DCN Home Life - Backyard Chickens
Simple Setups That Work Day-to-Day
Backyard chickens are easier than most people expect—but a few smart setup decisions make all the difference.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase—at no additional cost to you. These are tools we’ve used or would confidently recommend based on the homes we care for.
Start With the Right Coop (This Sets Everything Up)
Safe, contained, and easy to manage. Many sizes, shapes and colors. Best for getting started quickly with minimal setup or decision-making. Manageable for small flocks and mild conditions - great starter, not a forever setup. Good for 2-4 hens.
David’s Tips:
Most coops today come as complete setups. The key decision isn’t the parts—it’s choosing the right size and structure for your space and how you want to maintain it day-to-day.
David’s Picks:
Easier access, better for daily use. Spacious walk-in run that makes feeding, cleaning, and daily care dramatically easier. Solid, all-weather frame. Roomy main house and connected run. Walk-in door. Multiple perches, ladder, and egg box attached. Good for 8-10 hens.
Food + Water (Make this Effortless)
Absorbent, simple, easy to replace. This is your base layer—don’t overthink it. Controls moisture and odor. Easy scooping out and replacing quickly. Widely available.
Keeps feed clean and reduces waste. This is your everyday workhorse. Hanging creates less mess and less contamination.
David’s Tips:
WATER IS VITAL and a great DYI project is adding a rain barrel near the coop. You don’t need a downspout with some barrel models. You will be able to fill your waterer easily. You can also build automatic drinker cups or chicken nipples (horizontal or vertical) attached to PVC pipes connected to the barrel to complete your DYI waterer. Make sure to add a filter. Check out this Automatic Chicken Waterer System.
Simple waterer constructed with high density polyethylene which is opaque allowing you to see the water level and cleanliness of water. Wide mouth easy for filling and cleaning. Durable handle. Upgrade to an automatic waterer or rain barrel set up…see David’s Tip below.
David’s Picks:
Keep It Clean (This Is the Difference Maker)
Stronger than chicken wire—keeps predators out. This is your foundation for protection. Why this matters? Chicken wire keeps chickens in—not predators out. Hardware cloth prevents tearing and digging entry. Works for both coop and run areas.
Reinforce the Perimeter For added security on permanent setups, dig 6–12” around the perimeter and install hardware cloth below ground level (an “apron”). This helps prevent animals from digging under the coop.
If digging isn’t practical, wrapping the base of the structure with hardware cloth also adds an effective layer of protection.
Controls odor, moisture, and bacteria using probiotics and minerals to reduce odor and wetness. Extends bedding life.
David’s Picks:
Prevents easy access (especially from raccoons). Simple latches can be opened by predators. Double-action or locking systems add real security. Applies to both coop doors and run access points. A standard gate latch, secured with a twist-locking carabiner, is considered one of the most effective, easy-to-use methods.
David has raised backyard chickens for over 14 years and previously ran Chick Chalet (est. 2014), a backyard chicken rental service. These picks reflect what actually works day-to-day—not just what looks good online.
CONVERTED SHED/ CUSTOM SETUP is most flexible, built to your space. Works well if you already have a structure and want a more permanent setup. If you’re converting an existing shed, you can add nesting boxes and roosting bars as needed—no need to start from scratch.
Expanded coop/run combo that offers more space and flexibility for larger or growing flocks. More space, longer-term setup. Multiple lift top nesting boxes. Walk-in; all-weather build. Good for 6-15 hens.
Chicken feed is usually in a 50 lb bag. You’ll want about a 30-50 lb galvanized steel bin with a lid that has a tight seal for food storage.
If feeding and watering are easy, everything else falls into place. A simple setup keeps things clean, consistent, and manageable—even when you’re not home.
Protection Layer (Don’t Skip This)
David’s Tips:
David’s Picks:
Simple tool, big difference. Makes cleanup fast without dragging out full equipment. Lightweight, easy to grab, easy to store.
Clean systems don’t take more time—they take better setup. A simple bedding layer, paired with moisture control and quick cleanup tools, keeps things dry, reduces odor, and makes daily maintenance manageable.
Quick check-ins without disruption. Not required—but extremely useful. Lets you monitor without opening the coop. Helpful during transitions (new flock, weather, predators). Peace of mind when away.
Most issues with backyard chickens come down to weak points in the setup. A few simple upgrades—especially at ground level and entry points—prevent problems before they start.