Choosing the Best Location for Your Chicken Coop

For the first-time chicken keeper, one of the biggest questions is: Where Should My Coop Be? The coop location should be favorable to you and safe for your hens. Here are some tips when evaluating your backyard for the best coop location.

Distance From The House

Keeping the coop close to the house allows for a power source, water source, and feed storage. In some locations, winter can be bitterly cold, no one wants to haul buckets of water in a snowstorm, so having a nearby water source is a huge benefit. A power source in the coop can also be useful for late-night chores, heated water bases, or artificial light to encourage laying in winter.

Microclimate 

Elevation, vegetation, proximity to water, and human activity in your area all factor into creating a microclimate in your backyard space. A low spot can be colder and prone to flooding, and a high spot can be windier but warmer. Utilize the prevailing wind in your area for ventilation year-round by having vents or windows located on the east and west walls of the coop.

Local Regulations

If you live in an urban area, be sure to check local ordinances for rules about the number of chickens allowed and the required distance between your coop and property lines. Some areas have strict regulations, while others are more relaxed. It’s always best to know the rules before setting up your coop.

Foraging Areas 

Foraging is a natural behavior for poultry. They will always seek out fresh grass, bugs, and dirt to scratch in for tasty treats. Whether your flock is free-range, housed in a mobile coop, using chicken tunnels, or given access to grazing frames, providing them a way to forage will benefit their health and provide them with entertainment.

Sunny Or Shady Location

Consider your yard’s shade availability when placing your coop. If you have no trees to offer shade, consider using shade cloth or vegetation to provide some relief during the warmer months. If your coop is surrounded by trees, be sure to keep an eye on any tree damage, the last thing you want is a tree or large branch falling on the roof of your building.

Window Locations

With winter, not only can it get cold but also less daylight. Consider having some south-facing windows to get some natural light into the coop. The light can also help generate a little heat in the coop during the colder months.

View From The House

Nothing beats watching your flock from the back window! 

Be sure to place the coop in view of the house. Consider a place where you can relax and watch the flock do their thing and easily check on them.

Backyard Vegetation

Identify the vegetation at the site location. Some plants are toxic to poultry, so it’s important to identify what’s growing in your yard. If you are unsure of a plant in your backyard, you can contact your County Extension Agent to help with identification.

Predators in Your Area

Know the possible predators in your area and take precautions to safeguard your flock the best you can. This may include burying hardware cloth, securing the run, or reinforcing doors and windows against raccoons, foxes, and other threats. Check out our blog on Identifying Predators.

Topography

If your yard is flat, choosing a site is straightforward.. However, if your yard is hilly, you may need to level the area or design a coop that steps down the hillside. Placing your coop in an unutilized area of your yard can maximize space efficiency.

Distance From The House

Keeping the coop close to the house allows for a power source, water source, and feed storage. In some locations, winter can be bitterly cold, no one wants to haul buckets of water in a snowstorm, so having a nearby water source is a huge benefit. A power source in the coop can also be useful for late-night chores, heated water bases, or artificial light to encourage laying in winter.

Microclimate

Elevation, vegetation, proximity to water, and human activity in your area all factor into creating a microclimate in your backyard space. A low spot can be colder and prone to flooding, and a high spot can be windier but warmer. Utilize the prevailing wind in your area for ventilation year-round by having vents or windows located on the east and west walls of the coop.

Local Regulations

If you live in an urban area, be sure to check local ordinances for rules about the number of chickens allowed and the required distance between your coop and property lines. Some areas have strict regulations, while others are more relaxed. It’s always best to know the rules before setting up your coop.

Foraging Areas 

Foraging is a natural behavior for poultry. They will always seek out fresh grass, bugs, and dirt to scratch in for tasty treats. Whether your flock is free-range, housed in a mobile coop, using chicken tunnels, or given access to grazing frames, providing them a way to forage will benefit their health and provide them with entertainment.

Sunny Or Shady Location

Consider your yard’s shade availability when placing your coop. If you have no trees to offer shade, consider using shade cloth or vegetation to provide some relief during the warmer months. If your coop is surrounded by trees, be sure to keep an eye on any tree damage, the last thing you want is a tree or large branch falling on the roof of your building.

Window Locations

With winter, not only can it get cold but also less daylight. Consider having some south-facing windows to get some natural light into the coop. The light can also help generate a little heat in the coop during the colder months.

View From The House

Nothing beats watching your flock from the back window! 

Be sure to place the coop in view of the house. Consider a place where you can relax and watch the flock do their thing and easily check on them.

Backyard Vegetation

Identify the vegetation at the site location. Some plants are toxic to poultry, so it’s important to identify what’s growing in your yard. If you are unsure of a plant in your backyard, you can contact your County Extension Agent to help with identification.

Predators in Your Area

Know the possible predators in your area and take precautions to safeguard your flock the best you can. This may include burying hardware cloth, securing the run, or reinforcing doors and windows against raccoons, foxes, and other threats. Check out our blog on Identifying Predators.

Topography

If your yard is flat, choosing a site is straightforward.. However, if your yard is hilly, you may need to level the area or design a coop that steps down the hillside. Placing your coop in an unutilized area of your yard can maximize space efficiency.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing a coop location. As you begin your poultry journey, consider the points above and make your coop one of a kind!