A chicken coop is a structure that provides shelter, protection, and nesting space for domestic chickens. The design must balance predator protection, Barn Design, ease of cleaning, and accessibility for egg collection. A well-designed coop protects birds from Fence Building including raccoons, foxes, coyotes, owls, and hawks while providing adequate space for the flock size. The recommended interior space is 0.3 to 0.4 square meters (3 to 4 square feet) per bird inside the coop, with 0.7 to 1.0 square meters (8 to 10 square feet) per bird in the attached run.
The coop floor should be elevated above ground level to discourage rodents and allow airflow underneath. Solid floors are easier to clean than dirt floors. Deep litter Bedding systems, using pine shavings or straw, manage waste and produce compost over time. Nesting boxes are provided at a ratio of one box per 3 to 4 hens, measuring 30 by 30 by 30 centimeters (12 by 12 by 12 inches). Roosts are 5 centimeter (2 inch) diameter wooden poles placed 30 to 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) apart and higher than the nesting boxes, as chickens instinctively roost at the highest available point.
Adequate ventilation is critical for removing moisture, ammonia, and carbon dioxide from the coop. Ridge vents, gable vents, or windows located above the birds' roosting height allow warm, moist air to escape without creating drafts at bird level. The ventilation area should total at least 10 percent of the floor area. In cold climates, ventilation prevents frost buildup on the birds' combs and wattles.
All openings larger than 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inches) should be covered with welded wire mesh or hardware cloth. Raccoons can open latches, requiring locking mechanisms that use carabiners, padlocks, or spring-loaded clips. The run should be covered with netting or wire to prevent aerial attacks. A skirt of wire buried 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) outward from the base prevents digging predators.