Solar power has been a game changer for remotely housed chickens. But a reliable supply of mains electricity is obviously preferable where possible, even if that means running an armoured cable to you coup. On this page you'll find everything you need to do the job properly.

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Note: Always engage the services of a qualified electrician when working with mains electricity.

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5 reasons why your chicken coop/run needs electricity?

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#1. Electricity to provide light for you

​If you need to go out into the coop at night you could just take a flashlight or a headlamp. However, this can be limiting if you too need to check out what's happening in your coop in the dark. If you have CCTV in your coop a movement sensor on your light will help you to keep an eye on what's happening inside.

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#2. Electricity for lights to keep your hens laying year-round

I know lot of people feel they can’t go without eggs for a few months and after all, isn't this what we keep chickens for? If this is you, then you’ll need to make sure your hens have at least 12 hours of light every day. Suffice to say, in the winter months, you’ll need to provide them with artificial light. Were not talking a 100 watt bulb, 40 watts is more than sufficient. However, you must make sure they are getting at least 8 hours of darkness for rest.

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#3. Electricity for heating the coop. 

Chickens deal better with cold rather than hot, however keeping them in a freezing coop is not ideal. Your chickens need access to water all through the day and night so keeping their water from freezing is essential.

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#4. Electricity to run a fan in the coop

If the weather gets hot and sticky you may want to have a fan in the coop to create air flow, but ensure that the fan is not pointing directly at you birds.

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#5. Electricity for Cleaning and Coop Maintenance

Having access to hot water, a pressure washer and vacuum can be priceless when doing a deep clean inside the coop.

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​#6. Electricity to run an automatic chicken coop door

If your not a fan of getting up at 6 O'clock every morning to open the door for your ladies, then your going to need an automatic pop hole door

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​#7. Electricity to run an electric fence around the chicken coop​

Many electric poultry fences don’t need electricity. They run off of a solar panel or car battery both of which require to be constantly recharged, A mains electric fence is another option and doesn't need recharging. ​