
    • Make sure all coop doors, egg box lids, and access points are securely latched at night.
  4. Automatic Coop Door (Optional but Worth It!)
    • A solar or battery-powered automatic door can be a lifesaver—closing at dusk and opening at dawn.
  5. Covered Run
    • A fully enclosed run with hardware cloth on top prevents hawks, owls, and climbing predators from getting in.
    • If using netting, choose strong welded-wire netting instead of soft poultry netting.
  6. No Gaps or Weak Spots
    • Reinforce gaps at corners, where walls meet the roof, and under doors—weasels can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter!

Winter & Cold Weather Prep

  • Since you’re in a wooded area, your winters may get cold. Chickens can handle the cold well, but they need:
    • Draft-free but ventilated coop (prevents frostbite from moisture buildup).
    • 2×4 roosts (wide side up) so their toes don’t curl under and freeze.
    • Deep bedding (straw, pine shavings) for insulation.
    • Heated waterer so their water doesn’t freeze.

Other Considerations

  • Electric fencing around the run can deter larger predators like bears, coyotes, and dogs.
  • Motion sensor lights or predator deterrent lights (red blinking “night eyes” can scare off raccoons and foxes).
  • Secure feed storage (wildlife will be attracted to spilled feed).

It sounds like your setup will be super safe and spacious! Have you thought about what breeds you want? Some do better in colder weather, some are more predator-savvy, and some are just friendlier.

ChatGPT said:

Great question! Since you’re in Grand Rapids, MI, you’ll want cold-hardy breeds that can handle snowy winters and occasional hot summers. You’ll also want breeds that are predator-savvy since you’re in the woods. Here are some great options for your climate and setting:

Best Cold-Hardy, Predator-Savvy Chicken Breeds

  1. Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock) 🖤⚪
    • Hardy in cold & heat, lays 250+ brown eggs/year
    • Smart, predator-aware, and friendly
    • Dual-purpose (good for eggs & meat)
  2. Australorp (Black Australorp) 🖤
    • Super cold-hardy, lays 250-300 large brown eggs/year
    • Calm, docile, and easy to handle
    • Black feathers help absorb warmth in winter
  3. Wyandotte (Silver or Gold Laced) 🖤🟡⚪
    • Very cold-hardy with a rose comb (less prone to frostbite)
    • Lays 200-250 brown eggs/year
    • Independent, predator-aware, and good foragers
  4. Orpington (Buff Orpington) 🟡
    • Cold-hardy due to fluffy feathers, lays 200-280 brown eggs/year
    • Very gentle and affectionate (great if you want friendly birds)
    • A bit less predator-savvy, so they need a secure run
  5. Rhode Island Red ❤️
    • Tough, predator-savvy, lays 250-300 brown eggs/year
    • Hardy in all weather, strong forager
    • Can be a little feisty but great for a mixed flock
  6. Dominique ⚫⚪
    • Similar to Barred Rocks but with a rose comb (better for frostbite prevention)
    • Great foragers, very predator-aware
    • Lays 230-270 brown eggs/year
  7. Easter Egger 🥚 (Colorful Egg Layers!)
    • Super hardy, lays 200-250 blue/green eggs per year
    • Friendly and curious, good for beginners
    • Predator-aware and good at hiding

Breeds to Avoid for Your Area

🚫 Leghorns – Great layers but have big combs that get frostbite easily.
🚫 Silkies – Too small and fluffy; they don’t handle cold or predators well.
🚫 Polish – Their head crests block vision, making them easy predator targets.

Would you like a mix of breeds or are you leaning toward one type? If you want variety, a mix of Wyandottes, Barred Rocks, and Easter Eggers would give you a beautiful, diverse flock with great egg production!

That actually might work out well! Having the coop closer to the house has some advantages, especially in the winter. It makes it easier to check on the chickens, bring water (so it doesn’t freeze as quickly), and keep an eye out for predators.

As long as you manage potential odor, flies, and rodents, a close coop can be a great setup. A few things to consider:

Managing a Coop Close to the House

✔ Ventilation & Drainage – Since your yard is hilly, make sure rainwater drains away from the coop (so you don’t get mud or runoff near your house).
✔ Deep Litter Method – Using deep bedding (pine shavings, straw, or sand) can help keep odors down. Stirring it up regularly also helps.
✔ Compost Nearby? – If you compost, chicken manure makes fantastic fertilizer. You could set up a compost bin downhill from the coop so water runoff carries nutrients away from the house.
✔ Rodent Prevention – Keep feed in metal bins and collect food scraps before nightfall to avoid attracting mice.
✔ Sound & Smell – Chickens aren’t super loud (except for roosters), but in summer, warm air can carry coop smells toward the house. Good ventilation and cleaning will help prevent that.

