The best chicken coops aren’t that dissimilar to actual houses: They’re durable, secure structures, designed to keep their inhabitants safe and comfortable. That said, they provide a slightly different purpose, providing your birds a place where they can roost, relax and lays eggs without worrying about thunderstorms or predators. Our top pick is the Omlet Eglu Cube, a popular, durable enclosure that keeps birds comfortable year-round, though the right coop for you ultimately depends on your outdoor space and the size of your flock.
The best chicken coops make it easy to protect the safety, security, comfort and general well-being … [+] of your chickens.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailer
Now, before you bring home your own birds, “check with your municipality and see if you can have chickens,” says Lisa Steele, author of DIY Chicken Keeping. Once you have the green light, then you can start to think about an outdoor abode. Most importantly, you want something that can fit in your yard—ideally, with a run that provides the birds plenty of room to roam during the day. While most brands say how many birds their coops can accommodate, keep in mind that chickens need “between 3 and 5 square feet” each, says Ife Kilimanjaro, co-executive director and managing director of Soul Fire Farm. Ahead, here are the best chicken coops to keep your birds happy and secure.
Best Chicken Coop Overall: Omlet Eglu Cube
Best Budget Chicken Coop: Best Choice Products 80-Inch Wooden Chicken Coop
Best Small Chicken Coop: Pawhut 65-Inch Wooden Chicken Coop
Best Large Chicken Coop: Overez XL Chicken Coop
Best Splurge Chicken Coop: Williams Sonoma Cedar Chicken Coop
Dimensions: 91 x 61 x 46 inches | Materials: UV-stabilized plastic, coated steel | Capacity: 10 small chickens | Chicken run: Yes
The Omlet Eglu Cube doesn’t come cheap, to be sure, but its durable construction, roomy layout and ease of cleaning are unrivaled. Made from UV-stabilized plastic and coated steel, this predator-resistant enclosure has two distinct sections, one for roosting and another for nesting. In total, it can fit up to 10 small chickens or six larger birds. You also get to choose how large the run is (if you decide you want one): There are three sizes, ranging from 6 to 12 feet.
What really sets this coop apart, though, is its all-weather construction. Thanks to its double-walled insulation, this enclosure keeps your birds the perfect temperature year-round. And when it comes time to clean the coop, the task isn’t too arduous. It has a slide-out tray that catches droppings, and you can wash the whole thing off with a garden hose. One last perk: The Cube comes with a 10-year warranty in case you run into any issues.
Walmart
Best Choice Products 80-Inch Wooden Chicken Coop
Dimensions: 79.3 x 26.5 x 51.5 inches | Materials: Fir wood, galvanized wire | Capacity: 5 chickens | Chicken run: Yes
The Best Choice chicken coop is a winning budget-friendly choice for most backyard farmers—even beginners. Made from fir wood and galvanized wire mesh, this enclosure is attractive and sturdy. And while it can theoretically accommodate five birds, it can more comfortably fit two to three chickens (after all, you want to give them room to stretch out).
Its multi-door access gives your flock several different pathways of entry. A few more perks: A slide-out tray with a built-in nesting box makes it a cinch to grab freshly-laid eggs, and there’s a removable droppings tray for easy cleaning.
Amazon
Pawhut 65-Inch Wooden Chicken Coop
Dimensions: 65.3 x 48.8 x 44 inches | Materials: Fir wood, spray wire | Capacity: 2 chickens | Chicken run: Yes
Just because you’re short on outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t have birds. This petite coop, which is the perfect size for one or two chickens, has a small footprint that could fit into any backyard. Crafted from durable fir wood and weather-resistant paint, this enclosure is sturdy enough to protect your birds from both predators and the elements. It also has a removable, wire-enclosed chicken run that’s accessible via a small, narrow ramp.
The coop has perks for you, too: It has a slide-out tray that makes removing droppings a breeze, plus an observation window that allows you (and any little ones) to peek inside without disturbing the flock.
Dimensions: 98 x 60 x 72.5 inches | Materials: Wood | Capacity: 20 chickens | Chicken run: Yes
For those who dream of having a bigger flock, this mansion of a chicken coop has enough space for 20 birds. On top of its spacious floor plan, this coop was designed with comfort in mind: It has two vents and three screened-in windows for optimal air flow, plus six nesting boxes and two roosts. Meanwhile, a sloped roof helps with efficient water run-off and a large hinged panel allows for easy egg retrieval. And while the coop does require a bit of hands-on assembly, it’s bound to last you years: Resin-treated flooring and siding offer great durability.
MOST POPULAR
Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma Cedar Chicken Coop
Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 83.3 inches | Materials: Cedar, galvanized metal | Capacity: 4 chickens | Chicken run: Yes
Leave it to Williams Sonoma to craft a beautiful coop anyone would be proud to display in their backyard. Hand-built from red cedar, this enclosure can accommodate up to four chickens. On the highest level, which has a waterproof interior, birds can enjoy a nifty indoor perch and two removable nest boxes; down below, they get to enjoy 25 square feet of run space. To give you peace of mind, the coop has locks on both the chicken and egg-collection doors. Cleaning, too, isn’t difficult—the upper level has a mesh floor that allows droppings to fall through. The most exciting element, though, is the built-in planter box, complete with a drainage system.
How We Chose The Best Chicken Coops
When shopping for a chicken coop, it’s critical to consider the safety, security, comfort and general well-being of your birds. Therefore, we prioritized enclosures that support all of the above in our quest to determine the best chicken coops on the market. After taking note of the most popular options from trusted brands, we took a closer look at each coop’s build, ease of cleaning and additional features. We also pored over customer reviews to get a sense of what chicken owners love (and don’t love) about specific coops.
Is It Cheaper To Build Or Buy A Chicken Coop?
It all depends on which coop you’re considering. Oftentimes, it’s more cost-efficient to build your own, as “there are a number of materials that can be repurposed and recycled to make a coop,” says Kilimanjaro. But if you have to start from scratch and buy all new materials—or you’re not exactly the handy type—you’re likely better off buying a pre-fab coop.
What Is The Best Layout For A Chicken Coop?
Keep in mind that a chicken coop has two main purposes: to keep the birds safe at night from predators and to give them a space to lay their eggs. “It doesn’t need to be fancy,” Steele says. “As long as the coop has those and some good ventilation, you’re fine. The style itself is a personal preference.” In terms of design, a coop should have nesting boxes where hens can lay their eggs and a roosting area where they can sleep.
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