Learn From My Mistakes, Don’t Cut Corners
Let’s get into the honest, practical nitty-gritty of the biggest mistake I made when I started a backyard flock, and that’s the actual coop setup. Most of us (including me) start with something affordable and minimal, trusting the manufacturer’s idea of what “proper housing” is for six chickens. But here’s the honest truth: those coops are always way too small, cheaply built, and a nightmare to keep clean. I learned this the hard way, through multiple costly upgrades and the hassle of modifying existing set-ups.
So what is the right coop? This is an example of a good start for 6 chickens, and if your flock grows it can easily be modified by attaching a covered run.
Let’s get real, six chickens almost never stay six. That’s just a fact. So either buy bigger than you think you need, or choose something you can modify as your flock grows. A covered, enclosed, predator-proof outdoor space isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for the safety of your flock and to keep harmony among the flock.
Crowded housing is a recipe for trouble. I didn’t understand the pecking order at first, and I quickly learned how harsh it can be for timid hens at the bottom.
Tip: What really helped reduce social bullying was providing multiple drinkers, feeders, and nest boxes so everyone had equal access.
Another option for choosing the right coop is researching companies that build coops to your exact specifications. That’s what I eventually did, and although a bit spendy, it was absolutely worth it. Of course, if you’re handy, building your own coop can be a fun and rewarding project.
There’s no hurry, take your time, be creative, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Half the fun of keeping chickens is enjoying the entire experience, start to finish. Don’t be delusional, there is no finish, chicken keeping is an endless work in progress! But it’s the fun kind.
Collection of Coop Designs
To help you choose a chicken coop, I’ve put together a Pinterest collection of Coop Designs and Set-up Ideas so you can research what works best for you.
About Custom Coop Builders
This is my custom chicken coop. It was originally covered pens for 3 horses, but I had it fully enclosed with 2×4 framework, hardware cloth, and shade cloth added to the east and west sides. The project was done by San Tan Valley Coops, and although they’re based in Arizona, they also work outside the state. You can contact them for more information about shipping. They can build any coop, in any size, exactly the way you want it.
TBN Ranch
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 