Having backyard chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but you need the right setup to ensure your feathered friends are safe and healthy.
A good chicken coop will provide your birds with a safe and comfortable place to roost, lay eggs, and socialise, while also protecting them from predators and the elements. In this article, we’ll explore the best chicken coops available for backyard chicken owners to keep chooks in their backyard, as well as tips for building and maintaining your own coop enclosure. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken owner or just starting out, this guide will help you choose the right coop for your needs and keep your flock healthy and happy.
Choosing the Right Chicken Coop
When it comes to choosing the right chicken coop, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is size. Your chicken coop should be large enough to accommodate your flock comfortably, with at least 2-3 square feet per chicken. It’s also important to consider the height of the coop, as chickens need enough headroom to move around and stretch their wings.
Another key factor to consider is ventilation. Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good air quality in the coop and preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria and mould. Look for a coop with adequate vents or windows to allow for good airflow.
Nesting boxes are also an important consideration. Your coop should have at least one nesting box for every 4-6 hens, with each box measuring around 12 inches square. Nesting boxes should be elevated off the ground and lined with clean, dry bedding to keep eggs clean and prevent breakage.
Finally, you should consider the overall construction and quality of the coop. A good coop should be sturdy and well-built, with durable materials and secure locks to protect your birds from predators. It’s also important to choose a coop that is easy to clean and maintain, with removable roosts and nesting boxes and a waterproof roof.
By considering these factors when choosing a chicken coop, you can ensure that your birds are happy, healthy, and safe in their new home.
DIY Chicken Coop Plans
If you’re interested in building your own chicken coop, there are plenty of DIY plans and tutorials available online. Building your own coop can be a cost-effective option and allows you to customise the design to fit your specific needs.
When searching for DIY chicken coop plans, it’s important to choose a plan that includes the features that you’re looking for and is nice and sturdy to keep your chooks safe. Look for plans that have been tested and reviewed by other chicken owners, and consider the size, ventilation, and nesting box requirements outlined in the previous section.
When building your own chicken coop, it’s important to follow the plan closely and use high-quality materials. Common materials for chicken coops include wood, hardware cloth, and chicken wire. Make sure to also use non-toxic paint or stain if you plan on finishing the coop.
While building your own chicken coop can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to remember that it requires time and effort. You’ll need to have basic carpentry skills, access to tools, and plenty of patience to complete the project. And most importantly, you’ll want to make sure your handiwork is quality enough to keep your chickens safe from predators.
You can, of course, make a coop out of spare materials you have lying around your home, but think about the end product. Will you be able to easily clean it? Will you be able to move it around if needed? Will you be able to access the inside easily to change the food and water? Will your chooks be safe from predators? If you answer no to any of the above, you might not enjoy the experience of keeping backyard chickens as much as you should.
Overall, building your own chicken coop can be a fun and rewarding project for chicken owners who want a custom design and are willing to put in the time and effort required. Our recommendation is that you choose a tried and tested plan and build with high-quality materials though.
Best Backyard Chicken Coops to Buy
If you’re not interested in building your own chicken coop, there are plenty of high-quality pre-made options available for purchase. Here are some of the best chicken coops in Australia to buy:
Omlet Eglu Chicken Coop – Our standout coop is the Omlet Eglu, which is a popular option for backyard chicken owners in Australia. It’s made from durable, easy-to-clean materials and has an integrated nesting box and roost. You can choose the size of your run, depending on how much space you have available in your backyard, and Omlet has a range of coop accessories such as feeders, waterers, automatic doors, coop lights, wheels and handles to really pimp out your coop.
The Chicken Tractor – The Chicken Tractor by McCallum Made is a mobile chicken coop that allows chickens to graze on fresh grass while still protecting them from predators. It features a wheeled frame and a lightweight yet durable design, making it easy to move and transport around your yard or property. The coop includes a nesting box, roosting bars, and ample space for chickens to move around and forage. Additionally, the Chicken Tractor is built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring that it will last for many years to come.
The Somerzby Mansion – The Somerzby Mansion Chicken Coop is a spacious and attractive coop that comes in two colour combinations and can accommodate up to six chickens. Made of rot-resistant fir wood, it features a water-based non-toxic stain that is safe for your chickens. The coop is designed with easy access in mind, with the entire front opening up and a metal tray that slides out for easy cleaning. The galvanised wire mesh provides protection from pests and feral animals while allowing fresh air to circulate. Additional features include a waterproof asphalt roof, a ramp to the run, two perches, a nesting box, and a door to the sleeping area with an external open and close metal rod. It comes flat-packed and ready to assemble.
