Before You Build a Chicken Coop Watch This

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

🐥Take My Natural Chicken Raising Course - bit.ly/3Ia8Iap Learn to brood & hatch chicks, Korean Natural Farming, ferment feed & other foods, making & using supplements, $ saving tips, & much more + answering your questions with community support.

[@inowillie]

Do the chickens prefer the tree branches or 2x4's ?

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

@@inowillie Tree branches only if they are thick like 5" diameter. 2x4 or 2x3 are excellent

[@inowillie]

@@NaturesAlwaysRight Thank you! It seems to me they would prefer something more natural and may well be better for the health of their feet. I prefer the look as well.

[@AjsKrysMomma]

Need info on chicken coop

[@fancythat5136]

We had hens in a similar dog run from Tractor Supply, thought they were safe. A Coon crawled in a small spot under the roof cover and actually pulled out several hens. We had to chicken wire the entire top and over to secure every inch. Zip tied the chix wire to the cage. Now it’s secure!

[@classictoexotic]

use 1/4" or 1/2" hardware cloth instead of chicken wire.

[@ManufacturedCrises]

That’s what we built our coop with. Much safer and sturdier

[@JustJoyHowdy]

Me too. Hardware cloth. Got concrete blocks for floor. Easy care.

[@ashfam5]

Did the same

[@christinearmington]

Snakes 🐍

[@bch5513]

100%. I’ve had raccoons chew right through chicken wire.

[@Shockeclipse]

A raccoon can still reach right through that chicken wire. Chicken wire is designed to keep chickens out of things, not to keep things away from chickens. Just a heads up in case you were unaware.

[@MaxArmani]

Video helped me out. I had surgery on my rotator, unable to to build one I saw this video and got the same thing! Best investment ever!

[@chevelle68100]

These are great. I’ve got 2 for my chickens. And a standing 10x10 dog pen. I put a top on that and wired it all. We have predators galore. My chickens can’t free range or they will get eaten! Plus I’ve got a really sturdy coop that I got from an Amish builder. If you are really on top of things, definitely put the small wire on the pens. We also had a coon reach in and kill a bird. 😢. I now have 1/2 inch wire and also tarps to keep out rain, cold winds and make it more of a house. I tarp about half the pen. I use limbs for roosts and I cut doors in regular old plastic tubs, put bedding in to make shelter or nest boxes.

[@eddieabernathy5998]

I used two of those kennels for my chicken run. 8 x 16 and made a PVC hoop roof over the top. Harbor Freight sells the perfect size tarp. 8 ft tall center. Chicken wire the hoop ends. Keep up the good work!

[@maroa1308]

I forgot that I have been following you since you lived out here in Cali. I love how everything has been coming along for you. Blessings to you and yours.

[@larrywilderson304]

We opted for the 8'x8' version. Used some bread crates for roost areas and big sticks and some old wooded puckup rails for roosts. They are absolutely happy birds

[@shanemillard608]

Hey, the kennel is a great idea man. I wanted to pass along some info though, I had a mink come through and kill 8 of my chickens. They will climb that chicken wire and go straight through the welded wire - apparently they can fit in a space of a quarter. It took 3 years for it to find them but it killed almost half of my flock. The mink are usually near water sources so that might not be a big issue where you are. Just wanted to pass the info along. Hope you're doing well!

[@bettyturley6735]

I lost 60chickens one night. They fit into a small whole

[@GotrekGurninsson]

Weasels will pop 40 chickens heads off for fun in one night and eat nothing. They fit right through chicken wire. 1/4” hardware cloth is a must around here.

[@annwithaplan9766]

That's exactly what I thought. A fox will also tear through the chicken wire. And a raccoon will reach right through those holes and rip a chicken apart. And snakes will go right through those holes.

