So delivery day feels exciting — not stressful

There’s a moment every future chicken owner hits — and it usually comes after the coop is ordered.

The confirmation email is in your inbox.
The delivery window is scheduled.
You step outside, look at your yard, and think:

“Oh s&%#! I have to prep my yard!”

It’s not panic exactly — just that realization that this is real, and you want to do it right. The good news is, yard prep doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning now makes delivery smoother, protects your coop long-term, and saves you from muddy problems later.

Let’s walk through it together.

Start by Choosing the Right Spot

(This decision matters more than most people realize.)

The best coop sites have three things in common: they’re dry, easy to reach, and intentional.

Look for a spot that sits slightly higher than the rest of your yard. Water always finds the low point, and you don’t want it pooling under your coop after rain or snow. Dry ground keeps bedding cleaner, reduces odors, and helps protect your coop over time.

Next, think about access. Delivery day goes much smoother when there’s a clear path from the driveway to the coop location. Fewer obstacles mean faster setup and less stress for everyone involved.

Before you commit, check local setback rules or HOA guidelines. It’s much easier to confirm this now than to realize later that your “perfect spot” isn’t allowed.

Mark the Footprint (This Is Where It Starts to Feel Real)

Once you’ve chosen the location, it’s time to put it on the ground.

Measure the exact footprint of your coop and mark the corners with stakes and string. This helps you visualize the space and makes sure your foundation matches the coop — not almost, not “close enough.”

Clear grass, rocks, roots, and debris inside the outline. You want a clean, flat surface to work with.

If any digging is involved, call 811 to have underground utilities marked. It’s free, fast, and one of those steps that feels boring until it really isn’t.

Plan for Water Before It Becomes a Problem

Most coop problems don’t start with chickens — they start with moisture.

If the ground slopes slightly away from the coop, water drains instead of collecting underneath. Even a gentle slope makes a big difference over time.

This is also where most coop owners make their foundation decision. For larger, heavier coops, the majority choose either a crushed gravel base or a concrete slab. Gravel allows water to drain through and keeps the base breathable, while concrete provides a solid, permanent surface that’s easy to keep clean.

If your yard stays soggy or has heavy clay soil, adding a few inches of crushed gravel over landscape fabric can make all the difference. It helps prevent sinking, standing water, and long-term settling issues.

Dry ground means fewer smells, easier cleaning, and a happier coop long-term.

Take the Time to Level the Site

(Your future self will thank you.)

A coop needs to sit level — not for looks, but for function.

Doors close better.
Windows line up correctly.
And the structure stays square instead of slowly twisting over time.

Use a long board and a level to check the area. If one side is higher, remove soil until everything sits flat. This step matters even more when installing gravel or pouring a slab.

Choose a Foundation That Fits Your Yard

There isn’t one “right” foundation. There’s the right one for your space, soil, and climate.

Smaller coops may work on patio stones, but as coop size and weight increase, most owners transition to gravel bases or concrete slabs for long-term stability. Treated wood beams paired with gravel can also work well when airflow underneath is desired.

What matters most is even support, good drainage, and keeping wood off wet ground.

Think One Step Ahead: Weather & Predators

A little extra planning here saves a lot of frustration later.

• Bury hardware cloth around the base to help deter digging predators
• Keep wood elevated to protect it from moisture
• Leave space around the coop for cleaning, maintenance, and future add-ons

These are small steps, but they add up to a coop that works with you — not against you.

Why This Prep Is Worth It

Prepping your yard isn’t just about delivery day.

Fewer muddy boots.
Cleaner bedding.
A coop that lasts longer.
And chickens that stay healthier year-round.

When the truck pulls in and your coop is set down exactly where it belongs, you’ll feel it — that quiet relief of knowing you handled the hard part ahead of time.

And that’s how a good chicken journey starts.

Need help picking the perfect coop? 

Check out the Gone Broody Design Center to go over sizes and features.

Contact Us anytime at (800) 407-2478 or contact@gonebroody.com.