7 Best Chicken Coops Plus Tips on How to Get Started
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If you’re suddenly into the idea of homesteading this summer, you’re not alone. More and more, people are waking up to the possibilities that lie in their own backyard, whether the translates to an overflowing vegetable garden, a bed full of blooms, or the best chicken coops full of clucking, happy hens.
Just like with more traditional gardening hobbies, the popularity of chicken coops is on the rise as more homeowners look for ways to get back to nature, spend time outdoors, and even cut back on their ever-growing grocery bill. But in order to do so, you need to provide them with a safe, secure environment where they can feed, rest, and lay eggs. A simple shed or split-rail fence won’t do; your feathered friends deserve more, and luckily, there are plenty of pre-made chicken coops out there to help you give it to them.
The best chicken coops have several different features, including a complete enclosure with a latch to protect the flock from predators like foxes and bobcats, as well as plenty of space for the hens to run around and have ample room for nesting and roosting (a good rule of thumb is to allow 8 to 10 inches of roosting space per bird). Below, we’re rounding up the best chicken coops on the market, plus answering several of the need-to-know questions you may have before graduating to full-fledged chicken parenthood.
01
Cedar Chicken Coop & Run with Planter
Williams Sonoma
$2,799.95
Made from high-quality cedar that’s weather-resistant and durable, this charming chicken coop has everything your flock needs to rest and play comfortably. The base of the structure houses a 25-square-foot “run,” where hens can stretch their legs and mingle, with thick mesh siding that will keep them safe. On the second floor, you’ll find an enclosed coop with a galvanized metal roof that boasts enough room for four hens to live comfortably. Our favorite part? The planter that’s integrated to the side, so you can grow herbs or leafy greens that your chickens will love.
02
Tucker Murphy Pet Cicely Chicken Coop with Chicken Run
Wayfair
$219.99
If you’ve always dreamed of life on a farm, now’s your chance to bring the vibe home. The iconic red barn design of this chicken coop is as charming as can be, with plenty of functional features that will keep your flock (up to three hens) comfortable. A mesh-enclosed run sits at the base of the structure, while the interior boasts spots for relaxing as well as roomy nesting boxes where chickens can lay their eggs. The top of the roof is even hinged for easy egg retrieval with minimal disruption.
03
Omitree Deluxe Large Wood Chicken Coop
Amazon
$425.95
Homesteaders with a larger flock of chickens will appreciate this roomy coop from Omitree, which can house between four and eight chickens, depending on their size. Constructed from solid fir wood and treated to be waterproof, it offers two access doors and a ventilation window to ensure you can always reach your chickens when necessary. Even better, there are three nesting boxes to accommodate a larger brood, with a hinged lid for easy egg collection. While this piece doesn’t include a built-in run, you can always encircle it with a mesh metal fence to grant your flock a bit of yard time.
04
Tucker Murphy Pet Mobile All-Steel Frame Chicken Coop
Wayfair
$376.00
This expansive option from Tucker Murphy Pet is a great choice for homeowners who will be raising their flock in a moderate climate where they won’t need much shelter from the elements. A durable powder-coated steel frame and fence offers plenty of room for yard time, with an integrated ramp that will allow your hens to easily move between the coop and the run. The coop fits up to 10 hens and has a whopping six access doors, each of which is equipped with a predator-proof latch to keep your hens safe all night long. Best of all, the back of the coop is equipped with two durable wheels, making it easy to relocate whenever necessary.
05
Sol 72 Outdoor Ruislip Wooden Chicken Coop with Run and Nesting Boxes
Wayfair
$330.00
Got the space? Then snag your hens the mansion of chicken coops with this design from Sol 72 Outdoor. Designed to house up to six hens in two opposing coops, this double-decker model is secure and spacious, with a trio of access points and predator-proof locks that keep your babies safe. At the base of each coop and in between the pair, you’ll find a roomy run that’s enclosed with durable mesh and boasts two ramps, granting your flock access to grass and fresh air any time they want. Each side features a large nesting box with a hinged lid and removable divider that allows you to increase or decrease the size.
06
PawGiant Portable Metal Chicken Coop
Amazon
$99.99
While not designed to act as a traditional coop, this oversized run and enclosed pen will still come in handy for chicken owners of all types. Made from durable powder-coated stainless steel, it touts 20 6-inch-long anchors to secure it safely to the ground, where it’ll remain even in the face of wind, rain, or other conditions. There’s a waterproof extension cover that boasts a UV protective coating, giving your flock a place to rest out of the elements, be it rain or the sun’s hot rays. Use this coop as a spot to safely give your flock yard time, or as a means of transitioning new chicks from the brooder to a more formal coop.
07
CoopAndGardenFarms DIY Chicken Coop Guide
Etsy
$18.00
You know what they say—nothing shows love and care like building something with your own two hands. If you’re looking to embrace the “back to basics” appeal of owning chickens, perhaps you want to try your hand at building a coop from scratch? These easy-to-follow directions (Really! Over 612 glowing reviews say so!) will help you craft a board-and-batten-inspired coop fit for up to 12 chickens. Before you think this coop is just a pretty face, know this: It boasts an impressive 32.5 square feet of space for your chickens, with a functional layout that promotes natural air ventilation and adapts to hens’ instinct to nest in seclusion. The best part? You’ll have the freedom to decorate the hen house however you see fit, whether that means a crisp country white or bold fuchsia pink.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should a chicken coop be?
The size of your chicken coop should be in direct relation to the number of hens you intend to have. In general, you’ll want around 4 square feet of space per bird, in addition to an outdoor area where they can run free safely. You’ll also want to consider other factors when determining the proper size of your chicken coop, including how big of a roosting bar it offers, and how many chickens can fit in the nesting box(es) at once (you’ll typically want one box for every three hens).