[@rossoliver6102]

Thank you so much for all of your chicken wisdom I have recently built a 4x8 chicken Apartment 40" off the ground this providing a carport for our Goose .......last year we dropped an enormous 90 foot tall cottonwood tree and am in the process of shredding and chipping it for use with chicken bedding. I have have a One year old guard goose, she is a china White Goose and is excited to protect our new Family of 9 new hens , a mix of Barred rock, Rhode Island Reds And buff Orpington hens..the new hens are at about 3 weeks now and are growing like crazy. they are all out of the indoor brooder and into a 4x8 shelter in the barnyard goose compound, this is working out really well as the weather here in western Washington has moderated and birds are feathering out nicely and can take a little weather on their own and are adapting well........Ariel predator's are my next concern , so will stay tuned and keep in touch...

[@jasonhatfield4747]

I have two of the 8x8 kennels like that for some of my breeding flock. They work great but need a roof. I screwed galvanized roof panels to the top of mine and it’s been working well

[@mascatrails661]

Man, this coop is so simple compared to your old one! I've raised chickens in a very similar set up and I can tell you they never minded laying in low boxes. The thing about free ranging them is sometimes they found a nice bush or divot next to a tree and started laying there regularly. My dogs always found the new stashes but sometimes they had a little too much time with them before I noticed and I'd lose a handful of eggs. I once used a dog crate a little smaller than this with extra hardware mesh along the sides as a little nursery. My buff orpingtons were always getting broody and I had a rooster for a while so I collected about a dozen fertilized eggs and then moved the broody chicken and the eggs into the nursery. 3 weeks later I had a bunch of healthy little chickies that were 100% local to my property. Felt like a true homestead accomplishment! They were a big mix of heritage breeds so the males went to freezer camp when they got to size and the ladies joined the laying flock. Since then life has shifted and we haven't had chickens for a couple years, so we're getting the itch to raise some chickies soon and were thinking of building something like your old coop.

[@OfftoShambala]

We have rattlesnakes in my area… if anyone else thinks those could be a problem, you’ll want to wrap the cage w a quarter inch wire mesh that goes at least three feet up… maybe 4’, I can’t recall now… but rattlesnakes cannot slither over a certain height… other snakes can manage to slither up though… there’s videos about it here on yt … if I did this, I’d wrap the 1/4” wire mesh all around… just something to consider if you think snakes might show up… I’m in rattlesnake country so that was the first thing I researched when I decided to get chickens.

[@user-px7nh7vs4b]

Try laying bird netting all around the coop. Just drap it loosely so that it is laying in layers not stretch out. I promise you...no snakes will slither anywhere once they stick their heads into the net. Trust me!

[@OfftoShambala]

@@user-px7nh7vs4b I will look into that… is bird netting plastic? Rats will chew right through that.

[@user-px7nh7vs4b]

@@OfftoShambala it is plastic. Works for snakes (and birds) probably not for rats though.

[@JustJoyHowdy]

Hardware cloth.

[@wjw1265]

Before building a coup, think about how to keep all sizes of preditors out of reach of the chickens unless you do not mind starting over to replace them frequently. Predators of all sizes which will travel from a mile or more from any direction (especially in spring). Includes dogs, many kinds of birds from the air, raccoon, weasel, opossum, mink, coyotes, etc. Add to that any rodents, rats & mice, attracted by the food that the chickens scatter about and don't eat. These will make their nests in the coup and in ground tunnels beneath. Consider wrapping the coup completely with 1/4 inch galvanized mesh then again in a heavier 1 inch wire mesh that Predators cannot chew or rip apart. It amazing how persistent and strong they can be. Bury the wire in the soil below the coup and the run or the critters will tunnel to get to a easy meal. Then cover the run to prevent air attacks and climbers. If they want to get the chickens they will. Dogs: If you let your chickens out to free range, you will lose some to dogs and any of the above critters that constantly watch for opportunity. No doubt. A rooster is necessary to help alert the flock to dangers but that won't stops kills. Roosters are best for flying predators. Best wishes.

[@soapyacreshomestead2226]

The thing people don’t realize about racoons is that they will hunt in twos. One will chase the birds to the other side of the cage and the other one will grab them. Racoons are clever and a coop as small as what he has would be easy pickin for them. I don’t think predators are something people understand until they have chickens...so yes you are so right.

