The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Chicken Coop For You

A Chicken Coop is one of the most important requirements if you are interested in rearing hens. A coop is a chicken's home. Hence, it is extremely essential to ensure that your chickens have the best coop to ensure their overall well-being. This could be a challenge, especially if you don't know how to select the best chicken coop by comparing its features. Picking the wrong choice can also result in a lower standard of living for them and increased susceptibility to predator attacks. For this reason, you must have a basic idea about the coops before selecting one for your flock.

This article will shed light on the different aspects of buying a chicken coop, including the types, materials they are made of, features to look for while selecting, and more.

Table of contents

• Different types of chicken coops
• Portable v/s Stationary Coops: Which is the Right Choice?
• Key Factors to Consider While Choosing a Chicken Coop
• Choosing the Right Material for Your Coop
• How to Build a Chicken Coop? Essential Tips
• Where Should You Install the Chicken Coop?

Different Types of Chicken Coops

Stationary coops:

Just as the name implies, stationary coops cannot be moved once installled. They are the perfect choice for those searching for a permanent, fixed home for their chickens. Stationary coops are usually raised off the ground to provide adequate ventilation and shield your hens from any possible moisture problems. One of the primary advantages of these chicken coops is their customization feature.

Portable coops:

Also known as mobile coops, portable coops are highly flexible as they can be moved from one location to the other. They are usually constructed of metal, PVC, or wood and include wheels for easy movement. Most portable coops are lightweight, which allows you to transport them easily. They are particularly beneficial for rotational grazing, allowing the flock to access fresh foraging areas.

Prefabricated coops:

Prefabricated coops are ready-made coops. They are either already made or can be integrated using screws and other tools. These coops are perfect for those who don't have any DIY experiences. They come in various styles and sizes and are convenient to use.

DIY chicken coops:

If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can also try building a coop from scratch. These coops are often made from locally sourced materials. The DIY chicken coop ideas offer the flexibility to customize the coop according to your requirements while staying within your budget. You can choose materials like wood, recycled plastic, or metal to construct a diy coop.

Portable Coops Vs. Stationary Coops: Which is the Right Choice?

Key Factors to Consider While Choosing a Chicken Coop

● Size of the coop:

Whether you are planning to construct a DIY chicken coop or purchase one from a vendor, one of the first and foremost things to decide is how large the coop should be. Generally speaking, you should allow 3-5 square feet of floor area for each chicken, or 5–10 feet if they won't get frequent outdoor access.

● Ventilation:

A well-ventilated coop is crucial for the health of your chickens. A congested space can create health issues as it can easily accumulate the ammonia from their excrement, heat, and moisture. Hence, opt for a coop with proper ventilation and windows.

● Predator protection:

Several predator creatures may be waiting to get their hands on your chickens. This is why your coop needs to be completely covered with strong nets or mesh, especially the open spaces like vents, windows, etc. Along with keeping them safe, the coop shall also protect them from adverse weather conditions. Keep these factors in mind before finalizing a chicken coop design.

● Number of nesting boxes:

Chickens prefer a quieter, dark environment when laying eggs. For this reason, always go for a coop that is spacious and includes nesting boxes. A lot of coops available in the market now are equipped with nesting boxes that protrude from the side. Consider the number of chickens you have and choose a coop with enough nesting boxes to satisfy the nesting needs of your flock accordingly.

● Run design:

The majority of the chicken coops now come with enclosed runs attached to them. Chickens spend most of their time in these spaces. Hence, when looking for chicken coop designs, purchase one with a large run space.

● Easy maintenance:

The overall well-being of the flock depends heavily on how clean the coop is. To ensure this, you may have to thoroughly clean the coop every week. Although it may seem like a herculean task, a well-designed coop will make it simple and quick to do. Look for coops with features such as large doors, easy-to-remove perches, and broad-opening roofs.

● Future plans:

When purchasing an outdoor chicken coop, it is better to consider your future plans. For example, if you have expansion plans, you should refrain from buying a small chicken coop. Look for a coop that can accommodate a large number of chickens. Go for expandable models that can be customized as per your needs to save time and money.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Coop

The durability of your coop highly depends on the material with which it is constructed. Hence, it is important to be clear about the preferred material before making chicken coop plans. Here are some common materials that are used to construct a coop.

● Wood:

Wooden construction gives your coop a natural and traditional look. Because of their attractive visual appeal, they blend well with your backyards. Wood acts as a great insulation, thus making the coop a perfect fortress for chickens during summers as well as winters.

● Metal:

Coops made of metal are extremely sturdy and strong. They are also highly durable and offer the finest defense against predators. Metal chicken coops are easy to maintain and clean, and seldom foster lice, sickness, or mites.

● Plastic:

Most plastic coops are constructed of sturdy yet lightweight plastic, and hence, are highly durable. These coops also include UV-blocking pigments that guard against quick deterioration and cracking.

● Concrete:

Concrete is one of the best materials for a chicken coop, especially if you have plans to construct a permanent large chicken coop. It is durable, sturdy, and weather-resistant. Rodents and other predators can't break into concrete coops and they are not as prone to decay, warping, etc. as wood.

How to Build a Chicken Coop? Essential Tips

1 - Before constructing a coop, decide on its location. Estimate the size of the coop you wish to build and match the measurements with the site where you want to install it.

2 - If you're constructing a homemade chicken coop, you might need a well-crafted design. Note down the dimensions of each corner and create a detailed blueprint before starting the work.

3 - Check the local regulations before starting the construction, especially if you live in a city. You may need a permit from the authorities in such situations.

4 - Once all the legal sides are clear, acquire the required materials. For example, if you are planning to build a wooden chicken coop, get the wood and other materials such as fasteners, chicken wire, paint, etc.

5 - Follow safety precautions while working. Wear facemasks, gloves, and goggles to avoid accidents.

6 - When you begin the work, make sure all the equipment is safe and covered, especially if there's any chance of rain, snowfall, etc.

Where Should You Install the Chicken Coop?

The location of the coop is as important as deciding on the material, type, etc. Installing the coop in the right place not only improves its longevity but also affects the overall health of your chickens. Below are some points to remember before installing a coop.

● The distance between the home and coop:

Keeping the coop too far or too close to your home is not the greatest choice. The flock can be smelly and noisy at times. Installing them too close to your home might disturb you. Likewise, if it is too far, you might find it difficult to collect eggs, feed, clean, etc. everyday. Try to find a balance between these two possibilities and fix a location that is neither too close nor far from your home.

● The ground:

The coop should be built on stable ground to ensure it stays intact even during adverse climate. If it is constructed too low, that could also affect the health of the chickens and the durability of the coop. Consider building the coop on a location with higher ground and proper drainage facilities to tackle all these challenges.

● Grazing areas:

Your flock loves foraging. Keeping the coops near foraging grounds will keep them occupied, active, and well-fed. Consider a location that is rich in vegetation, for your coop.

● Predator free areas:

Regardless of how strong your chicken coop is, there is still a chance that predators may try to find their way to the coop.Try to install your coop at a site that is far from any area where a predator would find an alluring spot to hide or rest.

Choosing the best outdoor chicken coop is crucial for your flock’s well being. No matter what type of coop you select, it is important to ensure that you make the decision based on the factors such as the number of the chickens, location, requirements, etc. to avoid constant replacements. It's a known fact that the most cheerful hens produce the finest eggs, hence, make sure their outside living area is secure and welcoming.