Coop Delivery & Yard Preparation Guide

Chicken Coop Arrival, Setup & Care Guide

Thank you again for your order! We’re excited to get your coop started. We’ll have a coop completion date available in about 7 to 10 days, and once the coop is finished, delivery is usually scheduled within about a week of the completion date. We’ll keep you updated as the build moves along and will give you as much notice as possible once we have a more definitive delivery window.

For delivery, we typically ask customers to keep a two-day window open when they can. These are large buildings being moved long distances, so delivery timing can sometimes shift because of weather, road construction, detours, route changes, or other delays along the way. The shipper will also call you about one hour before arriving, so you’ll have notice before they get to your property.

When you have a chance, please fill out our yard placement form and upload photos of the delivery area here:
https://www.gonebroody.com/pages/yard-placement-agreement-form

This helps us look over the placement area ahead of time, plan for the smoothest delivery possible, and make sure the driver brings the right equipment for your yard.

Before Your Coop Arrives

Preparing Your Yard for Coop Delivery

Before your coop arrives, it is important to have the placement area ready. A level, well-drained site helps the coop sit properly, keeps water away from the base, and makes delivery much smoother.

Start by choosing a spot that does not hold water after rain. Clear away grass, roots, large rocks, debris, and anything that may get in the way of placement. If possible, the ground should gently slope away from the coop so rainwater can drain away instead of sitting underneath it.

We recommend creating a concrete pad or crushed stone pad that is about 1 foot wider than the coop dimensions listed on the website. This gives the coop a clean, stable base and helps keep the surrounding area easier to maintain.

For example, if your coop is listed as 8 ft x 12 ft, a good pad size would be about 9 ft x 13 ft.

Good foundation options include:

• A crushed stone pad
• A concrete pad
• Patio stones or pavers on packed gravel
• Treated wood beams on packed gravel
• Concrete piers with beams, especially for larger coops

For larger coops, concrete piers can be a very good option. They help create a stable foundation, especially on sloped yards, soft soil, clay soil, or areas with deep frost. Piers are typically placed under key support points such as corners and middle support areas, then beams are added on top to support the coop.

Concrete pillars are a strong foundation choice when your coop or building needs extra support, especially on sites where a simple gravel pad may not be enough. Before installation, the area should be cleared, graded for drainage, and checked for underground utilities. Each pillar hole should be dug below the local frost line to help prevent frost heave and shifting over time. The pillars should be at least 14 inches in diameter, poured with concrete that meets local code, and finished level at the correct height so the building sits evenly.

For the best long-term support, concrete pillars should typically be spaced 8 feet on center unless your specific building plan says otherwise. All locations, spacing, and elevations should be carefully checked before delivery so the structure can be placed safely and correctly. The concrete also needs time to cure before the building is set on it. A little extra prep here goes a long way — nobody wants a beautiful coop sitting on a foundation that decided to audition for a roller coaster.

Before digging or adding piers, please check local rules, permit requirements, and setback rules. You should also call 811 before digging so underground lines can be marked.

A few helpful site prep reminders:

• Leave room around the coop for delivery, cleaning, and future maintenance
• Make sure doors, windows, nest boxes, and cleanout doors will have room to open fully
• Keep the site as level as possible
• Choose a spot with good drainage
• Avoid placing the coop where water pools
• Use landscape fabric under crushed stone if your soil is soft, muddy, or clay-heavy
• Consider hardware cloth around the base if digging predators are a concern
• Use ground anchors in windy areas when needed
• Avoid using gravel inside chicken runs: Crushed stone or gravel works well under and around the coop for drainage, but it is not the best surface for the run area where chickens will spend their day walking, scratching, and dust bathing. Chickens usually prefer softer footing, and rough gravel can make them less likely to use the run comfortably. For the run floor, use a chicken-friendly material such as sand, natural soil, wood chips, straw, hemp bedding, or another softer run material that allows them to scratch and move around more naturally.

