Coops & runs
Where to put your chicken coop and run (UK): the siting checklist
Most coop/run misery starts with a bad location: constant mud, smells, awkward chores, and neighbour tension. This page helps you pick the boring, practical spot that actually works.
Hard truth: “It looks cute at the bottom of the garden” is not a siting strategy.
Drainage
Shade & wind
Neighbours
Daily workflow
The 4 siting priorities
- Dry ground (or at least drainable)
- Easy access (winter water carries are real)
- Some shelter (wind/rain)
- Neighbour awareness (noise + smell management)
Siting mistakes that cost you
- lowest point of the garden (run becomes a swamp)
- under roof dripline (constant saturation)
- hidden corner you avoid (chores get skipped)
- right by the patio (smell + flies + neighbour conflict)
If you’re stuck with a bad spot
You can still win by roofing a section and upgrading the surface.
Drainage & ground
If water pools there, your run will be mud for months.
- choose a spot with a slight fall (water moves away)
- avoid compacted clay corners if possible
- consider a base layer (gravel) + top layer (chip) if needed
Simple test: after rain, where does the water sit for the longest? Don’t build there.
Sun, shade, and wind
- Shade matters in summer (especially for heavy birds).
- Windbreak helps in winter — but don’t create a damp dead zone.
- roofed run areas give reliable shelter year-round.
Ventilation still matters inside the coop: ventilation guide.
Neighbours (UK reality)
Even if you’re “allowed”, neighbour friction can make chicken keeping miserable.
- site away from shared fences when possible
- keep the run clean and dry (smell comes from damp)
- avoid roosters unless you’re very sure
- keep feed stored securely (pests create complaints)
Also read: UK rules & considerations.
Daily workflow (the underrated siting factor)
- how far do you carry water in winter?
- where do you put used bedding / manure?
- can you access the coop easily with a torch at night?
- will you actually walk there daily in the rain?
Truth: if chores are annoying, they don’t get done. Site for convenience.
Siting checklist (save this)
- dryest practical spot in the garden
- some shade available (or you can add it)
- not under a constant roof dripline
- easy access for daily water/food
- space to expand the run later (you probably will)
- secure, visible location (easy checks and less theft risk)