[@gailhonadle5182]

What about moles? If it's not Hawks it moles, we have a large back fenced yard, 2 small 12 lb lap dogs, that when turned loose whould chase them. They have brought down young squirrels. The price of 'so called free range, is out of the reach of my income. BIDEN'S DEPRESSION 2 EXCEEDS THAT LOUSY 5.9% SS COLA raise. There is a big farm behind us, and every time he works his field we get more moles.,

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Rhode Island Reds are my favorite chickens.

[@babynieve9612]

Mine too 👋

[@JNC1973]

I just picked up 6 baby chicks a couple weeks ago and they are growing fast. Since I took them home they have been staying inside our house in the master bedroom bathroom we have them in a big black tub with the heat lamp set up and the tub walls are about 2 or 3 feet high and it has kept them contained in it up until recently now one of them is able to get on to the rim of the tub and he walks around on the rim and sometimes hops off onto the floor and walks around the bathroom. We didn't expect them to be able to do that so soon so now as soon as this snow clears off the ground we're gonna build a wooden coop for them. It has to be a 24/7 coop though cause the last batch of chicks we had we let free range and 1 by 1 they all disappeared overnight. Our assumption is they became Fox or Raccoon food or some wild animal got them. It sucks cause were on 40 acres of property in North Carolina but they can't be let free to roam around or they could be eaten by wild animals. I can only build a coop so big.

[@RRinTN]

We have exactly the same setup. Two of them. Have been using them for about three years. Only thing we do different is that we have pavers around the base to keep raccoons from digging under... Yeah that happened once.

[@kellydavis6316]

Get 2 waterers. Change them out each time. Let the one be empty to dry inside or on porch. You never have to use vinegar or scrub that way. You need to bake the egg shells before giving them back as supplement. If you don't you can get a hen that will start breaking the eggs in the nest.

[@HappyHoney41]

I use kennels for the chicks between brooder and moving to larger pen. Just expanded my run, so I can keep them locked up until my garden is done in the fall; then they'll free range through the winter. Alfalfa hay, live oak leaves, and wood chips have made good bedding.

[@onemoredoll5791]

I am using a dog kennel for a brooder and it works great

[@lyndalord3886]

I also have a rural king dog cage, inside I put a 5ftx 3 or 2ft with put some roosting bars inside with wood chips to keep clean (layer it daily) In other words it’s double protective.. I lock both inside wood coop and outside dog cage galvanized with 1/4” hardware cloth. Then I have a large fenced n posted area to free range with bird netting over top and a covered area. I lost my first 4 birds as a novice to predator.. over my dead body now lol AND I got a Great Pyrenees, he’s wonderful ty!!!!

[@bethpoeschl3871]

I grew up on a farm and I didn't know half of the stuff. Great content thanks for sharing and I look forward to see what this new year brings for you and your new homestead.

[@tanadasilva6134]

I just did this today! Second property I have used a dog kennel for chickens. It’s a great option

[@enrrietl57]

I was thinking of making an old plastic shed into a coop for my girls but this is great!

[@kathypeart7031]

Have used garden sheds for my ducks the plastic ones like a big tupperware container keeps them warm and safe and predators. Also the child's playhouse just reinforced it all the different ways that you can think of but great bones. Also used Little tikes playhouse large one just reinforced the windows with hardware cloth and put plywood linoleum on top kind of plastic pallet glue to the bottom so nice and safe it was perfect. The difference probably is minor backyard animals getting ready to go to the country so it's going to be a whole different thing

[@LindaIBrown]

I agree with you - my first chickens and I spent way over what that dog run cost and didn’t include my labor. I know I spent well over $600 or materials. My coop size is about 6’ tall x abut 10’ - 12” long. I made it in 2 parts using pallets and PVC and hard wire with hardware. Never again.

[@rashellyohn5128]

Hey thank you for all the info. I miss SD but I now live in OR and need to build a coop. I wanted to know what kind of lactic acid bacteria are you talking about. You mentioned spraying it out...

[@bloussant]

I recently moved and am so glad you posted an updated coop video. I built a previous coop based off your first video (amazing design) and was wondering how you’d do it if you did it again. Awesome info!