You can review our full site prep and foundation guide here:
https://www.gonebroody.com/pages/chicken-coop-site-prep-and-foundations

Clear the Delivery Path

Before delivery day, please make sure the path to the coop location is clear and accessible.

Check for:

• Low branches
• Gates that are too narrow
• Lawn furniture
• Vehicles
• Trailers
• Firewood piles
• Garden décor
• Children’s toys
• Dog kennels or fencing
• Soft or muddy ground
• Tight turns around buildings, trees, or landscaping

The delivery equipment needs room to safely move the coop into place. If the driver cannot safely access the area, the coop may need to be placed in a different spot or delivery may need to be adjusted.

Check Gate and Access Width

If the coop needs to pass through a gate, fence opening, or narrow path, please make sure there is enough clearance.

As a general rule, the opening should be at least 2 to 3 feet wider than the coop itself so the delivery equipment has room to maneuver safely.

If you are unsure, please send photos and measurements with your yard placement form.

Watch Ground Conditions Before Delivery

Heavy rain, snow, ice, or very soft ground can make placement more difficult. If your yard becomes too wet or soft before delivery, please let us know as soon as possible.

The driver will do their best to place the coop safely, but soft ground, steep slopes, or muddy areas may limit where the coop can be placed.

Check Local Rules Before Delivery

Before your coop arrives, please check any local rules that may apply to your property.

This may include:

• City or township rules
• HOA rules
• Setback requirements
• Permit requirements
• Property line restrictions
• Limits on flock size or roosters

These rules vary by location, so it is best to confirm them before the coop is delivered and placed.

After Your Coop Arrives

Once your coop has been delivered and placed, there are a few simple steps to get it ready for your flock.

This guide will walk you through the most common things to check and set up before adding your chickens.

1. Do a Quick Walkaround

Before adding anything inside, take a few minutes to walk around the coop and check that everything looks good after delivery.

Look over:

• Doors and latches
• Windows
• Vents
• Nest boxes
• Roost bars
• Litter trays
• Feed room or storage area, if included
• Any add-ons such as shutters, flower boxes, fans, or automatic chicken doors

Open and close all doors, windows, and access points so you know how everything works.

If anything looks off from delivery, take clear photos right away and reach out so we can help review it.

2. Take a Few First-Day Photos

After your coop is placed, we recommend taking a few photos before your flock moves in.

Helpful photos include:

• Front, back, and both sides of the coop
• Interior layout
• Nest boxes
• Roost bars
• Litter trays
• Electrical package, if included
• Any add-ons or custom features

These photos are helpful for your own records and make it easier to review any questions after delivery.

3. Let the Coop Settle

After delivery, your coop may need a little time to settle into its final spot.

If a door, latch, or window feels slightly tight at first, check that the coop is sitting level and that nothing is twisted from placement. Small adjustments may be needed depending on the ground surface.

If something seems more than a simple adjustment, take photos and reach out so it can be reviewed.

4. Make Sure the Coop Is Sitting Level

Once the coop is placed, check that it is sitting level.

A level coop helps:

• Doors open and close correctly
• Latches line up properly
• Rollaway nest boxes work as intended
• Litter trays slide in and out more easily
• Waterers and feed systems sit correctly

If the coop is placed on uneven ground, minor leveling may be needed after delivery.

5. Important Note About Cupolas & Weathervanes

If your coop includes a cupola and/or weathervane, these pieces may need to be installed after delivery.

This is normal. Cupolas and weathervanes are often left off during transport because they can make the coop too tall for safe travel under bridges, wires, and overpasses.

Your coop will already have the cupola base secured on the roof. To install the cupola, place it onto the prepared base and attach it with the 4 simple screws provided.

If your coop includes a weathervane, it can be added after the cupola is secured in place.

Before installing, make sure the cupola is centered and sitting flat on the base. If you are not comfortable climbing or working on the roof, please have someone help you or hire a handyman.

6. Connect the Electrical Package

If your coop has an electrical package, you will usually need to supply power from your home, garage, barn, or outdoor outlet.

