Chicken Coop Design | ERGONOMIC & EFFICIENT!

What do you get when you have two engineers design a chicken coop? A really efficient one (and cost effective too)! Critical elements of your coop include: overall space, roosting bars, ventilation, nesting boxes, and feed/water set-up. It is important that you consider the space that the chicken needs and the ergonomics for yourself when designing a chicken coop.
The overall dimensions of your chicken coop should allow 3-4 sq. ft. per chicken. We added several design elements to our coop to account for all of the cleaning of chicken poo we were going to have to do! Our coop is built out of recycled pallets that we got for free from a local business. By building our chicken coop out of pallets, we saved hundreds of dollars & used about 90% recycled materials. We also used all recycled wood for our chicken run. Links to additional videos below!
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// Chicken Coop Build Video: • Pallet Chicken Coop Bu...
// Predator Proof Run Video: • Chicken Run Build | RE...
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ABOUT US: We are Alex and Elaina, a couple in our 20s who are currently living on the 3-acre farm in southern Pennsylvania where Alex grew up. We have a garden, backyard chickens, and build or fix anything that we need to. We still work corporate day jobs, but are working to eventually leave the 9-5 lifestyle in favor of a self-built, debt-free, homestead on 6 acres nearby.
We upload a KZbin video every Saturday night at 7️⃣pm EST, and post daily on Instagram.
COME SAY HI 🙂
Instagram: / masondixonacres
Facebook: / masondixonacres
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting our channel ☺️

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Treat your girls to the best quality sustainable chicken treats out there! amzn.to/3XNhdyv (affiliate link - thank you!)

[@notcharles]

Better yet, let them the run of teh yard to eat live bugs - much much cheaper!

[@centurione6489]

I like the idea of linoleum. I want to have a metal grid floor but, at 3300 feet elevation, 45th parallel I needed a solution for winter. Properly fit, yet removable, linoleum sheets should do. Thank you.

[@jessalynncarnes5489]

If you did the deep litter method, you'd only need to clean once per year, and everything you clean out would be ready fertilizer for your garden. That sounds like more fun than cleaning all the time.

[@TrishL68]

You'd LOVE the deep litter method! I use it in our coop, only need to add a layer of fresh straw or shavings every month or so. The added depth keeps them warmer in the winter - the girls snuggle down into the bedding. I watched one pick up a beakful, adding to the nest! So little odor, easier to maintain than scooping every week.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yep this is what we do! Super easy!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for watching! I hope you found this video to be helpful. I've linked the two build videos below for your reference. Full video of the pallet coop build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWW3ZIB5gLVlb6M Full video of the chicken run build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpKnfZeMfruni68

[@DonnasCreationsandMore]

This Is the best pallet video I've seen!! all the others are so complicated I wanted something easy thanks so much this video is so useful.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful! We are really happy with the design and there isn't much we would change about it! 😊

[@jaredtorres8436]

Alex, last night I had a dream that I got really drunk at your brand new house and slept in the chicken coop and it was unbelievably comfortable. I think I've been watching your videos too much.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Hahah love it, I did lay down in there when building it and it’s not far off from a tiny house.. a little air mattress and you’d sleep like a baby in there 👌🏼

[@strategicprepper2648]

Wow. You guys did a really nice job. Plus you gave me ideas. I’m out growing my store bought coop and will need to build a new one soon.

[@michaelgovers8036]

Hello there and thank you for sharing your coop with us. It is obvious that you have put the chicken's welfare first when designing their living space, thanks for sharing and all the best to you and your chickens :)

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you! Our hens are definitely spoiled girls! Glad you enjoyed the video and design.

[@melissaorona2834]

Fantastic design! Thank you. I'll go watch your videos on your coop & run builds now. Best to you!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad you found the video to be helpful!