[@beckyhofer4328]

Excellent ! You know your chicks! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.🐓

[@sekhmetofsurvival6805]

Awesome tips, I’m a noob to raising chicks. Unfortunately I have to do 100% confinement due to the predators. Any advice is welcome 🙏🏾

[@wrtpbd]

Do they have a closed in shelter to shield them from weather? What about animals digging underneath?

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

These were my questions as well. It's too cold here for the much openness. Plus, rain or snow could make them wet, which could cause hypothermia in really cold weather. Raccoons and foxes could definitely dig under unless that chicken wire extends down and out at least a foot.

[@diannebernard3479]

That was my question also

[@squirrel3443]

Bury the wire, deep litter method helps retain heat, heat lamps, or panel the coop for winter with tin or plywood

[@HomesteadForALiving]

Whatever you do don’t use chicken wire. I had feral dogs chew right through my chicken wire. Carpenter cloth or fencing.

[@reneebrown2968]

I'm thinking on trying to get a small group of buff or lavender orphington, like about 4-6 hens. You've given me alot to think about. I'm thinking on a cross between what you do with locking them down in the nighttime, and prema pastures farms' idea of using them to make compost and feed themselves. Of course I would still feed them while locked down but once the compost piles get started they will want to eat the worms and bugs from the compost and green grasses.

[@kingofwake]

Always great advice! We built a coop this spring based on your San Diego coop build. Love it!

[@portuguescomcarmen]

How long did it take?

[@kingofwake]

@@portuguescomcarmen A couple weekends casually building.

[@angelaberni8873]

I'm in an incredibly windy area. Regular gale forse winds I would say. So this option isn't feasible for me unfortunately. My grandparents had a wonderful stone chicken coup and I'm going to build that for my chickens. If one day I decide not to keep them anymore ,I will use it as a storage area. No winds will blow that over !!😂😂

[@claytonmorris6669]

Thanks for information i was thinking about adding a lil more space for mine i have five hens and one rooster this is a great idea i will be investing in a dog kennel

[@erbauungstutztaufgnade1875]

Great concise everything mentioned for beginners.

[@felystudios]

fresh eggs are amazing

[@terridiamond7862]

All your videos always help me. Thank you.

[@isaacv6960]

You're AMAZING, my friend. Thank you for the information.

[@vasg1269]

Very good advice, many good points. Condensed information. Thank you sir!

[@OfftoShambala]

Cool! I was thinking of getting a dog kennel for my first birds. Thrilled to know how you made it work. 👍

[@onemoredoll5791]

Finally an open coop. Its hard to find anyone with an open coop. Neighbor has open coop like this.

[@Latebloomershow]

This gives me courage to give it a try but now we are in April and not sure I can find birds. Would love for you to build me a moveable chicken run. Looking forward to the video. Kaye - middle TN

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

You can do it Kaye! It's so much easier than it seems you just have to jump in with both feet. I will certainly be building a mobile one, just been so busy with my other animals!

[@lauriecraver9918]

Where do they lay we use this and let out during the day but where will they lay we put crates with straw but they just made a mess with rain that is going in daily lately

[@aprilbrown945]

Fantastic info! I really want to get chickens next year and this video made it less intimidating!!

[@ManufacturedCrises]

It’s so fun and easy. They’re really the best. We started with 6 chicks beginning of 2020 and that was kinda hard just because I’m a big baby and couldn’t handle them crying so basically I ended up being a big mama bird (they slept on my chest some nights 🙄😂) until they were big enough to start jumping out of their brooder during the day. I would definitely raise them from chicks for at least the first ones you get because it’s just easier and they’ll be more comfortable with you when you need to help them with something. I’ve got one who ended up being a crooked beak so she needs her beak clipped down very rarely just when it starts to make it difficult for her to eat and she’s super good about it. Had a respiratory thing with another one just the other day and because they’re so close to me I recognized it immediately, brought her inside and she basically just hung out in the house until she felt better (with some chicken Vicks of course) and wandered outside when she was done being nursed back to health lol anyway … my unsolicited advice and life story 😬🤍

[@welcome2thedawn953]

I was planning to get my first chickens in 2022 but rescued three about 6 weeks ago. Its been really fun and wonderful. Jump on in!