Use a properly rated outdoor extension cord and plug the coop into a safe power source.

Once connected, check:

• Interior lights
• Exterior lights, if included
• Outlets
• Exhaust fans, if included
• Any heated waterers or powered accessories you plan to use

Make sure cords are kept out of walkways and away from areas where chickens can peck at them.

For safety, use outdoor-rated cords and GFCI-protected outlets whenever possible.

7. Start Charging Any Solar Accessories

If your coop includes a solar-powered automatic chicken door, solar fan, or another solar accessory, place the solar panel where it will receive direct sunlight.

The panel may need time to charge before the accessory works fully.

Check that:

• The solar panel is facing the sun
• The cord is securely connected
• The battery or unit is charging
• The automatic door opens and closes correctly before relying on it overnight

It is a good idea to test automatic doors for a few days before fully depending on them to secure your flock.

8. Help Chickens Learn the Automatic Door

If your coop includes an automatic chicken door, your flock may need a few days to learn how it works.

For the first several evenings, check the coop after dark to make sure all chickens made it inside before the door closed.

Some chickens may need to be gently placed inside the coop at night until they learn the routine.

Do not rely fully on the automatic door until you have watched it open and close correctly for several days.

9. Add Nesting Pads or Bedding to Nest Boxes

Before your hens start using the nest boxes, add nesting pads, shavings, straw, or another nesting material.

This helps:

• Cushion eggs
• Keep eggs cleaner
• Make the boxes more inviting
• Reduce egg breakage

If you have rollaway nest boxes, make sure the nesting material does not block the rollaway function.

10. Add Sand, PDZ, or Bedding to Litter Trays

If your coop includes litter trays under the roost bars, add your preferred tray material before the chickens move in.

Common options include:

• Sand
• Sweet PDZ
• Pine shavings
• Hemp bedding
• Other poultry-safe bedding

A thin layer is usually enough to help make cleanup easier. Avoid letting trays get too heavy, especially if they are removable.

11. Deep Litter Coops - Add Bedding to the Coop Floor

Add your preferred coop bedding to the floor before placing chickens inside.

Common choices include:

• Pine shavings
• Hemp bedding
• Straw
• Sand, if your coop floor is designed for it

Keep bedding dry and replace or refresh it as needed.

Dry bedding helps reduce odor, moisture, and ammonia buildup.

12. Set Up Feed and Water

Before adding chickens, make sure feed and water are already in place.

Check that:

• Waterers are full
• Feeders are filled
• Chickens can easily reach both
• Water is protected from freezing in cold weather
• Feed is stored away from moisture and pests

If your coop has a feed room, this is a great place to keep extra feed, supplements, scoops, and supplies.

13. Store Feed Properly

If your coop includes a feed room or storage area, keep feed sealed in a container with a tight-fitting lid or feed bin.

This helps protect feed from:

• Moisture
• Mice
• Insects
• Wild birds
• Spoiling
• Spills

Avoid leaving open feed bags inside the coop or run, especially overnight.

14. Test Ventilation and Fans

Good airflow matters in every season.

Open and close vents or windows so you understand how to adjust them. If your coop has exhaust fans, test them after the electrical is connected.

In warm weather, use windows, vents, and fans to help move hot air out.

In cold weather, the goal is still fresh air — but without strong drafts blowing directly on the birds while they roost.

15. Do Not Block Ventilation

It may seem natural to close the coop tightly in cold weather, but chickens still need fresh air.

Ventilation helps remove moisture, ammonia, and stale air from the coop. Moisture buildup can be more dangerous than cold temperatures, especially in winter.

Keep upper vents open enough for air to escape, while avoiding strong drafts blowing directly on the chickens while they roost.

16. Prepare the Run or Outdoor Area

Before letting chickens outside, check the run or fenced area.