[@chuly740]

Great coop, I've watched the build video multiple times as I work on my own. Love the idea of the full opening front for cleaning! I am definitely copying the linoleum! God bless!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

The whole front opening is a lifesaver, and the linoleum makes cleaning a breeze! After using it for about 6 months now, there really isn’t anything we would change about the design! -Alex

[@centurione6489]

I like the idea of linoleum. I want a metal grid floor but at 3300 feet, 45th parallel winter is an issue. Properly fit, yet removable linoleum sheets should do.

[@marien8276]

Hi guys! Great video. You are working very hard and smart. Love you...Aunt Marie💖🙏

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks so much for following along!! It’s been a little while since I’ve seen you, I’m surprised you recognize me 😅 hope you have been well! -Alex

[@247ChickenCam]

I think the pallets make it more insulated and the double layer of wood makes it sturdy and secure! 👏😄 I need this bad lol

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Gotta keep the girls warm!!

[@randallharris3113]

Loved watching the video the coop turned out great. That was a great idea thanks for sharing.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Much appreciated!!

[@steph6337]

Very nice! Thank you for a straight forward tour!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it helped!

[@michaelripperger5674]

Two suggestions . 1) on the inside of the coop - put a board across it so it keeps the pine shavings in it when you open the door. Remove the 1x6 when you need to scoop out the shavings. 2) your run looks well eaten. Look into something called chicken chunnels. You could have them coming off of your run area and you could concentrate them in specific areas

[@kristinepope5360]

I had a Chicken Coop in which we had a Linoleum floor!!! The best way to go!!! I also used heavy Rubber runners (found in the rug section at the hardware store!) To cover the Roost Bars, and Ramp! Loved this video! We moved 2000 miles; and sadly rehomed our flock! :( So...We're hoping to build another Coop soon, and get a new flock of Chickens!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Great tip! Yes, we love the linoleum for cleaning! Shame you had to give your girls up, but definitely reestablish a new flock! We have a build video for this coop if you are interested in the details.

[@Eriiic0]

Wow, great job guys!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks Eric! We’ve been really happy with the coop. You guys should get chickens! You’d have so much fun.

[@Millstone_Firewood]

Very nice design!

[@reynaldocabreros8462]

good job liked it

[@swameejos]

Great update! I've been watching many of your videos the last few days--extremely informative and helpful :) Our first chicks are coming this week!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Such an exciting time! The girls ate all of the grass, yes! We do add sand in the one corner as a space for them to take a dust bath. In the fall I'll put down leaves mixed with some scratch grains to entertain them! We love letting them free range when we can. We built the chicken tractor to keep them safe and keep them from crossing the road. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions as you raise your chickies! I would be more than happy to share our experiences! - Elaina

[@annettehough2792]

Very nice synopsis of taking care of the girls without hurting yourself.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you! They are the best 🥰

[@TheUltimateAcres]

Very cute and convenient. #Great job and loving your sweater.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks! We were able to jazz it up a bit even though they are just pallets! Thanks, I believe the sweater was from Target!

[@TheUltimateAcres]

@@MasonDixonAcres thanks for sweater tip. Great color bring out your blush cheeks. I will stay tuned from now on. #Keepupthegreatwork

[@247ChickenCam]

I love this!! I’m about to build one and I also wanted to get my wheelbarrow under there like why is that not common sense!? Also I love your whole side opening design. I love it all! 🙌😄🙌

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you!! Agreed, not sure why so many coops are built on the ground! Signs up the chicken mom for a lifetime of backbreaking work!

[@ensignj3242]

Love it!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks!! We love it and the chickens do too!

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

Great video. Questions/thoughts: 1. Do you cover that dust area? I would imagine when it rains, it gets muddy otherwise, no? 2. You might want to change the wire you use to hardware cloth. Many predators can get through that wire you have, including snakes. Once again, great video. The size of that run...wow, that's big!

[@urbangardeningandchickenke1018]

Excellent design

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you! Nearly 2 years in with it and wouldn’t change anything!

[@tarikbenabdallah4993]

thank you very helpful .

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful!

