Raising Backyard Chickens in the Desert: Coop Spotlight

When we launched City Yolks, one of our goals was to spotlight urban homesteaders doing incredible things in unexpected places. So when we met Nicole, a Las Vegas resident raising backyard chickens in the desert, we just had to learn more and share some of her tips for raising chickens in an extreme climate such as Las Vegas.

Nicole’s setup is inspiring because of the inherent challenges of desert homesteading. Particularly: the extreme heat (summers can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit) and always-hungry predators like coyotes and rats.

Additionally, Vegas and its suburbs are highly-populated areas, meaning houses often come with small suburban backyards. Not exactly the ideal environment when you think of raising outdoor birds.

So let’s take a look into how Nicole keeps her flock happy and healthy in one of the most extreme climates in the US. Here it is: City Yolks Takes Las Vegas!

When we first met Nicole, we asked what inspired her to start raising her own backyard chickens. As a native Montanan, Nicole grew up learning how to be self-sufficient and was raised with the “get it done” attitude that runs strong in our Western people.

So for Nicole, raising backyard animals, composting, and doing things DIY was already a natural and fulfilling part of her life. Moving to Las Vegas didn’t change that, it just gave her a new environment to adapt to.

As we mentioned before, the desert is a particularly harsh and unforgiving climate. Nicole had to creatively adjust her coop setup for the top 2 challenges for raising chickens in the desert:

1. Predators
2. Heat

Let’s take a look at her setup—and her best tips for keeping chickens thriving in the most arid American climate.

You might think desert living means fewer predators, but out here, there’s no shortage of opportunistic critters. Coyotes, hawks, rats—all of them could spell SERIOUS trouble for a backyard flock. Nicole’s taken smart, thoughtful steps to keep her girls safe:

• Heavy-duty hardware cloth: Way stronger than traditional chicken wire, this keeps predators out and her flock safe.
• Elevated nesting boxes: Not only does this help prevent rodent issues, it gives her hens a cozy, secure spot to lay.
• Hanging feeders: Raised off the ground to help cut down on spills and pest attraction.
• Rodent control: Nicole uses peanut butter and baking soda balls instead of rat poisons—safer for the environment and other animals.

If you’ve ever been through a Las Vegas summer, you know it’s brutal. Now imagine going through it in a full-feather coat! Nicole has trial-and-errored the art of keeping chickens cool, and offers up her best tips here:

• Mulch and shade: Mulch keeps the ground cool and attracts bugs for the chickens to snack on—a double win.
• Herbs and greenery: Not only do these plants add shade, but they offer natural foraging fun.
• Cooling Structures: Hardware store canvas stretched over the run provides extra shade and can be sprayed down with your water hose for evaporative cooling!
• Frozen Water Jugs: She places frozen water jugs in the run so the chickens can lean against them to cool off.
• Cooling Tubs: A shallow tub filled with water absorbs heat, keeping the chickens’ feet cool—since birds regulate much of their body heat through their feet.
• Air Circulation: A large fan mounted inside the run keeps the air moving, helping prevent dangerous heat buildup. Bonus points if you connect your hose to your fan! Sprinkler mode activated.
• Double Water Stations: Chickens need constant access to fresh, cool water. Nicole has multiple waterers to ensure they never run dry.
• Temperature monitoring: Nicole keeps thermometers both inside and outside the coop to stay ahead of the heat.

With more people raising chickens at home (thanks in part to rising egg prices and bird flu), biosecurity is more important than ever. Nicole keeps things clean and safe with a few key practices:

• Elevated Roosting Areas: Keeping rest areas off the ground helps prevent contamination.
• Fully Enclosed Run: The covered run helps prevent contact with wild birds that may carry disease.

If you’re thinking about getting chickens in the city, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Check Local Ordinances: Many cities limit the number of chickens you can keep and prohibit roosters.
2. Egg Laying Considerations: Some breeds stop laying in winter unless you use heat lamp manipulation to mimic longer days.
3. Egg Storage: Fresh eggs can be stored at room temperature but avoid washing them with soap—this removes the natural protective bloom on the shell. Storing them in the refrigerator is not recommended as the cold air pushes bacteria inside the shell.
4. Enrichment Matters: Chickens love music, foraging, and dust baths. Keeping them entertained reduces stress and improves egg production.
5. Watch for Health Issues: Mites and bumblefoot (a common chicken foot infection) can be tough to treat, so prevention is key.

Here’s a little egg-stra something for you – Nicole’s favorite egg recipe. She swears by this simple but decadent treat that will surely become your favorite as well!

1. Heat a generous amount of heavy cream in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat.
2. Once the cream starts bubbling, gently crack in your eggs.
3. Let the eggs cook undisturbed as the cream caramelizes around the edges.
4. Enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of cream-fried eggs!

We want to thank Nicole for taking the time to show us her incredible and effective setup in one of the most challenging environments in the US. With careful planning, smart predator-proofing, climate management strategies and a sprinkle of love, chickens can thrive in any backyard!

So, if you’re thinking about starting your own flock, take some inspiration from Nicole—you might be surprised at what’s possible!