Chickens need a predator proof coop. Make sure no small animals can get in. Ferrets, Weasels, Possums, Foxes, Raccoons, Hawks, etc. are common predators. Raccoons are intelligent, so make sure that if you use a door with a knob, that you lock it. Raccoons could figure out how to turn a door knob. Remember, once a predator gets one chicken they will come back.
Your coop needs to block wind, especially if you live where it gets cold or windy. If you live where the temperatures drop to negatives during the winter, go ahead and install a heater. If you are building a coop like the one above, add windows that you can open to let in fresh air. You are going to want to put a run on your coop. Even if you free-range, a run is good to have if you ever can't let them out one day.
If you live where it never snows, or gets cold, but it gets really hot, make sure there are lots of places where air can get into your coop. Also, you don't want your coop to be dark inside so add many windows. Chickens love looking out windows! You can also build a tractor/mobile coop.
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