Like ourselves, chickens like to feel comfortable in their own home so we will run through a number of ways to do this.

Firstly, whilst we prefer a concrete based floor inside the coop because it’s easier to clean, it’s also more comfortable for the chickens to have some type of material on the floor as well. This will help absorb any smells, provide a bit warmth and also make it easier for you to clean the flooring.

There are different types of material you can use. We used wood shavings mainly as this was the most cost effective material we could find. Hay, straw and sawdust can also be used, although it can be quite dusty which can affect the chickens health, not to mention your own.

If you have access to cheap or free sand, this is also a very good option and it’s very easy to sweep it up when cleaning.
When chickens are laying their eggs they like to sneak away and be quite secretive about it. Nesting boxes should be kept in a darker area of the coop to give them some privacy. Straw or hay is great for nesting boxes and as well as being comfortable for the chickens also protects the eggs as well. Be sure to change the bedding in the nesting boxes if it gets dirty.

Chickens should have easy access to feeders and waterers in their coop. Ideally the feeders should be located in a protected space outside the coop so that it’s easier to clean, but protects it from the weather as well.

There are many different types of feeders around, but our recommendation is simply that you choose feeders which are easy to clean and big enough or you have several so that chickens can eat at the same time. If you only have one, then those lower down in the pecking order may not get a chance to feed. The only other design feature you should look for in a feeder is one which will not let the chickens stand or roost on the feeder as they can contaminate the food with their poop.

Like feeders, chicken waterers should have plenty of clean, fresh water available to the chickens at all times. You may need to check them in winter in case they have frozen over, even if you do have an automatic watering system. Finally, keep waterers off the floor so they don’t get knocked over or stood on. They are best fixed to the side of the coop and roughly the height of the chickens back.

These are the basic comforts of home for a chicken coop which will keep your chickens happy and productive!