Raising chickens for meat (broilers) requires providing them with proper housing to keep them comfortable, healthy and growing well. Meat chickens have some special requirements when it comes to coop design and set-up compared to chickens raised for eggs. Here is an overview of the key things you need to provide meat chickens in their coop:
Adequate Space
Meat chickens need more space than egg layers. Commercial broiler chickens are usually allotted a minimum of 1 square foot per bird inside the coop, but free-range or pastured meat chickens may get 2-3 square feet per bird inside. The more space you can provide, the better. Overcrowding causes stress, poor air quality, reduced growth rates and health issues.
Proper Ventilation
Good air circulation and ventilation helps keep odors, humidity, ammonia levels and airborne microbes under control. Use fans, windows, vents and air gaps to promote airflow. The coop should not feel stuffy.
Litter for Flooring
Cover the floor with 4-6 inches of absorbent litter like wood shavings, rice hulls or straw. Stir and replace litter regularly to keep it dry. Dry litter prevents diseases like coccidiosis and footpad dermatitis.
Roosts
Roosts allow chickens to perch off the floor. Use rounded or square roosts 1-2 inches wide installed 8-12 inches off the ground. Allow 6-10 inches of roost space per bird. Higher roosts for younger birds.
Nest Boxes
Nest boxes are not essential but can reduce floor eggs. Provide one 12×12 inch box for every 2-3 hens. Line boxes with litter.
Feeders and Waterers
Use sturdy feeders that protect feed from litter and have enough space for all birds to eat. Provide 1 foot of feeder space for every 3 birds. Use bell, nipple or cup waterers that keep water clean. Supply enough waterers for all birds to drink easily.
Access to Outdoors
A fenced outdoor run or pasture provides exercise, fresh air and sunshine. Rotate pastured pens to give birds access to new vegetation and prevent disease buildup. Provide 2-3 square feet per bird outdoors.
Proper Lighting
Chickens need full spectrum lighting for proper development. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily using natural daylight or LED grow lights. Insufficient light depresses growth.
Adequate Heating
Supplemental heat may be needed to keep baby chicks warm. Use a brooder lamp, space heater or radiant floor heating to maintain a temperature of 90-95 F the first week. Lower by 5 degrees each week until ambient temperatures reach 70 F.
Draft-Free Shelter
The coop should shield chickens from wind, rain and cold while still allowing for ventilation. Use insulation, windbreaks and elevated coops to protect birds from the elements.
Predator Protection
Secure windows, doors and fencing to prevent entry by predators like coyotes, foxes, raccoons, weasels and hawks. Bury fencing to deter digging pests.
Easy Cleaning and Sanitation
The coop should be easy to clean between flocks. Smooth, non-porous surfaces are easier to disinfect. A drain system makes washing out waste simpler.
Dust Control
Meat chickens are susceptible to respiratory diseases aggravated by dust. Use litter, oil spraying or landscaping to control dust in outdoor pens. Hang tarps to block dust entry in open-sided coops.
Aesthetic Considerations
While not critical, an attractive coop can be a matter of pride and improve your property’s curb appeal. Consider siding, decorative hardware, paint colors and ornamental plantings around the coop.
Easy Access
Convenient doors, ramps and work spaces make caring for chickens easier on the caretaker. Reduce heavy lifting and long distance carrying as much as possible.
Biosecurity
Take precautions against introducing diseases into your flock. Install disinfecting foot baths, isolate new chickens and limit visitors. Keep free-ranging chickens separate from pet chickens.
Cost Considerations
While an expensive coop is not essential, also avoid cutting corners on critical components like ventilation and lighting. Prioritize features that keep chickens healthy and safe.
Compliance with Regulations
Ensure your coop and flock comply with local zoning laws, permit requirements and health regulations. Consider neighbor relations too.
Space Requirements
Here are some general space recommendations for meat chickens:
Coop Floor Space | 1-3 sq ft per bird |
Outdoor Run Space | 2-3 sq ft per bird |
Roost Space | 6-10 inches per bird |
Feeder Space | 1 foot per 2-3 birds |
Essential Coop Features Checklist
- Spacious interior with room to move and grow
- Good ventilation and air quality control
- Comfortable, absorbent floor litter
- Roosts elevated off the floor
- Adequate feeders and waterers
- Access to the outdoors
- Sufficient lighting for 14-16 hours
- Supplemental heat for baby chicks
- Draft and weather protection
- Security from predators
- Easy to clean and sanitize
Choosing a Coop Design
When selecting or building a coop for meat chickens, consider factors like:
- Number and size of chickens
- Climate and weather conditions
- Predator pressures
- Ventilation requirements
- Available space and budgets
- Ease of access for care and harvesting
- Aesthetic preferences
- Permanent vs movable coop
Work to maximize usable space, airflow, lighting, access and functionality while meeting the needs of your specific flock.
Coop Floor Plans
Here are some sample layouts for meat chicken coops:
Simple Small Brooder Coop
5 x 8 foot movable coop for up to 25 chicks with brooder heat lamp, roosts, litter flooring and access to outdoor run.
