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Whether you’re new to raising chickens, or looking to buy a new coop for a flock you already have, the choice you make can mean a healthier flock and a happier person/people caring for them.

To help with the decision, Roost & Root, maker of Round-Top Chicken Coop™ designs, has put together this list of five things to consider when buying a chicken coop.

Motivation: Let your motivation dictate the coop that you select. For example, if you are looking to conveniently and quickly feed your birds, consider a coop with an outside feeding option that saves you from having to enter your coop.

Many prefer walk-in style coops (https://roostandroot.com/product-category/coops/) to allow for easy accessibility or outdoor style feeders & waterers for convenient & quick feeding.

Alternatively, your goals may be more focused more on egg production. If gathering eggs is your main initiative, then figure out how many eggs you would like to collect in a week, the number of chickens needed, and search for a coop that will meet your flock’s capacity and needs.

Security: Consider your surroundings. Whether you live in a suburb or rural area, make sure the coop you select is predator-proof. This can be achieved by using a high gauge hardware wire cloth, ensuring you always lock up your hens, and using a heavy, well-built coop. (The company doesn’t mention it, but a heavy, well built coop is also important if you live in an area with strong winds. There have been videos posted on Facebook showing some coops blowing apart in strong winds.)

Important numbers: There are a few key measurements and rules for building a healthy chicken coop. A chicken coop should have approximately 1 square foot of ventilation per 10 square feet of coop. This is particularly important for chickens because they have the propensity to develop respiratory challenges over time.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your chickens have enough space for their daily activities, including roosting and nesting.

When building a chicken coop, you will need 1 nesting box per 4-5 chickens.

Also, keep in mind that your coop will need 10-12 inches per chicken for the roosting bars.

Cleaning: A walk-in chicken coop, like that of our Round-Top coop line, will provide convenience as they are easier to clean and ergonomically friendly.

Appearance: Like anything else, buying a chicken coop is an investment. (https://roostandroot.com/blog/6-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-…) An attractive chicken coop can be a nice addition to your property, especially as you watch your chickens enjoy it.