{"title":"Small chicken coops (2–4 chickens)","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwo to four hens in the back garden call for a coop that takes up little space but lacks nothing inside. On this page you can read what a compact chicken coop needs to offer, so you do not come home with a pretty garden house that turns out to be too cramped or awkward to clean in practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSmall outside, complete inside\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEven a small coop needs three things: a perch on which all the chickens fit side by side, at least one dark nest box and a dry floor. Perches should be higher than the nest box, otherwise the hens sleep in the nest and soil it. A coop on legs keeps the floor dry, gives rats less of a chance and creates a shady spot underneath where the chickens like to sit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eChecklist for a compact coop\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDroppings tray or hatch:\u003c\/strong\u003e you cannot stand in a small coop. A pull-out floor or a large roof that opens makes cleaning a job of minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEgg hatch:\u003c\/strong\u003e a nest box you open from outside, so you can collect eggs without going into the coop.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatches:\u003c\/strong\u003e a fox or marten can open a simple turn button or hook. Choose bolts with an extra lock.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVents:\u003c\/strong\u003e placed high and covered with mesh, so moisture can escape without a draught on the perch.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoom to grow:\u003c\/strong\u003e those who start with two hens often want a third later. Choose a coop that allows for that.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhere a small coop stops\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA compact coop is a night shelter, not a living space. The chickens need a run or free range during the day. For that, see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-runs-and-enclosures\"\u003eruns and enclosures for chickens\u003c\/a\u003e or go straight for a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-coop-with-run\"\u003ecoop with attached run\u003c\/a\u003e. If you will soon keep five or more chickens, a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/large-chicken-coops\"\u003elarge walk-in chicken coop\u003c\/a\u003e is a better fit. For the floor, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-bedding-and-coop-hygiene\"\u003ebedding and coop hygiene\u003c\/a\u003e has tips on floor covering, and an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/automatic-chicken-coop-doors\"\u003eautomatic door\u003c\/a\u003e lets the chickens out in the morning without you having to get up early. Back to the overview: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-coops-and-runs\"\u003eall coops and runs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis subcategory is still being built; compact coops are being added to the range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much space do 3 chickens need in the coop?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnough to sit side by side on the perch and reach the nest box without jostling. There is no legal minimum size for backyard chickens in the Netherlands; check whether rules apply in your country, and if in doubt, go a size bigger.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a coop on legs better?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor small coops, often yes: the floor stays drier, rodents are less likely to nest under the floor and you have to bend less when cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need a separate nest box for two chickens?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne nest box is usually enough for two to four hens. It must be dark and screened and hang lower than the perch.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.fidello.co.uk\/collections\/small-chicken-coops.oembed","provider":"Fidello","version":"1.0","type":"link"}