Red Resort Chicken Coop – Similar to the Somerzby Mansion, the Coops and Cages Red Resort is a stylish chicken coop that comes in a bright red colour with white trim. The coop features galvanised wire mesh, a metal tray for easy cleaning, and a door to the sleeping area with an external open and close metal rod. The coop is made of rot-resistant fir wood and is finished with a non-toxic water-based stain. The Red Resort is suitable for up to 6 chickens if you let them out daily and comes flat-packed, requiring assembly.
When choosing a pre-made chicken coop, it’s important to consider the size of your flock and the specific needs of your birds. Look for a coop that is well-ventilated, easy to clean, and made from durable materials. By investing in a high-quality chicken coop, you can provide your birds with a safe and comfortable home while also making your life as a chicken owner easier.
Chicken House Accessories
In addition to the coop itself, there are a variety of accessories that can help make your chickens’ home more comfortable and convenient. Here are a few popular options:
Chicken runs
A chicken run is generally attached to the coop and provides a safe and secure outdoor run area for your birds to exercise and forage. Look for runs that are large enough for your flock and that are made from sturdy materials that can withstand the weather and protect your chickens from predators.
Automatic doors
An automatic coop door can make it easier to let your chickens out in the morning and lock them up at night, even if you’re not home. There are many types of automatic doors available, from simple timers to more advanced options that use sensors or can be controlled remotely.
Nesting boxes
Nesting boxes provide a comfortable and private place for your hens to lay their eggs. Look for nesting boxes that are easy to access and clean, and that provide enough space for all of your chooks. Depending on your set-up, your nesting boxes may be separate entities or your coop might contain an in-built nesting box.
Roosts and perches
Roosts and perches inside the coop provide a place for your chickens to rest and sleep. Look for perches that are made from natural materials like wood, and that are easy to remove and clean.
Feeders and waterers
Feeding and watering your chickens is a daily task, so it’s important to have the right equipment. Look for feeders and waterers that are easy to fill and clean, and that can hold enough food and water for your entire flock.
Heating and cooling
Depending on the climate in your area, you may need to provide heating or cooling for your chickens. Look for options like heat lamps or misters that are safe and effective for your birds.
By investing in these chicken house accessories, you can make your chickens’ home even more comfortable and convenient, and make your life as a chicken owner easier as well. Choose the accessories that best meet the needs of your flock, and enjoy the benefits of a happy and healthy backyard chicken coop.
Chicken Coop Maintenance and Cleaning for Chook Owners
Keeping your chicken coop clean and well-maintained is essential for the health and happiness of your birds. Here are some tips for keeping your coop in top condition:
- Regular cleaning – Depending on the size of your flock, you’ll need to clean your coop at least once a week. This includes removing any soiled bedding and droppings, wiping down surfaces, and adding fresh bedding.
- Deep cleaning – At least once a year, it’s important to give your coop a deep cleaning. This involves removing all the bedding, scrubbing down surfaces with a non-toxic cleaner, and disinfecting the coop to prevent the spread of disease.
- Pest control – Pests like mites and lice can be a problem in chicken coops. To prevent infestations, make sure to keep your coop clean and dry, and consider using diatomaceous earth or other natural pest control methods.
- Maintenance – Regularly inspect your coop for signs of wear and tear, and make any necessary repairs. This includes fixing holes or gaps in the walls, replacing damaged roosts or perches, and ensuring that the coop is well-ventilated.
- Health monitoring – Keep an eye on your birds’ health, and be on the lookout for signs of illness or injury. This includes checking for mites or lice on your birds, monitoring their egg-laying patterns, and making sure they are eating and drinking normally.
By following these tips for chicken coop maintenance and cleaning, you not only provide your flock with a safe and comfortable home that promotes their overall health and happiness but you’re also safeguarding their laying schedule from potential disruptions. Regular maintenance and cleaning will also make your life as a chicken owner easier, allowing you to enjoy the many benefits of keeping backyard chickens without the stress of a dirty or poorly-maintained coop.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned chicken owner or just starting out, finding the right chicken coop is essential for the health and happiness of your birds. From DIY plans to pre-made options, there are plenty of great choices available to suit your needs and preferences.
When choosing a chicken coop, be sure to consider the size of your flock, the specific needs of your birds, and the climate in your area. Look for a coop that is well-ventilated, easy to clean, and made from durable materials. And don’t forget to maintain and clean your coop regularly to promote the health of your birds and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable home.
By investing in a high-quality chicken coop and providing your flock with proper care and attention, you can enjoy the many benefits of keeping backyard chickens, from fresh eggs to the joys of watching your feathered friends scratch and peck in the sun. So why wait? Get started on your chicken-keeping adventure today!
