You have decided to raise chickens and hens in your backyard but you are not sure where to keep so many chickens. This is when the best chicken coop comes into the picture.
It will help you to get a steady supply of fresh eggs.
You can also build a chicken coop from scratch by yourself if you have a little experience in carpentry, otherwise, you can always buy one.
Best Chicken Coop Buying Guide
But the problem most new poultry owners face is they do not know what to look for in a good chicken coop. That is why we have written a complete buying guide on what you should look for while buying the best chicken coop at the end of this article.
We have also selected the top 10 chicken coops for your backyard or outdoor usage through extensive research by going through more than 25 blog posts and hundreds of buyer reviews online.
List of Top 10 Best Chicken Coop:
Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop with Nesting Box
The first chicken coop on our list is from the Petsfit store. It is available in 2 colors and the coop is made of wood. The dimensions of this coop are 53x25x28 inches and it has only 1 level.
This chicken coop can hold up to 5 normal grown-up chickens for resting. The nesting box has a weight capacity of 20 lbs.
It is made of 100% natural thicker solid fir wood which is painted with eco-friendly water-based color. The stainless steel hardware provides a sturdy construction that can withstand all weather conditions.
Its roof is made of rain-resistant asphalt which keeps the poultry cage durable and keeps your chickens away from predators.
This chicken coop is easy to use as you can access the coop through 3 areas. The side nesting box has a removable divider which 2 hens can use simultaneously. You can also lift up the top roof or close it with a lid cover, which also makes your job of collecting eggs easier.
All wooden panels are solid and a series of locks on each access point keep your chickens safe. This coop can be used for both indoor and outdoor usage.
Pros:
- Made from 100% natural solid fir wood.
- Waterproof and eco-friendly water-based paint.
- Stainless steel hardware.
- Large nesting box.
- Easy to clean due to 3 access areas.
- Very easy to assemble.
Cons:
- Only suitable for 3-5 normal chickens or hens only.
- The roof is not detachable so it’s better you put a hinge on it.
Gutinneen Chicken Coop Outdoor Wooden Hen House 65
Next on our list is the classic wooden style coop with a ramp and elevation from Gutinneen. This coop is available in grey color and its dimensions are 65.2×26.4×47.6 inches. You can also add a single extension run for increasing the area of the coop.
It provides your chickens a large space for living. The coop is manufactured with a high-quality fir wood frame. It is very easy to assemble if you follow the instructions.
With featured galvanized wire it is protective and rust-resistant and fade-resistant hence you can use this coop as an outdoor chicken coop.
The doors are lockable with quality latches for extra safety. It is easy for your to feed your chicken and clean the inside.
Pros:
- The sturdy design can be extended further.
- Natural high-quality fir wood frame.
- Weatherproof and UV proof design.
- Strong wiring and support below nesting station.
- Lockable doors with good quality latches.
- Easy to use nesting tray.
Cons:
- Good for a small number of chickens such as 3-5 only.
- Some users reported that the wood used is soft.
Carmyra Large Chicken Coop Walk-in Metal Poultry Cage
This is a walk-in chicken coop in which a human can go inside very easily. This is basically a metal wiring cage with dimensions 26.2×9.8×6.56 ft. It is mainly suitable for farm use where you have a large number of chickens.
The anti-rust metal coating with zinc features rust resistance, anti-corrosion, and anti-fading, extending the service life of this pet playpen chicken crate.
The wall of the chicken coop is made of PVC coated hexagonal wired mesh which is quite durable and solid to damage. The small gaps between the mesh provide ventilation and keep your chicken safe from predators.
A waterproof cover to provide full protection from sun, rain, snow, etc. The roof pitch of the pet crate allows for water, debris, and light snow to run off instead of accumulating on the roof.
Easy to assemble steel galvanized frame where the quick connect design allows easy setup and it comes with 8 ground pegs for better stability of the cage.
The manufacturer is also giving a 1-year of warranty.
Pros:
- Sturdy design.
- Suitable for a large number of chickens
- Easy to set up.
- Anti-rust metal with PVC coated hexagonal wire mesh.
- Easily movable to different locations with the removal of stakes.
Cons:
- A bit costly
- The installation is at least a 2 person job.
- For added stability, you might have to add some zip ties.
Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken Coop
This is a walk-in chicken coop from Polar Aurora. It is available in 3 sizes and we are talking about the biggest one over here. The dimension of the biggest one is 9.2×18.4×6.4 ft.
It is a chicken cage manufactured with a high-quality steel frame. With a lot of space to roam around, you can easily connect the frame for assembly.
The coop comes with a durable UV and water-resistant cover to protect your chicken from the weather and predators. The coop is galvanized and resists rust, corrosion, and fading making it weatherproof.
Its hexagonal wired walls are coated with PVC and space is also very small between the wires for any predator to come inside.
A lockable steel door with a latch and steel wire makes it easy for you to feed your chicken inside.
Pros:
- Sturdy durable design with lots of room for your chicken to play around.
- UV and water-resistant cover at the top
- The wires are PVC coated.
- The full metal structure is galvanized for enhanced durability.
Cons:
- A bit costly
- The installation is at least a 2 person job.
- For added stability, you might have to add some zip ties.
Magshion Spacious Wooden Chicken Coop
This chicken coop requires minor assembly. It has 2 doors for easy accessibility with a metal locking system for added security.
The wooden chicken coop is easy to fold for storage and has a carrying handle for transportation. You can pack it and keep it under the bed or in the trunk of a car when not in use.
Pinewood is used for making this chicken coop. Its dimensions are 20x4507x41 inches.
Pros:
- Sturdy wooden chicken coop.
