Looking for a few ideas to modernize your coop? Here are some suggestions to not only improve your coop's curb appear amongst the neighborhood flock; but also limit chore time. 

         Solar Panels for chicken coops? This idea may have been far fetched at one time. Not anymore! Most people are familiar with solar panels, and many chicken coops even come with optional solar powered lighting. With adequate roof space, and some basic electrical knowledge this concept can be expanded. Electricity is expensive, especially in these current economic times. Hiring an electrician to run power to your coop can also be a daunting task. Instead, consider adding solar panels to your coop. Expand on this idea a little further with a sine wave inverter, charge controller, 120v breaker box, electrical outlets and 12 volt batteries and you've got 120v electricity to your coop with backup power for those cloudy days.  

     What about heat? Most experts agree that chickens don't require supplemental heat. In some circumstances it can even lead to detrimental consequences and increase the risk of fire with certain heat sources. However, there are a few circumstances where it may be of benefit.  

          A mixed flock. Not every poultry proprietor just has chickens. Certain species, such as Vulturine Guinea Hens are more sensitive to the cold, especially frost bite. Also, sick or injured animals or young chicks can be sensitive as well. Heat sources should be tailored to the needs of the flock. This can include infrared low energy panels, a heated roosting bar, or even a water warming plate to prevent the water source from freezing in the winter. Temperature control switches, that automatically turn on below 32f can be used to prevent wasteful energy expenditure. 

     A reliable feed source is required for the health of your flock. Foraging is great for environmental enrichment and calorie supplementation. However, in most cases it doesn't provide a balanced or sufficient diet. Utilizing a modified feed trough can make feeding easier. These troughs can hold approximately 40 to 50 lbs of feed. It also keeps the feed dry to prevent spoilage and can be accessed from outside of the coop. 

     What about water? A bird has to drink after all. A few ideas are possible for a reliable water source. If your coop has gutters consider this. Utilize a rain barrel with attached watering nozzles for use outside the coop. Make sure the rain barrel is fed through a gutter attachment, ideally with a filter to prevent debris or insects (especially mosquitoes) from entering the system. Include gutter guards to prevent debris from accumulating. 

      Here is an idea for inside the coop...a water tank. Purchased locally at a hardware store or Amazon, this system can provide a reliable water source for your flock for most if not all of the year (temperature dependent). A low pressure system can be comprised of an underground rain fed water tank, 120v well pump, pvc and pex piping with a water tank and pressure switch. To avoid catastrophic consequences and to keep the coop dry; a few things should be considered. First, utilize a channel drain under your water nipples and clean it regularly. Also, in order for the system to work with PVC pipe, it must be a low pressure system. Most importantly, consider temperature. For those of us that live in the north consider freezing temperatures and Old Man Winter. As the leaves start to change, winterize the system. Drain the rain barrel and leave the drain valve open, shut off the well pump and drain the pressure tank and pvc piping. The underground water tank and underground pex pipe that run to the coop should be protected by the dirt.

       Other little tid bits include; a circulation window fan in the summer, solar powered motion sensor lights, a solar powered, with battery back up automated chicken door, a herb and flower garden for foraging, and outside water hose with spigot and electrical outlet.