XL Skylight Cottage Chicken Coop Setup Guide

Quick Answer

Set up your XL Skylight Cottage Chicken Coop by choosing a level, well-drained site, assembling the house and run in the right order, and securing all predator-proof locks before introducing your flock.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a flat, well-drained area with partial shade and good ventilation. Avoid low spots where water collects. Ensure the ground is level to prevent the coop from rocking or gaps forming under the run. Check the site with a spirit level and add a gravel or sand base if drainage is poor.
2. Prepare the Base: Lay a solid base such as concrete slabs, paving stones, or a wooden frame. This keeps the coop stable, prevents rodents from digging in, and makes cleaning easier. The base must be slightly larger than the coop footprint. Ensure the base is perfectly flat before assembling; an uneven base will cause the panels to misalign.
3. Assemble the House Frame: Follow the manual to assemble the main house panels first. Use the provided screws and bolts, but do not fully tighten until all panels are aligned. This allows minor adjustments and prevents stress on the frame. Check that all corners are square before fully tightening to avoid a skewed structure.
4. Attach the Run Panels: Connect the 2-meter run panels to the house, ensuring the embedded wire is facing outward. Use the supplied brackets and screws. Make sure the wire is flush with the frame and there are no gaps at the joints. Inspect the wire mesh for any sharp edges or loose sections before moving on.
5. Secure All Locks and Latches: Install the fox-resistant, rust-free locks on all doors and access points. Test each lock to ensure it closes securely and cannot be opened by raccoons or other clever predators. Consider adding a padlock for extra security. Double-check that the run door latch aligns properly and cannot be jimmied open.
6. Add Bedding and Perches: Place a layer of pine shavings or straw on the coop floor and add nesting boxes with clean bedding. Install perches at the recommended height, ensuring they are secure and spaced to accommodate 15 birds comfortably. Avoid using cedar shavings, which can be harmful to chickens' respiratory systems.
7. Introduce Your Flock: Before adding chickens, let the coop air out for a day. Then introduce birds in the evening so they can settle in overnight. Monitor them for the first few days to ensure they are using the perches and nesting boxes correctly. Keep new birds confined to the coop for the first 24-48 hours to help them recognize it as home.

Product Facts

• XL Skylight Cottage Chicken with 2 Meter Run Design: The attached 2-meter run comes with thick 3mm coated wire embedded into the framework rather than stapled for extra security. This design reduces the risk of predators pulling the wire loose, but you must avoid over-tightening screws during assembly to prevent warping the frame.

  

• XL Skylight Cottage Chicken with 2 Meter Run Design: It is able to hold 15 standard sized birds. Plan for at least 2-3 square feet per bird inside the house and 8-10 square feet in the run to prevent overcrowding and reduce behavioral issues.