[@matundazanyamari6263]

Wow your chicken are living large

[@rsllife9004]

Great coop i really love nice to see+

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@AnnaMarie2411]

Could I use the shavings as part of my compost- with their poop?

[@maywalker997]

Great design!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you! We’ve had the coop for almost a year now and still love it!

[@maywalker997]

@@MasonDixonAcres Awesome! I showed a friend your video, he's getting more chickens and I want to persuade him out of buying a plastic coop (Eglu) because I feel that a lot of the plastic prefabricated coops have design flaws and lack space.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for sharing our video! I agree that there is definitely a lack of space in the prefab coops. Alex made a video on the entire build if your friend is interested in that as well. We used pallets from a local manufacturing company which saved us a lot of money!

[@josiegallegos7144]

how often do you clean your coop?

[@ApostoliconeGodActs238]

Great job. Do you guys have the plans for the coop available? For sale? Thank you.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you 🙏🏼 we never actually made formal plans for it, since Alex just designed as he built. We sketched the idea out in the beginning of the coop build video if you haven’t seen that yet! Best way to replicate it would be to watch that video, try to get the heavy duty block pallets!

[@lynncarter4964]

does anyone know why the nesting boxes are always added on? Why not reach eggs through just a door built on the wall of the coop structure itself? Isn't it warmer that way too?

[@jlhana]

Thanks for sharing your info. The floor is vinyl, not linoleum, yes?

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Not sure of the technical difference, but it’s certainly a thin, flexible plastic flooring product

[@MosaicHomestead]

I'm in the tropics, building out of wood would be a giant coffin ⚰, Hurricanes are no joke here, so I'm building a chicken bunker.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Awesome!

[@frankieboy2417]

I see you're smart enough to have your husband clean it out.

[@ipick4fun27]

Quick question, why not have roosting bar going from left to right, that will fit more chickens.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

That could probably work! Although the one downside is that it would make the coop more difficult to clean if it was low enough..

[@ipick4fun27]

@@MasonDixonAcres I don't see a reason for roost bars to be lower than what you currently have. If they are not in the way not, then going horizontal will not interfere.

[@IDVDalot]

This thiis great. How do you predator proof it

[@MasonDixonAcres]

It's pretty predator proof by design with the solid wood exterior, automatic door, and hardware cloth in the eaves. Only thing we've seen evidence of is some mice droppings in the pallet interiors.

[@IDVDalot]

@@MasonDixonAcres re predators. What has made it in? WE have squirls hawks and racoons and coyotees here. Id like to use your design with any improvements for preditors if needed

[@paularipepi4458]

I think u have some pretty spoiled girls!!! Lol!! Love such the detailed design of inside of coop!!! Who would’ve thot!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻well done!!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yes! They are very spoiled but we love that they are happy chickens living their best life! It’s important to make sure the design incorporates proper spacing to ensure happy & healthy chickens!

[@sobatqrfc]

whay u so beautiful?

[@notcharles]

Two by for roosts? Nah, chickens don't have flat feet. Think Tree Branch, then look to branches for the design of your roosts. Or, simply cut a few down and employ them. Leave the bark on - makes for better 'grip.' Linoleum works - but not the cheap, thin stuff with a paper/organic base layer - you want all vinyl. Then again, feed bags are excellent for this - nice slick WASHABLE plastic exterior surface. Should be as easy to clean as store bought flooring. Staple it down or use contact cement spray? Two 'engineers' building a chicken coop? Better two chicken farmers and a Norm Abrams!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Chickens actually don't grip a perch like wild birds, they sleep flat footed and their toes lightly curl. They need to sleep like this especially in the winter to cover their feet & toes in feathers to avoid frostbite.

[@prestont5769]

Please wash your hands.

[@sowissiaymen773]

I've been researching into constructing coops and discovered a fantastic resource at coop magic tactic (check it out on google)

[@abrahamnationllc]

Tried to find coop magic tactic, but keep getting error, no page. Do you have a link?