When it comes to setting up a chicken house, choosing the right location is key to keeping your chickens happy, healthy, and productive. You want a spot that provides protection, enough sunlight, and proper ventilation. After all, chickens need a place to lay their eggs, roost, and roam without facing too many challenges from the elements or predators. So, let’s walk through how to find the best spot for your chicken house, and while we’re at it, I’ll throw in a couple of ways you can make your backyard even better—like adding an outdoor cat enclosure or a custom raised garden bed.

How to find the best spot for your chicken house

1. Protection from the wind and weather

First things first: chickens don’t like getting cold or wet. If you place your chicken house in an open area with no shelter from the wind or rain, your chickens will not be a happy bunch. Look for a spot that offers some natural protection – like near a fence, wall, or even a row of shrubs or trees. These will help block strong winds and protect your chickens from harsh weather, like those sudden summer storms or chilly winter winds.

If you’re not lucky enough to have natural protection, consider installing a windbreak or placing your chicken house near a shed or other structure. It’s kind of like building a cozy little hideaway for your chickens to keep them snug and comfy year-round. If you’re considering something a little more unique for your backyard, don’t forget our custom chicken coop designs. We can help create a space that works perfectly with your yard’s layout.

2. Sunlight for healthy hens

Chickens love sunlight. It helps them produce Vitamin D, which in turn helps chicken stay healthy and lay eggs. You don’t want your chicken house in complete shade, but you also don’t want it to be baking in the sun all day either. Finding the right balance of sunlight and shade is important.

A good idea is to place your chicken house so that it gets a few hours of morning sun but has some shade in the afternoon. Morning sun is great because it wakes up your chickens and helps them get going for the day. In the afternoon, however, chickens can get too hot, especially in the warmer months, so a little shade will keep them comfortable. If you have a raised garden bed nearby, that could help provide some of the shade needed to cool off the area around the coop. And let’s face it, a backyard with a well-maintained garden and a chicken house looks pretty awesome.

3. Ventilation is key

A well-ventilated chicken house is essential for keeping your chickens healthy. Good airflow helps prevent build-ups of moisture, bacteria, and ammonia, which can lead to diseases or unhappy chickens. Make sure to pick a location that allows air to flow freely through your chicken house.

Consider the direction of the wind, too. You want ventilation, but you don’t want cold, gusty winds blowing right into your chicken house during winter. Ideally, your chicken house should have windows or vents that allow for cross-ventilation, so the air moves through and doesn’t get stagnant. You can adjust the windows and vents based on the weather to make sure your chickens are always comfortable.

If you’re not sure how to achieve the best airflow, our custom chicken coop designs include these little details, so we’ve got your back on that. Plus, you’ll get a chicken house that looks great and functions perfectly, no matter the weather.

4. Away from predators

We all love nature, but not when it comes to predators looking to snack on our chickens. One of the most important things when choosing the right location for your chicken house is making sure it’s not too close to places where predators lurk. This includes areas with tall grass, overgrown bushes, or places where foxes, raccoons, or other animals can hide.

If you’ve got a chicken house in a secluded area, it’s a good idea to install some kind of fencing or netting around it. But if you can, place your chicken house in an area that’s well-lit and visible, so it’s less likely to attract predators. If you’re building a chicken house near a fence, you can add wire mesh around the base to keep your chickens safe from ground-dwelling creatures like snakes or rodents.

By the way, if you’re looking to make your backyard an all-around secure and fun space, consider adding an outdoor cat enclosure. Cats are natural hunters, so having one around can help keep smaller pests away from your chickens.

5. Easy access for you

You’ll be visiting your chicken house a lot, so it’s important to choose a location that makes it easy for you to get in and out. Whether it’s to collect eggs, feed the chickens, or clean the coop, you want your chicken house to be easy to access without too much hassle.

Look for a spot where you won’t have to climb over obstacles, wade through thick grass, or deal with muddy areas just to get to your chickens. A level, clear path is the best option. Also, if you plan on using your chicken house as a focal point in your backyard, you might want to consider placing it near your raised garden beds. This way, you can easily grab some fresh herbs for cooking while collecting your eggs – talk about multitasking!

6. Avoiding damp areas

Chickens don’t like living in damp conditions. Wetness can lead to problems like foot rot or respiratory issues, so avoid placing your chicken house in areas that collect water after rain. Look for a spot that drains well or is on slightly elevated ground.

If your chicken house is near a low-lying area where water tends to gather, it could create a mucky mess. Ideally, you want a location where the ground dries out quickly after rainfall. To help with drainage, you can add some gravel or even create a small raised platform for the base of your chicken house. We’ve seen a lot of creative solutions, and if you ever need help with this, just reach out to us for advice or check out our custom chicken coops that come with water-resistant foundations.

7. Convenience for you and your chickens

Lastly, choose a location that makes sense for both you and your chickens. You want to make sure it’s a place that feels like a little retreat for your feathered friends but also a spot that’s convenient for you to access regularly. Consider things like proximity to your home, access to water, and the overall vibe of the area. It’s all about making the life of both you and your chickens as easy as possible.

In the end, picking the best spot for your chicken house is a mix of practicality and creativity. With a bit of planning, you can find a location that offers protection, good airflow, and plenty of sunlight, all while keeping your chickens safe and sound. And if you want to take your backyard to the next level with a custom raised garden bed, tiny home, or chicken coop, we’re here to help!