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

That's awesome April! I really wanted to try and make it more approachable for people.

[@kathypeart7031]

Had an opportunity to rescue as well when Mom and her three babies it really is fun hard work so rewarding

[@johnministro87]

I free range my chickens and never felt the need to add grit or other nutrition to the feed as I thought they get everything they need from the free range..

[@ManufacturedCrises]

Same here

[@s3nsfan75]

Using the coop kennel idea, do they not need a roost to sleep in, their own space? Would a 200 sq area (100% confirment, urban lot) be sufficient for 5 chickens?

[@diannebernard3479]

hi thanks for all the info. QUESTION: Where is the coup they go into at night or do they just perch on the roost?

[@thisorthat7626]

They perch on the tree limbs in the coop.

[@iheart3dprinting951]

San Diego! I a researching coops because I want to have eggs in my backyard clairemont mesa area! I wasn’t sure it was possible.

[@ginadisalvo5186]

I wonder how this would do with winters in South Jersey (7a) I am planning on getting chickens in the spring and plan on letting them free range in the day

[@thisorthat7626]

You can always add more tarps to the sides to keep the wind and rain out.

[@kcw6263]

This is a brilliant idea 👍👍👍 Thank you for sharing 👏👏👏

[@projecttreecollard]

love the video! I also have 7 girls (no rooster) but have kept them in a fixed space because there are a LOT of predators around from bears to foxes to raptors. I feel guilty about keeping them in instead of free ranging because I don't want them to get killed. I raised them from chicks and pet them, and call them by name, lol! Any additional thoughts on this dilemma of protecting them by locking them in a run vs. taking the risks of having happier lives?

[@annewhittemore3771]

If you have the space you could make the run mobile. Even a rotation of three different spots would give them a lot more space!!

[@MargaretPangle]

Try making some "chunnels" 😀chicken tunnels so they can free-range a bit with protection from predators 🙂

[@nikiluvsyou]

Can’t wait to see your mobile coop

[@jayhoggard92]

How do you keep your chickens safe free ranging in such a wooded area? I have woods and they are full of foxes. I cannot free range unless I'm walking with them.

[@Rm-ks8gg]

I have my ducks in one of those They love it

[@ginatroutman7004]

What about predators digging thru to the underside into the run?

[@jimcoutsos2270]

Always enjoy your videos…very informative. I’m in the market now for a DIY Coop / Run. This is a great idea with the dog kennel. Thank you, Jimbo from South Carolina’s

[@j.b.4340]

Excellent video. Full of useful information.

[@deanwinchester6654]

Nice video, having a rooster is really interesting.

[@hepzlawrence7710]

Would it get to cold for the chickens having no sides/walls?

[@JonDaye07]

I'd wrap it entirely in hardware cloth and then put some wood sheets on the sides with vent holes cut out at the top. I say entirely so that you can take the sides off for more ventilation or to lessen the weight to move it. Chickens are quite tolerant of the cold as long as they aren't buffeted by wind or rain.

[@ozgott1415]

I'm in Florida. How about hot and cold weather.... we get a couple weeks of freezing weather here... not ever lower than 25 degrees or so, and in the summer the nights can be extremely hot and humid.... do I need to set up any heaters or fans for this kind of setup?

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

In FL your only temp concern will be heat. Always access to fresh cool water, 100% shade where there can be a foot between each bird. Over 100F fans, misters, ice on floor. The hotter the higher chance your weakest birds die.

[@LydellAaron]

Nice job Steven! 🤜🤛

[@danno1800]

Good idea about the mesh!

[@optimumperformance]

How do you get on with the dog when free ranging?

[@nccrchurchunusual]

2022 these are $379. I have a kennel like this one- looking to expand it but cant find expansion panels. Any suggestions on where to buy?

