A well-designed coop keeps chickens safe, dry, and comfortable.

Key features include:

Space – Allow at least 3–4 square feet per bird inside the coop. Overcrowding can lead to stress and feather pecking.

Ventilation – Good airflow reduces ammonia buildup and keeps air fresh. Position vents higher than roosts to avoid drafts on the birds.

Lighting – Natural light is best, but a supplemental bulb in winter can help maintain egg production.

Nesting Boxes – Provide one box for every 3–4 hens, lined with straw, wood shavings, or shredded paper.

Chickens love to roam, scratch, and forage. A secure run keeps them active and safe from predators.

Space – Aim for 8–10 square feet per bird.

Fencing – Use strong wire mesh to keep out foxes, dogs, and other predators. Bury wire 30 cm into the ground to stop digging.

Shade & Shelter – Provide shaded areas to prevent overheating in summer and protection from wind and rain.

Chickens naturally sleep off the ground. Install sturdy roosting bars about 30–60 cm high, giving each bird 20–30 cm of space.

Coop Maintenance – Remove droppings and replace bedding regularly.

Deep Clean – Disinfect the coop every few months to control parasites and bacteria.

Dust Baths – Provide a shallow box filled with sand, dirt, or wood ash. Chickens naturally bathe in dust to keep feathers clean and mites away.

A balanced diet keeps chickens healthy and laying.

Layer Pellets or Crumbles – These provide essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Scratch Grain & Kitchen Scraps – Good for variety but should be treats, not the main diet.

Grit & Oyster Shell – Grit aids digestion; oyster shell provides calcium for strong eggshells.

Fresh Water – Ensure a constant supply, changed daily.

Chickens are intelligent and curious animals. Keep them engaged with:

Hanging vegetables (like cabbage) to peck at.

Perches and logs to climb.

Safe free-ranging time in the garden.

Look out for signs of illness or parasites, such as:

Lethargy or reduced appetite

Pale combs and wattles

Feather loss or pecking wounds

Diarrhoea or unusual droppings