Bonus of a Close Coop

  • Easy egg collection – No trekking through deep snow!
  • Faster predator response – If something is lurking, you’ll hear it.
  • Convenient electricity access – If you ever need a heated waterer or automatic door, you won’t have to run long extension cords.

Since you have hills, does the flat spot get a lot of wind? If so, a windbreak (fencing, shrubs, or positioning the coop near a structure) could help keep drafts down in the winter.

Would you be building the coop on the ground or slightly raised? A raised coop might help with drainage and rodent control in your case.

ChatGPT said:

That sounds like an excellent location! Having the coop on the east side of the house gives your chickens protection from the harshest winter winds while still letting in morning sun, which helps keep the coop warm in winter. Plus, if it’s shaded from intense afternoon sun, your birds will be much more comfortable in the summer.

Why a Raised Coop is a Great Choice

✔ Better Drainage – Keeps the floor dry, prevents flooding, and reduces mud issues.
✔ Rodent & Predator Protection – Harder for mice, rats, and digging predators (like foxes) to get in.
✔ Extra Shelter – The space under the coop gives the chickens shade in summer and a dry spot when it rains.

Final Considerations for Placement & Design

📏 Distance from House – Close enough for easy access, but if possible, leave at least 10-15 feet of space to avoid smells drifting into open windows.
🚪 Door Positioning – Face the coop door/run entrance south or southeast for good light and warmth.
💨 Ventilation – Since it’s protected from the west wind, make sure the coop has upper vents (like gable vents or soffit vents) to let moisture escape. Frostbite risk goes up if humid air gets trapped inside.
🐓 Run Placement – If predators are a big concern, consider a fully enclosed walk-in run with a secure roof (hardware cloth or metal roofing).

It sounds like you’ve picked a really smart setup—great protection from the elements and easy access for daily care. Are you planning to collect eggs from an outside access hatch, or will you enter the coop to gather them?

ChatGPT said:

Perfect! An outside access hatch for egg collection will make things so much easier—you won’t have to step inside the coop every day, and in bad weather, you’ll be grateful for the convenience!

Best Design Tips for Nesting Boxes with an Exterior Hatch

✔ Height Placement:

  • Mount 12-18 inches off the floor so chickens don’t roost inside them.
  • If the coop is raised, make sure the hatch is at a comfortable height for you to access.

✔ Weatherproofing the Hatch:

  • Install a sloped, overhanging lid to prevent rain or snow from leaking in.
  • Use strong hinges and a secure latch (raccoons are sneaky little burglars).
  • Rubber or foam weather stripping can help seal gaps and keep out drafts.

✔ Size & Nesting Material:

  • Standard size: 12”x12”x12” per box.
  • Bedding: Pine shavings, straw, or nesting pads for comfort.
  • Plan for 1 box per 3-4 hens (but they’ll probably all fight over the same one anyway!).

✔ Hinged or Drop-Down Hatch?

  • A top-hinged lid (lifting up) is easiest for collecting eggs.
  • A drop-down front panel can also work but might let in rain if not well-sealed.

Since you’re raising the coop, you could also design a roll-out egg collection system, where eggs gently roll forward into a collection tray outside the coop. This keeps eggs clean and unbroken—but it’s totally optional!

Your coop is shaping up to be extremely well thought-out. Do you have any specific features you want to include, like an automatic door, roosting ladder, or extra insulation for winter?

1. Automatic Coop Door (Sunlight Triggered)

✅ Best Type for Your Setup:

  • Light-Sensitive (Dawn/Dusk Sensor) – Opens at sunrise and closes at sunset automatically.
  • Battery or Solar-Powered – Since your coop is near the house, you could also run power if needed, but solar keeps it self-sufficient.

✅ Key Features to Look For:

  • Safety Mechanism – A door with a slow-close feature prevents trapping a chicken.
  • Strong Materials – Aluminum or heavy-duty plastic doors prevent raccoons or foxes from lifting them.
  • Manual Override – Just in case you need to open or close it yourself.

💡 Bonus Tip: If predators are a major concern, consider adding a secondary locking mechanism at night (especially against raccoons, which can figure out some doors!).

