- 1). Situate the roosts to face a window if possible. Roosts should be placed about 3 or 4 feet from the ground. Choose a 1 to 2-inch non-slippery pole or branch to make the roost. Chickens prefer a rough branch for its grip. Use a ladder if the birds are heavy breeds, silkies, or are bantam breeds. Screw a drop board under the roost to collect the manure. Add a lip around the edge to hold the droppings and litter. Cover the drop board with clay, unscented cat litter, shavings or paper.
- 2). Add the water bowl and the feed trays or bowls. Have a bowl available for treats and for the oyster shell supplement. Purchase or build sturdy feed bowls or troughs so the chickens cannot knock them over. Build the feeders out of a material that can be cleaned with soap and water. Choose rubber water bowls for areas with freezing weather for easier ice removal.
- 3). Use animal bedding for the floor of the coop. Choose plain pine shavings or cleaned sawdust. Keep the empty shavings bags as nesting areas. Build nest boxes or set cardboard boxes in a quiet, clean area of the coop. Do not set nest boxes under or near roosts, to prevent soiling.
- 4). Add shelving and storage space to the coop. Purchase or build bins to store treats and grain. Build shelves in front of windows for the birds to sit on.
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