Make sure:

• Gates latch securely
• Fencing is tight
• There are no obvious gaps
• Predators cannot easily dig under
• Chickens have shade and water
• The path from coop to run is safe

If your chickens will free range, it is still helpful to keep them in the coop and run for a short adjustment period first so they learn where home is.

17. Predator Safety Reminder

Your coop is an important part of protecting your flock, but predator safety also depends on your full setup.

Before leaving chickens outside unattended, check the coop, run, fencing, gates, and ground edges.

Look for:

• Gaps under fencing
• Loose latches
• Weak spots around doors
• Areas where animals could dig
• Openings near vents, windows, or run connections
• Feed spills that may attract pests or predators

If your chickens have an attached run, make sure the run is also secured before they are left outside overnight.

18. When to Order Chicks and Move Chickens In

We highly recommend waiting to order chicks until your coop has arrived, been placed, and is ready for use. Chick orders are usually mailed out quickly, often within 3 to 5 days, while coop delivery timing can sometimes shift due to weather, road construction, route changes, or other delivery delays.

Waiting until the coop is on-site helps make sure your flock has a secure, finished space before they arrive.

If you are raising chicks in a brooder first, you may have some extra time before they are ready to move into the coop. Even then, we still recommend having the coop delivered and set up before starting your chick order whenever possible.

Once the coop is ready, you can move your chickens in and let them explore their new space. Many chickens need a little time to learn where to sleep, where to lay, and how to move in and out of the coop.

For the first few days:

• Watch how they use the roost bars
• Make sure they find the food and water
• Keep an eye out for any picking or bullying
• Check that they return to the coop at night
• Manually confirm doors are closed and secure

If your chickens are new to the coop, you may need to gently place them on the roost bars at night for the first few evenings until they learn the routine.

19. Give Your Flock a Short Adjustment Period

Chickens may need a few days to understand their new coop.

During the first week, it is normal to see some confusion as they figure out:

• Where to sleep
• Where to lay eggs
• How to use ramps
• How to use the chicken door
• Where food and water are located

Check on them morning and evening until they settle into a routine.

20. Check the Coop at Night

The first night is important.

After dark, check that:

• All chickens are inside
• The door is closed
• Latches are secure
• Automatic doors have shut properly
• No chickens are sleeping in nest boxes unless you allow it
• Everyone looks settled

This is especially important if you are using an automatic chicken door for the first time.

21. Keep an Eye on the Coop During the First Week

During the first week, do quick daily checks while everyone adjusts.

Watch for:

• Chickens sleeping in nest boxes
• Roosting problems
• Moisture buildup
• Loose bedding blocking doors or trays
• Feed or water spills
• Automatic door timing issues
• Signs of predators testing the coop or run

Small adjustments early on can make the coop much easier to manage long term.

22. Save Any Accessory Instructions

If your coop includes accessories such as an automatic chicken door, solar panel, fan, heated waterer, or other add-ons, please keep any included manuals or instructions in a safe place.

These can be helpful for setup, troubleshooting, battery care, timer settings, and future maintenance.

Simple First-Day Checklist

Use this quick list before your chickens move in:

• Walk around the coop and check doors, latches, windows, and add-ons
• Take first-day photos of the inside and outside
• Make sure the coop is sitting level
• Install the cupola, if included and shipped separately
• Plug in the electrical package, if included
• Test lights, outlets, fans, and powered accessories
• Place solar panels in direct sunlight and allow them to charge
• Test automatic chicken doors before relying on them overnight
• Add nesting pads or bedding to nest boxes
• Add sand, PDZ, or bedding to litter trays
• Add bedding to the coop floor
• Fill feeders and waterers
• Store extra feed in a sealed container
• Check vents, windows, and airflow
• Secure the run or outdoor area
• Add chickens once everything is ready
• Check on the flock after dark the first night

A Few Things to Avoid

During the first few days, avoid:

• Blocking vents completely
• Letting bedding pile up against automatic doors
• Using unsafe extension cords
• Leaving feed bags open
• Letting waterers leak inside the coop
• Relying on an automatic door before testing it
• Overcrowding the coop beyond what your flock can comfortably use
• Adding chickens before the run or outdoor area is secure

Exterior Paint and Stain Maintenance

Your chicken coop is built for outdoor use, but like any outdoor structure, the exterior finish will need basic care over time.