2. Rain Barrel Water Collection for the Coop

A rain barrel system is a fantastic way to keep your flock hydrated without hauling water all the time! Since your greenhouse also lacks water access, you could expand the system later to supply both areas.

✅ Setting It Up:

  • Gutter System – If your coop has a slanted roof, install a small gutter and downspout to collect rainwater into a barrel.
  • Food-Grade Barrel – Look for a 55-gallon BPA-free plastic barrel (blue barrels work well).
  • Mosquito & Algae Prevention – Use a fine mesh screen over the intake to keep out debris and bugs.

✅ Winter Considerations:

  • Install a freeze-proof valve or disconnect the system in winter to prevent bursting.
  • If you want year-round use, consider burying a small holding tank below the frost line and running a heated line to the coop.

✅ Getting the Water to the Chickens:

  • Use poultry nipple drinkers or a small gravity-fed waterer attached to the barrel.
  • Raise the barrel on cinder blocks so water can flow downward easily.
  • Add a low-watt stock tank heater if you want to prevent freezing in winter.

This Setup Will Save You a Ton of Time!

With an auto door and rain barrel, your chickens will be safer, happier, and require less daily work.

Are you planning to build the coop roof from wood & shingles or use metal roofing? Metal roofing sheds water well, making rain collection even easier.

How to Set Up a Perfect Dust Bath

✅ Ideal Location:

  • Dry, well-drained area – Needs to stay dry year-round, so under a covered section of the run or inside the coop (if large enough) works well.
  • Sunny spot in winter, shady spot in summer – If possible, position it where it gets morning sun but afternoon shade to keep it comfy.

✅ Container Options:

  • Dig a shallow pit (3-6 inches deep)
  • Use a large, low-sided tub (like a half-barrel, old tire, or wooden box)
  • Frame out a 2×2 or 3×3 foot square with wood or bricks to keep it tidy

✅ Best Dust Bath Mix:

  1. Dry, fine dirt or sand – Base material, easy to dig into.
  2. Wood ash (from untreated wood) – Helps kill mites & lice.
  3. Diatomaceous earth (DE) – Food-grade only! Destroys pests but should be mixed in lightly (too much can be drying).
  4. Dried herbs (optional) – Chickens love lavender, oregano, or rosemary for extra pest control.

Winter Dust Bathing

If you get deep snow, chickens can’t dust bathe outside. Consider putting a dust bath inside the coop or under the covered run so they can still clean themselves.

Final Tip: Chickens Will Use It… A Lot

Once you set it up, expect them to flop, wiggle, kick, and roll around in it like lunatics—it’s completely normal and actually one of the funniest things to watch!

Would you like some winter boredom-buster ideas too? Chickens can get stir-crazy in deep snow!

1. Hanging Veggie Treats

  • How to set it up: Hang cabbage, carrots, or apples from the ceiling of the run or inside the coop. This will give your chickens something to peck at and provide entertainment as they figure out how to get to the treats.
  • Bonus: You can hang treats at varying heights, encouraging them to jump and reach.

2. Foraging Boxes

  • How to set it up: Fill a shallow box or bin with dried leaves, hay, or straw and bury some scratch grains, sunflower seeds, or dried mealworms inside. Chickens will happily scratch through it for their treats.
  • Bonus: You can rotate the contents to keep it fresh and exciting for them. Adding some pine shavings or dried herbs for variety also works great.

3. Ice Block Treats

  • How to set it up: Freeze treats like berries, grains, or vegetables in an ice block. Simply add the treats to a container, pour water over them, and freeze. When it’s time to feed them, you can hang the ice block or place it on the ground for them to peck at.
  • Bonus: This works especially well on warm winter days when they’ll enjoy the cold treat!

4. Scrambled Eggs or Warm Oats

  • How to set it up: On extra-cold days, serve up some scrambled eggs (chickens love them!) or warm oats. They’ll love the warmth and the protein.
  • Bonus: Scrambled eggs also have the added benefit of being a natural dewormer!

5. Roosting Bar Entertainment

  • How to set it up: If you have multiple levels of roosting bars in the coop, your chickens will enjoy moving between them. You can also add natural branches or logs for them to climb on.
  • Bonus: Consider attaching a mirror to the side of the coop. Chickens will enjoy socializing with their “reflections.”

6. DIY Chicken Toys

  • How to set it up: You can make simple hanging toys like pinecones rolled in peanut butter and then sprinkled with seeds. Chickens love pecking at them, and it will keep their beaks busy!
  • Bonus: You can also make paper-wrapped treats filled with dried herbs for scratching and pecking.