Large Stationary Pastured Poultry Coop
12 x 20 foot open-sided coop withroosts, nest boxes, insulation, ventilation, nighttime door closure and attached fenced runs rotating on pasture.
Tractor-Style Mobile Coop
A-frame portable coop moved frequently over meat chickens’ pasture range with roosting bars, feeders, and nest box.Provides shelter, shade and protection.
Converted Shed-Style Coop
Repurposed 8 x 12 foot storage shed retrofitted with doors, windows, roosts, litter flooring and heat lamps to house 50-75 meat chickens.
Custom-Built Backyard Broiler Coop
New 8 x 12 foot coop with insulation, ventilation, automatic door, built-in feeders and amenities for 75-100 meat chickens.
Coop Construction Materials
Use these durable, natural materials to build a secure, functional coop:
- Framing – Wood, PVC pipe, metal studs
- Walls – Wood, plywood, wire mesh, insulation panels
- Roof – Metal, asphalt shingles, rubber
- Doors/Windows – Wood, Plexiglas, hardware cloth
- Floor – Dirt, gravel, sand, wood, concrete
Choose rot-resistant woods like cedar or pine treated with non-toxic sealant. Prioritize good ventilation, cleanability and strength.
Coop Accessories
These added features create a more functional, convenient and comfortable environment:
- Automatic door openers
- Roosting bars
- Perches
- Nesting boxes
- Feeders
- Waterers
- Fans/ventilation
- Heaters
- Lights
- Bedding dispensers
Customize your coop with handy accessories to save labor, improve convenience and optimize living conditions.
Biosecurity Measures
Keep your flock healthy and prevent disease introduction with these biosecure practices:
- Quarantine new birds before adding to flock
- Restrict access to your property
- Disinfect equipment and shoes
- Avoid visiting other poultry flocks
- Don’t share tools or equipment
- Remove litter and manure regularly
- Monitor birds daily for signs of illness
- Only add disease-free birds to your flock
Biosecurity protects your investment and prevents losses from contagious poultry diseases.
Cleaning and Disinfecting the Coop
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the coop between each flock:
- Remove all chickens, feed, water and equipment
- Shovel out all manure and litter into compost
- Sweep floors and scrape surfaces
- Wash out coop with pressure washer
- Rinse with water and let dry completely
- Apply disinfectant to all surfaces
- Install fresh litter
Following proper biosecurity protocols helps provide healthy housing for each new batch of meat chickens.
Designing a Pasture Rotation System
Rotating pastured chicken pens helps provide fresh vegetation. Some tips:
- Divide range into at least 2 sections
- Move pens or coops every 2-4 weeks
- Allow each section to regrow 4-8 weeks
- Move birds backward through sections
- Add new sections as needed
- Rotate other livestock species separately
Well-managed pasture rotation maximizes nutrition while minimizing parasites and diseases.
Breeds for Meat Chickens
The most common meat chicken breeds are:
Cornish Cross | Extremely fast growing. Ready at 6-8 weeks. Prone to leg problems. |
Freedom Ranger | Slower growing heritage breed. More active and hardy. |
Red Ranger | Heritage breed, lean carcass. Tolerates heat and cold. |
Jersey Giant | Large heritage breed. Lean meat and tender flavor. |
Choose breeds suited to your climate, facility, timeline and preferences.
Feeding Meat Chickens
Broiler chickens have very specific dietary needs:
- High protein feed for fast muscle growth
- Meticulously balanced nutrition
- No medicated rations
- Anti-coccidial agent may be helpful
- Consider probiotics and prebiotics
- Provide feed free choice
- Easy access to clean water
Consult with your feed supplier to formulate optimal rations. Feed contributes heavily to growth rate and profitability.
Common Meat Chicken Health Issues
Issue | Cause | Prevention |
---|---|---|
Leg problems | Fast growth, obesity, lack of exercise | Butcher early, breed selection, low perches |
Ascites | Rapid growth, heart/lung strain | Slower growing breeds, management adjustments |
Coccidiosis | Coccidia parasite | Adequate floor litter, anti-coccidial feed |
Footpad dermatitis | Unsanitary wet litter | Clean dry litter, proper stocking density |
Proper nutrition, clean housing and preventative management will avoid most health issues.
Butchering Meat Chickens
Butcher broilers around 8-10 weeks of age, or when target weight is reached. Steps include:
- Withhold feed 8-12 hours before butchering
- Catch and transport birds calmly to reduce stress
- Use killing cones or hang birds upside down
- Stun using electical or blunt force method
- Cut the jugular vein with a sharp knife
- Allow complete bleeding out
- Scald in hot water to loosen feathers
- Pluck feathers
- Eviscerate carefully
- Rinse carcass thoroughly
- Chill in ice water immediately
Proper butchering technique maintains meat quality and minimizes waste.
Conclusion
Raising your own meat chickens requires providing a suitable coop to house them. Focus on giving meat chickens spacious, well-ventilated, clean housing with adequate food, water, light and protection from weather and predators. Manage their environment carefully to promote health, prevent diseases and maximize growth rates. With a well-designed coop and proper care, your meat chickens will thrive and reward you with a bountiful harvest.