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Gathering fresh eggs for breakfast is an ideal morning to us. Everyone from city-slickers to homesteaders, and suburban moms are on a mission to have their own chickens in the convenience of their backyard. And why not? Farm-fresh eggs are colorful and delicious. And you might just find some new friends within your flock.
Buying Your Own Coop
If you’re wanting to raise your own chickens, there are a lot of important factors to consider when buying a prefab chicken coop, aka, a pre-built coop. For instance, budget, location, size, capacity, durability, and security are all things you’re going to want to mull over. We’ve talked with experts including farmers, poultry buyers, and some regular backyard chicken tenders who have been caring for chickens for years and have experienced a handful of their own flops and favorites when it comes to finding the right coop. We’re breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly, or shall we say, the smelly, when it comes to finding the perfect home for your hens.
According to Brenna Buckner, a Live Poultry Buyer for Tractor Supply, one of the the first thing's you'll want to do is determine the size of your brood.
"The size of the coop you choose is dependent on the size of your flock, and capacity guidelines are very important to ensure your flock stays happy and healthy," she explained. "Overcrowded flocks cause stress on the birds and can lead to aggressive behavior, spilled water and soiled food. Coops should provide three to four square feet per averaged size bird and outdoor run space should provide seven to ten square feet per bird."
You'll also want to decide if you need a coop with or without a run. A run is a fenced-in space connected to the coop that allows the chickens to roam around. The smallest of coops will usually hold just 2 chickens. Average-sized coops may hold 4-6, while large and extra-large backyard coops can hold up to 12 chickens.
And of course, we know style is important to many! Do you want it to match your home or give it a totally unique look? There are plenty of varieties here, so we're sure you'll find one you and your brood love. Now, time to get to raising some chickens!
P.S. Check out our best DIY chicken coop ideas, gifts for chicken lovers, and chicken coop buying guide as well.
Pros
Spacious run area - Outdoor access to nesting boxes
- Waterproof PVC system
Cons
- Expensive
- Comes in multiple different boxes
- Two people required for assembly
Recommended for 8-10 chickens, this large coop from Aivituvin is made from solid fir wood and a waterproof asphalt roof which makes it a great choice for your backyard birds. It uses pet-safe paint and has galvanized wire that's predator-proof with half-inch openings. Anything bigger could lead to animals trying to break through. For additional water protection, we love that a waterproof PVC cover runs across the edge of the nesting box roof to prevent water from getting into the box and creating a damp mess inside. The area outside of the nesting boxes closes tight with a latch to keep even more weather or predators from interfering. Air vents are built on two sides of the coops to allow fresh air in and provide proper ventilation. The slide doors are designed in a way that they can be replaced with automatic chicken coop doors if you end up choosing that route. The run is a spacious with three roosts outside.
When it comes to the inside of this coop, there are four roosts and six nesting boxes. There are also removable metal pans in the nest boxes as well for an easier clean up.
For an even more in-depth look, you can watch this video tour of the coop on the Aivituvin YouTube channel.
| Price | $1,164 |
|---|---|
| Materials: | Wood, asphalt, mesh wire |
| Dimensions: | L 59 in., W 134.5 in., H62.4 in. |
| Capacity: | 10 Chickens |
2
Best Coop Without Run
OverEZ Chicken Coop OverEZ Classic Medium Chicken Coop With No Run - 8-10 Chickens
Pros
- Waterproof roof sytem
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Expensive
- Only three nests
- No dropping boards
OverEZ is a popular brand that many chicken tenders have given their stamp of approval to in recent years. This coop can house up to 10 chickens and is made of natural pine wood and non-toxic paint, built in the USA by Amish-trained craftsmen. The roof is made of a metal material that's designed so that rainwater runs off the back of the coop and away from your nesting boxes. There are only three nesting boxes inside as well as two rests for the hens to relax.
While this one doesn't come with a run, the brand sells an array of heavy duty ones to choose from. It does have a keyed-latch chicken door to keep out predators, a screen window that opens for fresh air and has two vents to allow more light in. There's also a treated ramp for your girls to get down from the raised coop. This coop also comes in a large size that can house up 10 15 chickens.
This reviewer raved about the durability of the coop: "I was skeptical on the quality as I reside in Montana and we have HARSH winters. I have to say that I am so impressed with how well it is built and structured! I have 13 chickens and they all fit perfectly! We have reached 30 below so far and they have been warm and dry in this coop! I highly recommend! It only took my husband and I 30 minutes to put together, also!"
3
Most well-reviewed
Best Choice Products Wooden Chicken Coop
A simple wooden coop comes highly recommended with hundreds of glowing reviews, plus a metal locking system to make sure your chickens stay safe and secure. Rain-resistant fir wood means it's also incredibly durable. "For the price, you really can't beat it," reads one review.
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Two enclosed houses and an extra-wide fenced area ensure that your chickens have plenty of room to live and roam. A double nesting box with a hinged top makes egg collection easy, two ramps allow for quick access, and screened windows will give your chickens proper and consistent ventilation.
A stately, farmhouse-style chicken coop, this one comes with everything you and your chickens will need: a pull-out tray for easy cleaning, a nesting box, and a ramp.
6
best with built-in planter
Williams Sonoma Cedar Chicken Coop & Run with Planter
This beautiful hand-built cedar coop will become a showpiece in your yard. It can house four to six hens, and the small fold-down door provides easy access for egg collection.
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This incredibly well-reviewed chicken coop (available in red, white, or grey) is made of rain-resistant fir wood, meaning it's durable enough to last you a long time. It can fit 3-4 grown chickens and comes with a 1-year warranty.
This Gambrel barn-style coop has four nesting boxes and will make a happy home for up to 12 hens. It has a 61'' H x 34'' W door for easy access.
This is the coop for a serious chicken owner! The 100-square-foot coop can house up to 25 chickens. It features six nesting boxes, a full-size door, and storage for supplies.
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Get one of these coops for 2-3 chickens, or purchase two and join the runs to create a massive coop for up to 6 chickens. The wheels make this version portable and the asphalt roofing is ultra-durable.
This coop really does have it all: a nesting hutch with two stalls, a door to the main house, an elevated house with room beneath for grazing and a ramp to access the house, and a high-ceiling run. Oh, and it fits 4 chickens!
We're not sure we've ever seen a coop this beautiful. White trim and a green shingle roof pair beautifully with the planter on the side. It includes spots for your girls to nest and is elevated so they can walk beneath it. Note that it only allows room for 2 chickens, though.
Anna Mahan
Associate Commerce Editor
Anna Mahan is the Associate Commerce Editor for Country Living. She finds and shares a variety of the best lifestyle products, from fashion and beauty to cast iron skillets.
Hannah Jones
Commerce Editor
Hannah Jones is the Commerce Editor for Country Living. Her eye is always on the next up-and-coming products to include in gift guides and she's ready to test everything from dog beds to garden tools for product reviews. When she’s not scoping out the latest and greatest items on the market, you can find her hanging with her two rescue dogs.
