How-to
10 how-to guides from Backyard Coops. Plain advice and the gear that goes with it.
Chicken Coop Light for Winter: Timers and Hours Hens NeedHens need 14 to 16 hours of light a day to keep laying. Here's how to add winter light on a timer and why morning light works best.
Photo: âChicken coop in winterâ by Jared and Corin, CC BY-SA 2.0
How to Keep Rats and Mice Out of a Chicken CoopRats and mice come for the chicken feed and stay for the shelter. Here is how to seal gaps, lock away feed and shut them out at night.
Photo: âOur Chicken Coopâ by furtwangl, CC BY 2.0
Build or Buy a Chicken Coop? An Honest Look at BothShould you build your own chicken coop or buy a kit? Here is what each one costs in time and money. We also cover who each one suits.
Photo: furtwangl, CC BY 2.0
Chicken Coop Ventilation: How Much Air Your Hens NeedWhy a coop needs more fresh air than you think. How big your vents should be, where to put them and how to keep air moving without a draft on the roost.
Photo: Shadowmeld Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0
Chicken Run Size and FencingHow big a chicken run should be, which wire keeps raccoons and foxes out, how to stop diggers and what to put on the floor.
Photo: USDA, CC0
How to Clean a Chicken Coop (Plus the Deep Litter Method)A simple daily, weekly and twice a year routine for keeping a backyard coop clean. Also how deep litter works and when it's the better choice.
Photo: furtwangl, CC BY 2.0
How to Predator-Proof a Chicken CoopKeep raccoons, foxes, dogs, hawks and rats away from your hens. Where to use hardware cloth, how to stop diggers, which latches hold and the habits that matter most.
Photo: furtwangl, CC BY 2.0
How to Winterize a Chicken Coop: A Simple ChecklistGet your coop ready for cold weather. Keep it dry and free of drafts, stop the water freezing and decide if your hens really need heat.
Photo: Liamkw, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nesting Boxes: How Many, What Size and Where to Put ThemHow many nest boxes your hens need, what size to make them, how high to hang them and what to put inside. Plus fixes for floor eggs and egg eating.
Photo: mazaletel, CC BY 2.0- Where to Put a Chicken Coop in Your Yard
How to pick the right spot for a backyard coop. Look for dry ground, morning sun, shelter from the wind and a short walk from the back door.
Photo: furtwangl, CC BY 2.0