7. Tractor or Treadmill

  • How to set it up: If your run is big enough, create a chicken tractor (a movable pen). This way, your chickens can enjoy fresh ground by moving them from one section of the yard to another.
  • Bonus: Alternatively, a small treadmill or wheel could provide indoor exercise (though this might take a little while for them to get the hang of it!).

8. Hay or Straw Bale

  • How to set it up: Provide a hay bale or straw bale for your chickens to hop on, scratch, and investigate. It adds height variation and something fun to jump on, which they’ll love.
  • Bonus: You can hide some treats inside for them to peck at!

Pro Tip: Rotate your boredom busters! Chickens love novelty, so changing up the toys or treats you provide every few days will keep things interesting.

Winter chicken care can be a lot of fun with a few creative ideas! Do you have a covered run area that they can enjoy in the snow, or will they mostly be inside during the worst weather?

How Often to Introduce New Birds

A good rule of thumb is to add new hens every 1-2 years to maintain a balanced flock. Introducing new chickens too quickly can lead to stress and pecking among the older hens, so spacing them out gives everyone time to adjust.

Suggested Timing for Adding New Birds

  • Year 1: Start with a small group (3-4 hens) to build your foundation flock.
  • Year 2-3: Add another small group (3-4 hens) as your first batch starts to slow down in egg production.
  • Year 4: Introduce a new group again to replace hens that have retired from laying, or when the older hens start to show their age.
  • Keep adding hens every 1-2 years, depending on how your flock’s egg production declines and your space limitations.

Space Them Out: Tips for Smooth Integration

Space is important when integrating new chickens into your flock, and here are a few ways to handle it:

1. Separate Quarantine Area

  • Why: Before introducing new birds, keep them in a quarantine area for 2-3 weeks to ensure they’re healthy and not carrying any diseases or parasites.
  • How: This should be completely separate from your existing chickens to avoid any risk. You can use a small pen inside the run or a completely different section of the coop.

2. Slow Introduction Process

  • How to do it: After quarantine, introduce new birds gradually:
    • First Step: Let them see each other through a fence or wire for a week or two. This allows them to get used to each other without direct contact.
    • Second Step: Start letting them mingle during supervised time, keeping an eye on them.
    • Third Step: If the integration goes smoothly, let them share the run, but keep an eye out for any bullying or pecking.
  • Tip: Having plenty of space, food, water, and hiding spots helps reduce tension and allows the hens to spread out if needed.

3. Age Group Balance

  • When adding new birds, aim to keep the new flock members around the same age range to avoid dominance issues. For example, adding 6-month-old birds to a flock of 3-year-olds could cause more bullying or stress since the older hens will likely be more dominant.

4. Space in the Coop/Run

  • For a smooth transition, make sure you have enough space in the coop and run for everyone. A minimum of 4 square feet per chicken in the coop and 10 square feet per chicken in the run is a good starting point. The more room, the easier it will be for your flock to get along.

Signs It’s Time to Add More Birds

  • Egg production drops significantly (especially after 3 years of age).
  • You notice your hens are bored, lonely, or showing signs of stress (feathers missing, pecking, etc.).
  • You’re ready to extend your egg supply or have more hens for other reasons.

By spacing out new additions and making the introduction process gradual, your chickens will be much more likely to adjust without stress. You’ll also keep your egg production more consistent over time.

Is there a particular breed or number of hens you plan to start with? That’ll help refine your flock-building plan a little further.

RAMPS

The optimum angle for a chicken ramp depends on the texture of the ramp and the breed of chickens you have, but a good rule of thumb is:

Ideal Ramp Angle

  • 30-45 degrees → Best range for most chickens. Provides an easy climb without being too steep.
  • 45-50 degrees → Can work if the ramp has deep, wide cleats for traction, but might be tough for heavier breeds.
  • Over 50 degrees → Too steep for most chickens unless they are very agile (like bantams).

Ramp Design Tips

  • Width: At least 8-12 inches wide for comfort.
  • Cleats/Rungs: Place every 3-5 inches apart to prevent slipping.
  • Surface: Use non-slip material (wood with a rough texture, rubber grip, or hardware cloth for extra traction).

If your coop is raised higher than 24 inches, a shallower ramp (closer to 30 degrees) is better. If space is limited, you can use a wider ramp with more cleats at a steeper angle.

Are you planning to build a straight ramp, or would you consider a staggered ladder style?