6 Best Chicken Coops Comparison

Raising chickens for fresh eggs is rewarding, cost-effective, and delicious. If you have decided to embark on this journey but don't want to build your own chicken coop, there are some ready-made options that you can choose to buy pre-built, or ones that come with everything you need for easy assembly.

We've compared 6 of the most popular chicken coops on the market to help you find the best home for your chickens.

No 1: Best chicken coop for winter climates

Rhode Island Homestead XL Coop with Run

Pros

Spacious living area

Outdoor running track

Waterproof layer on the top of the nesting box

Multiple doors for easy access for chickens

Cons

Difficult to assemble

Recommended for 10 chickens, this large coop from chicken coop company is made of fir and has a hard plastic lining underneath the roof panels, making it durable and weatherproof. It uses heavy-duty metal cloth (twice as thick as chicken wire) to keep predators out.

For extra waterproof protection, we really like that the coop with extension has a waterproof layer above the coop cover to prevent water from entering the coop. The coop is equipped with multiple doors and latches to facilitate your poultry entry while preventing predators from disturbing it. Multiple vents allow for fresh air to enter and provide proper ventilation.

When it comes to cleaning this coop, chicken coop company has specially designed a pull-out tray for easy and timely collection of garbage to provide good living conditions for flocks.

No. 2: Easy-to-clean chicken coops

Eglu Cube chicken coop

Pros

Plastic material, easy to clean

No maintenance required

Customizable

Lots of Nesting Boxes

Cons

Lightweight, not enough to fend off predators

Expensive

The clever thing about this coop is that it has a wire "skirt" that sits flat on the ground. This prevents weasels from starting holes directly at the walls of the coop. The perches are removable and can be easily washed down with a hose. There is a small sliding door leading to the nesting box, which can be closed to prevent the hens from sleeping in place. The coop claims to be able to house ten chickens, but in reality, it is a bit crowded and the activity area is not large enough. However, it has a smart automatic door that can be scheduled to open at dawn to let the chickens out and close at dusk. Customization is another price and is more expensive. The modular design means that any part can be replaced.

No. 3: OverEZ Chicken House

Pros

Waterproof Roof System

Easy Assembly

Sturdy and Durable

Cons

Expensive

No Dropping Board

Made of wood, this chicken coop has a 3-4 inch thick panel and promises to be durable. It is suitable for both the humid and hot south and the cold and snowy north. The floor and walls of the chicken coop are coated with resin, which can better resist moisture and make cleaning easier. There are five nesting boxes inside the chicken coop and two resting places for hens. However, this chicken coop does not have a removable tray to collect chicken droppings. The fully enclosed design can effectively block predators. According to reviews, the wooden house lacks ventilation.

No. 4: Wooden Chicken Coop

Pros

Easy to assemble

Cheap

Cons

Easy to deform and crack

Get mouldy

Tucker Murphy's wooden chicken run measures 111" x 74" x 72". It allows you to enter without having to crouch. The large walk-in door and two small sliding doors make it easy for pets and pet owners to enter and exit. It has a waterproof cover so it can be used outdoors. The wood is soft and can split easily. It is suitable for use with chicken coops to provide a spacious and comfortable living space for your furry friends.

No. 5: Affordable chicken coops

Metal Chicken Cage

Pros

Strong and protective

Metal roof, rain and sun protection

Cons

Rain protection is limited

If you need a large chicken coop, this one comes highly recommended by those with large flocks. It is made of wire, powder-coated steel frame and metal roof for durability.

The hard mesh roof protects your birds from predators, such as hawks. The metal chicken coop has two walk-in doors, both with latches. The playpen is 10.6ft x 6.2ft, made of sturdy material, and the fence measures 4.09x2.07", which is the perfect choice for placing a chicken coop inside.

No. 6: Best Design

Pros

Attractive cedar material

Integrated garden pots/span>

Cons

Small capacity

Not suitable for cold climates

If you only have a small flock of 3-4 chickens, this adorable coop is perfect. It's handcrafted from red cedar and features a 25-square-foot coop for the chickens to hang out in, as well as a built-in flower box where you can grow herbs or other plants.

The coop is handcrafted by a family-owned sawmill in Washington state. Your order includes white glove delivery, which means they assemble it exactly to your specifications. Inside, the coop includes two nests with drop-down doors for collecting eggs, as well as a perch for the chickens to sleep on at night.

The coop is wrapped in heavy-duty galvanized wire mesh that's too small for predators to get through, and the door is lined with the same material to provide ample ventilation.

The biggest downside to this coop is that the interior floor is just a mesh, which is easy to clean, but doesn't do a very good job of keeping the chickens warm in the winter in cold climates. With delivery and installation included, it costs $2799.95.

FAQ:

1. How Big Should My Chicken Coop Be?

It’s recommended to provide 2–3 square feet of indoor space per chicken. For example, if you have six chickens, your coop should be at least 12–18 square feet inside.

2. How to Build an Inexpensive Chicken Coop?

Building an inexpensive chicken coop is doable with recycled or repurposed materials. Use wooden pallets or old fencing for the frame and sides, cover it with wire mesh, and leave space for a secure door. Repurpose wood from old furniture for the roof, and place the structure directly on a concrete slab to prevent weed growth.

To make it functional, add DIY nesting boxes or roosting bars using wooden crates, branches, or leftover materials. This cost-effective setup can offer safety and comfort without breaking the bank.

3. How Often to Clean Chicken Coop?

Maintaining a clean coop is essential for your chickens' health. Food and water containers should be cleaned daily to prevent contamination. Bedding should be refreshed and the floor swept thoroughly about once a month. Twice a year, a deep clean and full disinfection are recommended to keep disease and parasites at bay.

4. How to Keep Rats Out of Chicken Coop?

The key to keeping rats away lies in cleanliness and prevention. Regularly cleaning the coop and the surrounding area helps eliminate potential nesting materials and food sources. Storing feed in tightly sealed metal containers. Lining the floor with hardware cloth can block rats from digging in. Placing cotton balls soaked in essential oils like peppermint near potential entry points can be effective for natural deterrents.

5. How to Winterize a Chicken Coop?

Preparing your chicken coop for winter involves creating insulation and protecting your flock from the cold. Wrapping the structure in clear builder's plastic is a simple and effective way to retain warmth. Be sure to leave proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup. Bedding materials like hemp or straw can add an extra layer of warmth, with hemp being particularly effective at insulation.

6. What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop?

A functional chicken coop should include several essential elements. Roosting perches allow chickens to sleep off the ground, while nesting boxes give hens a clean, quiet space to lay eggs. Food and water should be easily accessible and kept clean. Bedding helps manage waste and insulates the floor, and diatomaceous earth is often added to reduce pests like mites.