Coop paint and stain colors are based on Sherwin-Williams colors. If touch-ups are needed later, you can bring your color name, a sample, or a small paint chip to your local hardware store or paint counter for help with a color match.

How often you need to repaint, touch up, or restain depends on your climate, sun exposure, tree coverage, moisture, and how exposed the coop is to wind, snow, and rain.

A good habit is to check the exterior at least twice a year, usually in spring and fall.

Look for:

• Peeling paint
• Fading stain
• Cracked or missing caulk
• Exposed wood
• Scratches or dents
• Areas where water sits or splashes
• Trim, corners, doors, and edges that see extra wear

Small touch-ups are much easier than waiting until the finish is badly worn.

LP Siding Maintenance

For coops with LP siding, keep the siding clean and sealed.

Use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or soft brush to gently clean dirt, dust, or buildup. Avoid harsh pressure washing, as strong water pressure can force moisture into seams or damage the finish.

Check around trim, windows, doors, and corners for cracked or missing caulk. If caulk is damaged, replace it with an exterior-grade caulk.

If paint is peeling, chipped, or worn down to the siding, touch it up before moisture can reach the exposed surface.

LP Board and Batten Maintenance

LP board and batten siding should be maintained much like regular LP siding, but pay extra attention to the batten strips and vertical seams.

Check that the battens remain sealed and that no open gaps have formed where water can collect.

Look closely at:

• Vertical seams
• Bottom edges
• Door trim
• Window trim
• Corners
• Areas near splashback from rain or snow

Clean with mild soap and water as needed. Repaint or touch up worn areas before the siding underneath is exposed.

Tongue and Groove Siding Maintenance

Tongue and groove siding has a more natural wood look and may need more regular maintenance, especially if it is stained instead of painted.

Check the finish at least once or twice a year. If the stain starts to fade, dry out, or look uneven, it may be time to reapply stain or exterior wood finish.

Pay close attention to:

• Sun-facing walls
• Lower boards near the ground
• Corners and trim
• Areas where rain or snow sits
• Any exposed end grain

Wood siding should stay sealed so it does not absorb too much moisture. Touch up worn stain or exposed areas as needed.

Roof Maintenance

Your coop roof should also be checked a few times a year, especially after heavy storms, strong winds, hail, heavy snow, or falling branches.

Always use caution around the roof. If you are not comfortable checking it safely, have a handyman, roofer, or another qualified person help.

Shingle Roof Maintenance

For shingle roofs, check for:

• Missing shingles
• Lifted or curled shingles
• Cracked shingles
• Loose ridge cap pieces
• Branches, leaves, or debris sitting on the roof
• Signs of water backing up around roof edges

Keep leaves, sticks, and debris from sitting on the roof for long periods. Debris can hold moisture and may shorten the life of the shingles.

If your coop has gutters, keep them clear so water can drain away properly.

Metal Roof Maintenance

For metal roofs, check for:

• Loose screws
• Scratches
• Dents
• Rust spots
• Lifted panels
• Debris caught along roof edges or ridges

Keep leaves, branches, and other debris off the roof when possible. If the roof gets scratched, touch-up paint may help protect the exposed area. Do not use harsh chemicals on a metal roof. If it needs cleaning, use gentle soap, water, and a soft brush or cloth.

Cleaning Out Your Chicken Coop

How often you clean your coop depends on how many chickens you have, the size of the coop, the weather, the bedding you use, and how much time your chickens spend inside.

The goal is to keep the coop dry, fresh, and safe for your flock.

A clean coop helps reduce:

• Odor
• Moisture
• Flies
• Ammonia buildup
• Dirty eggs
• Respiratory irritation
• Frostbite risk in winter

Simple Daily or Every-Few-Day Checks

A full cleanout is not needed every day, but quick checks help a lot.

