A healthy, comfortable coop leads to happier hens, better egg production, and fewer problems with pests or disease. Whether you’re working with a small backyard setup or a full-sized walk-in coop, small improvements can make a big difference — and most of them can be done today.
1. Add More Ventilation
Fresh air is essential to prevent ammonia buildup and moisture.
Cut extra vents near the roof (covered with hardware cloth to keep predators out), or crack open windows during the day. Good airflow keeps your flock healthy year-round.
2. Swap Out Chicken Wire for Hardware Cloth
Chicken wire keeps chickens in, but it doesn’t keep predators out.
Upgrade any weak spots, windows, or run fencing with ¼-inch hardware cloth to block raccoons, snakes, and rodents. This small change drastically improves safety.
3. Refresh the Bedding
Old bedding can smell, attract flies, and lead to respiratory issues.
Clean out the coop and lay down fresh straw, pine shavings, or hemp bedding. Deep litter can also be fluffed up and topped off to extend its use without full replacement.
4. Install a Rodent-Proof Feeder
Wasted feed invites mice, rats, and wild birds.
Switch to a treadle feeder or elevate your current one to reduce spills. Only keep enough feed in the coop for a day or two to avoid attracting pests.
5. Add a Dust Bath Station
Chickens need dust baths to stay clean and parasite-free.
Provide a shallow bin filled with dry dirt, wood ash, and a little sand. Place it in a dry corner of the run or coop where they can dig and dust naturally.
6. Seal Drafts Without Blocking Airflow
Chickens need ventilation, but not cold drafts.
Check for cracks or gaps near roosts and nest boxes. Patch holes at bird level but keep upper vents open. This protects them from wind chill while maintaining airflow.
7. Raise the Waterer Off the Ground
Keep drinking water clean and spill-free.
Place waterers on bricks or a low platform to prevent bedding and dirt from getting in. Refill and scrub regularly to avoid slime buildup and bacteria.
8. Provide Enrichment to Prevent Boredom
Bored chickens peck each other and damage the coop.
Hang cabbage, scatter scratch grains in straw, or add stumps and perches to explore. A mentally stimulated flock is more peaceful and productive.
9. Check and Clean Nest Boxes
Dirty nests lead to broken or soiled eggs.
Make sure boxes have fresh bedding, are free of poop, and aren’t being used for sleeping. Block access at night if needed to retrain hens to roost properly.
10. Do a Full Predator Check
Walk the perimeter and inspect for weak spots.
Look for holes, dug areas, loose latches, and signs of nighttime visitors. Strengthen door locks, bury hardware cloth around the run, and close the coop securely every evening.
These improvements don’t require a full rebuild — just attention to the details that matter most. A safer, cleaner, and more stimulating coop keeps your flock healthy, active, and laying strong.
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