Advice on Housing Chickens

Advice On Housing Chickens: The Complete Guide To Choosing The Right Coop And Run

Housing chickens properly is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a keeper. A well-designed coop and run will keep your hens healthy, safe and productive, while also making your life easier when it comes to cleaning, collecting eggs and managing your flock.

In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date, practical advice on housing chickens. Whether you’re keeping three hens in a suburban garden or planning a larger flock, we’ll help you understand exactly what to look for in a coop and run — and how to avoid costly mistakes.

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Planning your setup

Before you buy anything, it’s important to plan ahead. Ask yourself:

• How many chickens do I want to keep?
• What breeds am I considering?
• Do I want eggs, pets, rare breeds, or all three?
• Will I expand the flock in future?

These answers will help determine the size, type and layout of coop you need. For example, three hybrid layers can easily supply a family of four with fresh eggs, but if you opt for traditional or ornamental breeds, you may need more birds to get the same yield.

Also think long-term: hens slow down laying as they age. If you plan to keep older hens when adding new ones, your coop and run will need to accommodate more birds over time.

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Coop size and space requirements

The coop is where your hens will sleep, roost and lay eggs. It needs to be secure, comfortable, and well-ventilated. A run (the outdoor space attached to the coop) gives them room to move, scratch and forage during the day.

Minimum space per hen

• Inside the coop: Allow at least 1 square foot per bird, but this is a bare minimum. Most hens will be happier with more room.
• In the run: DEFRA recommends 1 square metre per hen, but 2m²+ per bird is far better — especially if they’ll be confined most of the day.

Breed size matters

Larger breeds like Orpingtons need more space than smaller bantams. If a coop is advertised for “4–6 chickens”, check the internal dimensions. That usually means:

• 4 large hens
• 5 average hybrids
• 6 bantams

Always factor in room for feeders, drinkers and movement. Overcrowding leads to stress, fighting, illness and poor laying.

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What to look for in a good chicken coop

Not all coops are created equal. Some are thoughtfully designed for both bird and keeper, while others are little more than glorified rabbit hutches. Here are the most important features to look for.

Easy access for cleaning and collecting eggs

You’ll need to clean the coop weekly and collect eggs daily, so make sure access is simple. Look for:

• Large doors or lift-up roofs for easy internal access
• Slide-out droppings trays (ideally metal-lined) for fast cleaning
• Nest box lids that open from the outside
• Removable perches and trays

A clean coop is essential for hen health and controlling parasites. Well-designed coops make this job quick and painless.

Proper ventilation (without draughts)

An important factor when housing chickens is that the birds produce moisture and ammonia, both of which must be vented out of the coop. Look for:

• At least two ventilation points (to allow airflow)
• Vents placed high to avoid direct draughts
• Mesh coverings to prevent predator entry

Good airflow prevents respiratory disease and overheating, especially in summer.

Strong build quality and safe materials

Whether it’s wood, plastic or a hybrid design, a coop must be:

• Sturdy – strong enough to withstand wind and daily use
• Weatherproof – able to keep out rain, damp and drafts
• Secure – with solid locks or bolts on all doors

Wooden coops should use thick, treated timber with galvanised fittings. Plastic coops should be UV-stable, durable, and resistant to chewing or cracking.

Perches and roosting bars

Hens prefer to sleep off the ground. Your coop should have:

• Enough perch space for every hen (allow 20cm per bird)
• Perches made of wood, 3–4cm wide, with slightly rounded edges
• Perches that are removable for cleaning
• No perches directly above feeders or nest boxes

Avoid coops that use narrow dowels, pipes, or don’t offer perching space at all.

Nesting boxes

Hens need clean, quiet, dark places to lay eggs. Ideal nesting boxes:

• Are separate from the main coop space
• Have a hinged lid for easy egg collection
• Are raised off the ground but below perch height
• Are lined with soft bedding
• Allow at least one nest per 3–4 hens

Coops for larger flocks often support add-on nest boxes for extra space.

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Housing chickens: choosing a chicken run

When it comes to housing chickens, most back garden keepers will need a run to keep hens safe, protect the garden, and avoid neighbourly drama.

Space and layout

Even if your coop includes a built-in run, check the measurements. Ideally, give your birds as much outdoor space as possible. Options include:

• Static runs with mesh sides and roof
• Extendable runs that grow with your flock
• Secure mesh tops to protect against foxes and birds of prey
• Electric fencing for supervised free-ranging

Make sure hens have shaded areas, sheltered spots, and enrichment (logs, dust baths, perches, etc.).

Fox-proofing and ground protection

Foxes and other predators can climb, jump or dig. Protect your flock by:

• Using hardware cloth (not flimsy “chicken wire”)
• Ensuring doors and panels are solidly framed
• Adding a mesh base or burying wire 30cm deep to stop digging
• Laying paving stones or sleepers around the edge of the run

A well-built run is essential for daytime safety — predators don’t just strike at night.

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Essential accessories for your coop

Don’t forget the kit that completes your setup. You can find these items at Amazon.co.uk by clicking the links.

• Feeders – raised or covered to prevent waste
• Drinkers – clean, stable and sized for your flock
• Nesting material – such as straw or reusable nesting pads
• Poultry grit – for digestion and shell strength
• Cleaning tools – scraper, gloves, disinfectant
• Compost bin – for droppings and bedding
• Optional: automatic door opener for peace of mind
• Optional: coop camera or light if you want extra visibility

Many coops come as kits, but accessories are often sold separately — so budget accordingly.

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Where to buy a chicken coop

There are plenty of places to buy chicken coops, from online retailers to garden centres. But not all coops are created equal — and not all sellers know their stuff.

Rather than focus on the brand or shop, focus on the quality of the individual coop. Read expert reviews, check specifications carefully, and don’t rely on marketing claims like “suitable for 6 hens” without checking the internal measurements.

We’ve reviewed a wide range of coops in our Chicken Coop Reviews section to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Avoid anything that looks like a rabbit hutch, feels flimsy, or lacks proper access, ventilation or security.

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Looking after your coop

A good coop will last years — but only with proper care. Here’s how to keep yours in top shape:

• Treat timber once a year with an animal-safe wood preservative
• Check for rot, leaks, or splinters regularly
• Keep droppings trays and bedding clean and dry
• Replace worn-out parts like hinges or latches
• Inspect mesh, fastenings and bolts for predator damage

If the coop becomes damp, draughty, unsafe or too small, it’s time to upgrade.

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Final checklist before buying

Before choosing a coop, ask yourself:

• Will it comfortably fit the number of hens I plan to keep?
• Is it easy to clean, ventilated, and secure?
• Does it come with, or allow for, a run?
• Are there enough perches and nesting boxes?
• Will it fit in my garden and protect hens from predators?
• Can I easily add accessories or extensions?

If the answer’s yes, you’re on the right track.

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Want more in-depth guidance on housing chickens?

This article is based on the best advice from our chicken-keeping community and the in-depth guide published in our Amazon ebook. If you’d like even more detailed help choosing and managing your coop, you can check out the full ebook on Amazon here.