Check for:

• Wet bedding
• Spilled water
• Heavy droppings under roosts
• Dirty nest boxes
• Broken eggs
• Feed spills
• Strong ammonia smell

If something is wet, remove it right away. Moisture causes most coop problems.

Summer Cleaning Basics

In summer, heat and moisture can make odor and flies build up faster.

During warm months, you may need to clean more often, especially if your flock spends a lot of time inside the coop.

Helpful summer habits:

• Scrape or sift litter trays often
• Remove wet bedding right away
• Refresh nest box bedding as needed
• Keep feed spills cleaned up
• Keep waterers from leaking
• Increase airflow through windows, vents, and fans
• Do a deeper clean when odor starts to build

For many backyard flocks, a deeper clean every few weeks works well in summer, but crowded coops may need it more often.

Winter Cleaning Basics

In winter, the main goal is to keep the coop dry without removing too much bedding too often.

Cold air, moisture, and ammonia are a bad mix for chickens. Bedding should stay dry and fluffy, not damp or packed down.

Helpful winter habits:

• Remove wet bedding right away
• Keep waterers from leaking or spilling
• Scrape litter trays as needed
• Add fresh dry bedding when the floor starts to look packed down
• Keep ventilation open enough to let moisture escape
• Avoid strong drafts blowing directly on roosting birds

If using a deep litter method, add clean bedding on top as needed and turn the bedding occasionally. The coop should smell earthy or neutral, not sharp or sour. If you smell ammonia, the coop needs attention right away. Add ventilation, remove wet bedding, and refresh the litter.

Nest Box Cleaning

Nest boxes should stay clean and inviting.

Check them often for:

• Dirty bedding
• Broken eggs
• Droppings
• Damp nesting material

Replace nesting pads, shavings, straw, or other nesting material whenever it becomes dirty or flattened.

Clean nest boxes help keep eggs cleaner and encourage hens to lay where you want them to.

Litter Tray Cleaning

If your coop has litter trays under the roost bars, they will likely collect most of the droppings.

Add sand, Sweet PDZ, pine shavings, hemp bedding, or another poultry-safe material to make cleanup easier.

Depending on your flock size, trays may need to be cleaned every few days to once a week.

Do not let trays get too heavy, especially if they are removable.

Seasonal Coop Care Checklist

Spring

• Check siding, trim, paint, stain, and caulk
• Clean windows, vents, and screens
• Check roof for winter damage
• Refresh bedding
• Deep clean if needed
• Test fans, outlets, and automatic doors
• Check run fencing and latches

Summer

• Watch for heat buildup
• Use windows, vents, and fans for airflow
• Remove wet bedding quickly
• Clean litter trays often
• Watch for flies and odor
• Keep waterers full and clean

Fall

• Check paint, stain, and caulk before winter
• Clear leaves and debris from the roof
• Check shingles or metal roofing
• Prepare heated waterers, if used
• Make sure vents still allow moisture to escape
• Stock up on bedding before cold weather

Winter

• Keep bedding dry
• Prevent water spills
• Watch for ammonia smell
• Keep ventilation open without direct drafts
• Remove snow buildup around doors and vents
• Check that doors and latches do not freeze shut

Keep Your Order Information

Please keep your order details, delivery photos, and any product paperwork in a safe place.

If a warranty question comes up later, photos and order details make it much easier to review the concern with the correct builder or manufacturer.

Questions After Delivery

If you have questions after delivery, please send clear photos and a short description of what you are seeing. Photos help us review the situation faster and point you in the right direction.

For warranty-related questions, please keep your order details, delivery photos, and any product paperwork available so the concern can be reviewed with the correct builder or manufacturer.

Final Reminder

A little seasonal maintenance goes a long way. Your coop does not need to be perfect every day, but it should stay dry, secure, and well-ventilated.

Small checks throughout the year help protect both the coop and your flock.