Chickens need a warm, dry, and well-ventilated chicken house:

• Fresh air: Chickens need fresh air to survive. 

• Temperature control: Ventilation helps regulate the temperature and humidity levels in the coop. 

• Air quality: Ventilation reduces ammonia fumes, which can cause respiratory problems for chickens. 

• Frostbite prevention: Ventilation allows moisture to escape, which prevents frostbite. 

• Draft proof: Ventilation on more than one side of the coop that they can be closed if the wind is blowing directly at them but still allow sufficient ventilation.

 

Here are some other things to consider when building or maintaining a chicken coop:

• Location: If you have options, build the coop on higher ground, away from ground prone to standing water when it rains. 

• Elevate your coop: There are actually countless benefits to chicken coops being off the ground and very few downsides. Benefits include:

  • Added layer of protection from any burrowing predators allowing you to carryout inspections to see if anything has been trying to chew its way into the coop

  • Help keep the entrance clear of any rain puddles or flooding and snow build-up in front of the coup which will help to keep the coop clean and dry.

  • The space between the coop and the ground will also prevent excess moisture absorption from the ground, keeping things fresher and cleaner inside.

  • Adds extra ground space to your chicken run and gives your chickens a dry space underneath the coop that would be an ideal dry area for their dust bath.

  • Provides shade on hot days and shelter on rainy or windy days underneath the coop

• Size: The coop should have sufficient space for them exists in a stress-free environment with enough space for the chickens to move around easily.

  • A place to socialise, stretch and scratch. You should allow 1 sq/ft of floor area per bird 

  • Roosts should be higher than nesting boxes, or your chickens will sleep in the nesting boxes and make them dirty, which is not ideal (they instinctively want to roost at the highest point). Chickens generally need 8–12 inches of roosting space per chicken, but the amount depends on the breed and the climate.

    • TIP: Placing cardboard under the birds roosts overnight and removing in the morning will extend the life of your bedding.

  • Nesting boxes for standard breeds, you should plan for one nesting box per 4–5 hens, with dimensions of 12 in x 12 in x 18 in. For heavy breeds, the nesting boxes should be 14 in x 14 in x 20 in

• Entrances: Ideally, you should have more than one entrance to the coop to reduce bullying and encourage chickens to use the outdoors. 

• Winter preparation: In cold climates, keep open vents above the highest roosting point and covered to prevent snow from getting in. You can also provide supplemental heat, minimize drafts, and feed the chickens well.