If you’ve ever wondered why some coops keep birds healthy and thriving while others create nonstop problems… this episode is your missing blueprint. Rip Stalvey, Jeff Mattocks, and Carey Blackmon break down the real factors that make or break a coop—space requirements, ventilation, run design, soil management, flock stress, and more. Whether you’re building your first coop or improving one you’ve used for years, this conversation will help you avoid the hidden mistakes that lead to behavioral issues, respiratory problems, soil burnout, predator vulnerability, and long-term maintenance headaches. In Part 1, you’ll learn: • The 3 critical elements every coop must have • How flock goals shape coop design • Real indoor & outdoor space requirements per bird • Why overcrowding triggers stress and weak immunity • Managing soil health in runs and high-traffic areas • Smart run rotation to prevent pathogen overload • How to use gardens, cover crops, and liming to restore soil • Coop height, roost height, and placement mistakes • Doors, pop doors, flooring, hardware, and cleaning efficiency • Practical examples from Florida, Texas, Oklahoma & beyond This episode is packed with hands-on, real-world solutions from people who’ve built and rebuilt dozens of coops—from backyard setups to pasture-based systems. Next week: Coop Design Secrets – Part 2 We’ll dive deeper into roost systems, ventilation specifics, predator protection, and layout tips that make caring for your birds easier year-round. If you love learning, improving your setup, and raising healthier, happier birds… you’re in the right place. Watch, learn, and subscribe for more poultry wisdom every week. #PoultryKeepersPodcast #PoultryKeepers360 #BackyardChickens #ChickenCoops #CoopDesign #PoultryHealth #Homesteading #RaisingChickens #ChickenRunDesign #PoultryTips #SmallFlockKeeping #HeritagePoultry You can email us at -
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