[@rossplainold1565]

I moved from California to TN. So can the chickens live in an open run during the winter and not freeze to death. Will a rooster protect the flock lets say from hawks or do I need to look at building an enclosed run keeping them in the run all of the time. Thanks

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

Ya it's not cold enough. Ideally though a more inclosed area without a draft is best. Just need to extend the tarp down a little more to fully cover perches so it keeps all wind and rain off them.

[@niceguy7times]

What about cold weather for this set up?

[@joyfulcreations7517]

Great information. Thank you

[@acolley2891]

Great idea. It's always nice to have options. How cold does it get where you live? Do chickens have cold tolerance down to 10°?

[@lyssthehobbyist]

They definitely do. I am starting to get in to chicken keeping right now and I am in New England so we regularly hit temps that low. I think the key is keeping them dry. Looks like its pretty heavily wooded where he is keeping them so maybe that keeps the rain away? Could also not rain a lot there. I could be wrong, but I have been told that's one of the most important parts of keeping the birds is making sure they have a place they can be fully dry.

[@classictoexotic]

yes - look for breeds with beards and muffs - with a pea comb. those with waddles and large crests can get frost bite. the Pavlovskaya breed (critically endangered) - can handle temps down to -36 C.

[@swissmaid]

Keep them out of the wind! That is important too, not just rain!

[@missannie8012]

We get super hot here in Central California. Wondering how chickens will do in the heat?

[@babynieve9612]

What can I put on the ground so the poop doesn't smell so much

[@alookattheclays4732]

What zone are you in? If your in a zone with cold winters do you do anything for them in the winter?

[@junegirl8432]

Thanks

[@wolfbirdhomestead600]

I built an 11' wide gate on the front of my chicken powered compost station, so arborists are able to drop dumptrucks of wood chips right into the chicken run. Super easy to keep things clean and excess carbon to make compost

[@GravityBunk]

I’m building an 8’x4’ chicken coop with 100% confinement, with 4 birds, will it be okay.

[@rsllife9004]

Very good content i really like your coop so much and nice to see+

[@jandoinc]

Nice👍thanks for all the info

[@cherylbertolini3140]

good afternoon, could you tell me what kind of salt and kelp and how much to give the chickens.

[@SamHoustonNatForestLife]

Great video dude

[@MyKneeGro]

Great video friend

[@이윤원-u5x]

What is the ratio of Dr Fixit in cement?

[@Kberrysal]

Do you ever add Liquid Seaweed or kelp to there water

[@rashellyohn5128]

P.S. Does it have to be sea salt?

[@micaela6915]

I missed where this is? Is this your second home? I thought you lived in a city. So nice that you live where they can free range

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

I moved to TN I've been on this property over a year now :)

[@cypressmoon5090]

Brilliant.

[@JubeeBijou]

My backyard is on a slope and it's preventing us from getting chickens. I really have not found an easy remedy other than a very expensive change in landscaping. We'd love only 6 egg laying hens.

[@ToniMBullock]

I love this!

[@OfficialJailynFerguson]

Great video!

[@jaimerodriguez1332]

Nice boots! What are they?

[@jeffreyjann1263]

No wind break?

[@hearcamir7810]

Nice eyebrows!!!

[@YarnBrigadeGardens]

Thank you buddy

[@dibalowen7074]

I love your videos!

[@euphony745]

Where are you getting organic grain free feed?

[@euphony745]

I meant organic soy free grain.

[@shwoods]

DO NOT use straw with chickens in their coop, it can lead to impaction, sour crop and even death. Found out the hard way after lots of expensive vet bills. Good video!

[@babynieve9612]

What do I use instead?

[@noconsentgiven]

Off subject, your eyebrows are magnificent😆👍!!

[@babynieve9612]

They are the perfect color

[@_JanetLouise]

lots of good tips, thanks

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

Wouldn't it be too cold and draughty with no solid sides?

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

Depends on your climate, adding a small tarp around the area they roost would solve that.

[@mommalisa52560]

Snow? Doesn't seem like enough protection from the weather?

[@NaturesAlwaysRight]

We don't get snow. They handled 16F no problem.

[@LilItaly]

Comment for the algorithm gods

[@nickivanaltena923]

Love this idea!