Coop & Run Talk: How Do You Build and Care for Your Chicken Home?

[BYC Project Manager]

Let’s be honest. A chicken coop isn’t just a box with walls and a roof. It’s your flock’s home. It’s where they sleep, lay eggs, and feel safe from the world outside. Building and maintaining it takes some work, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of keeping chickens.

Think of it like this: if you were a chicken, what kind of place would you want to live in?
Probably one that’s cozy, clean, and safe from predators, right?

Some folks love building their own coops from scratch. Others find great pre-made ones and make small tweaks to fit their flock’s needs. The key is making sure it’s strong, dry, and well-ventilated. Fresh air keeps your flock healthy, but no one likes a chilly draft blowing in on a cold night.

Then there’s the run. That’s like their backyard playground! Do your chickens free range most of the day, or do they spend more time in the run? Some people get creative with shade cloths, sand floors, and even hanging herbs or toys to keep their birds busy.

Maintenance might not be the most exciting part, but it makes all the difference. A quick clean-up each week helps prevent smells, bugs, and illness. And let’s not forget the fun part—decorating! A bright paint color or a few personal touches can turn a basic coop into a little work of art.

Here are a few things I’d love to know from you:
Did you build your own coop or buy one?
How do you keep your coop ventilated without letting in drafts?
What’s your favorite feature or design idea you’ve added?
How often do you do deep cleaning or maintenance?
How do you make your run more fun for your flock?

Let’s swap ideas, photos, and lessons learned. Whether your coop is simple or fancy, big or small, it’s always fun to see how others have made their chicken homes cozy and safe.

So, what does your coop and run setup look like? Let’s talk about it below!

 

[Sono]

I do this once in the spring and once in the fall.... Just did it today for the winter season. Emptied all nesting boxes of bedding and raked/shoveled out the coop floor into the run, installed fresh fine pine bedding in the nesting boxes and course chipped pine on the floor. Filled water and feed barrels. Then tilled the old pine chips into the run soil to compost ( Black Gold next year for garden ) I will get a truckload of double ground hardwood mulch to cover the entire run which will protect their feet from mud and keep them dry during the winter months. Very Happy Girls !