Choosing the Right Chicken Coop

Finding just the right living environment is as essential to your chickens as it is to you. Here are seven important factors to consider when choosing the right chicken coops for your backyard flock:

Climate: Does the structure allow for adequate ventilation for hot weather? Can you control the drafts adequately in the cold season? Will your chickens have adequate protection from the sun and rain? Remember that hot weather is often more detrimental to your chickens' health than cold.

Predators: Is your structure predator-proof? What are the likely predators in your area? Is the wire of a sufficiently strong gauge to deter larger predators such as coyotes? Is the coop secure from digging predators? Will rodents be a problem?

Aesthetics: Will your chicken coop house add beauty to your yard? Does the style fit in with the neighborhood surroundings?

Durability: How will your chicken house hold up to the elements? Is the wood sealed, treated, and otherwise protected? Is your chicken coop made from a rot-resistant wood such as cedar or a less resistant wood like spruce pine or fir? Will the portable chicken coop withstand being moved or relocated?