- Weatherproof design.
- 2 doors for easy accessibility.
- Good for a small number of hen and chicken.
- Easy to store when not in use and easy to transport.
- No assembly is required.
Cons:
- No nesting area.
- Not good for a large pack of chicken or hen.
Polar Aurora Large Metal walk-in Chicken Coop
One more great walk-in cage from Polar Aurora is available in 3 sizes. We will discuss the biggest size here whose dimensions are 10×18.4×6.4 ft. It is grey in color.
This mesh-type chicken coop is manufactured with a high-quality steel frame which is quite durable and gives plenty of space for your chicken to roam around freely. The quick-connect frame allows easy assembly.
On the top, it has a durable UV and water-resistant cover to protect your chicken from weather and outside elements.
The coop is galvanized and thus resists rust, corrosion, and fading making it weatherproof.
The walls of the chicken coop are made from PVC-coated hexagonal wire mesh and have minimum gaps between them to prevent the chickens from predators.
It has a lockable steel door with a latch and steel wire ties for extra safety. It also makes it easier for feeding your chicken and clean the inside.
The sides of the coop are easy to clean as they are galvanized.
Pros:
- Sturdy durable design with lots of room for your chicken to play around.
- UV and water-resistant cover at the top
- The wires are PVC coated.
- The full metal structure is galvanized for enhanced durability.
Cons:
- A bit costly
- The installation is at least a 2 person job.
- For added stability, you might have to add some zip ties.
Zoovilla Country Style Chicken Coop
This house-type chicken coop from Zoovilla is white in color and its dimensions are 52.8x26x40.5 inches. It is made from wood and weighs around 69.7 pounds.
This house chicken coop comes with 2 large nesting boxes and 4 lockable doors(2 for run and 2 for coop).
It can hold up to 6 hens. The lockable hinged nesting box roofs provide easy access to chickens. The patio hutch and run are two separate elements and have a removable tray for improved cleaning.
This chicken coop is made of Canadian hemlock with an oil-based stain in white and grey with black asphalt roof panels.
Pros:
- Sturdy wooden design.
- 2 nesting boxes.
- Can hold up to 6 hens or chickens.
- Removable tray for improved cleaning.
Cons:
- A bit costly
- Not suitable for a large number of chickens or hens.
- Difficult to move or store.
ICLBC Large Metal Chicken Coop
This is a walk-in mesh-type metal chicken coop from ICLBC. The dimensions of this cage are 117.6×314.4×76.8 inches. It is made of metal and its an anti-rust and durable steel structure.
The waterproof shed 210D waterproof and UV-resistant Oxford cloth can effectively protect chickens from bad weather.
The walls of this chicken coop are made of PVC-coated hexagonal wire with small gaps to save the chicken from predators.
It has a very easy-to-install design that can be built quickly and easily.
Pros:
- Sturdy durable design with lots of room for your chicken to play around.
- UV and water-resistant cover at the top
- The wires are PVC coated.
- The full metal structure is galvanized for enhanced durability.
Cons:
- A bit costly
- The installation is at least a 2 person job.
- For added stability, you might have to add some zip ties.
OverEZ Large Chicken Coop
This wooden chicken coop from OverEZ. The 74” chicken coop comes with 2 screen windows to allow fresh air and 5 chicken nesting boxes to lay eggs.
It has 2 vents- one on each gable end and on the upper point to let air flow through the coop.
High-quality 100% natural wood flooring is used with eco-friendly non-toxic paint making the coop weatherproof.
It is quite easy to install if you follow the instructions. This house is good for up to 15 chickens.
The chicken supplies package include 2 screened windows, 5 nesting boxes, 2 vents, 2 roosts, 1 main door, and 1 wooden ramp
Pros:
- Sturdy design made from 100% natural products.
- Can accommodate up to 15 chickens.
- 5 chicken nesting boxes.
- 2 vents.
- A great delivery experience by the manufacturer.
- The installation is easy
Cons:
- Very costly.
Fiveberry Magbean 114″ Large Solid Wood Chicken Coop
The dimensions of this chicken coop are 114×29.5×31.5 inches. It is suitable for 3 to 5 chickens depending upon the size and breed of the birds.
Includes 4 doors for easy accessibility, 2 nesting boxes, 1 roosting bar, and 1 easy cleaning tray.
Pros:
- Sturdy design
- Easy to install.
- Plenty of room for 5-6 adult chickens.
Cons:
- The roost bar is very small.
- Not suitable for a large number of chickens.
Final thoughts:
It depends on your requirements with which chicken coop you will go with. That is why we have selected two chicken coops – one wooden and the other made of metal wires.
Best wooden chicken coop– Gutinneen Chicken Coop
Best wired chicken coop – Polar aurora large metal chicken coop
Complete buying guide for the best chicken coop.
Things you need to consider before buying the best chicken coop:
Size
The most important factor while buying the best chicken coop is the size of the coop. You have decided to raise chickens and collect eggs. The first thing you need to consider is the size of the coop as it will decide how many chickens you will be able to fit inside the coop.
More the number of chicken more profit to you and your chicken also don’t feel claustrophobic in a large-sized house. The hen and chicken should have a little bit of room as well to roam around the coop.
Design
A chicken coop is a major investment for raising chickens. Chicken coops come in different shapes and sizes and normally they can be divided into the following categories:
A-frame
These are considered among the low-capacity coops. A-frame design has the minimum use of materials and a space-saving design in order to flock a small number of birds.
This type of frame is attached with a compact shelter to a protected run in a long, triangular structure
Tractor
A chicken coop on the wheels which you can relocate easily is known as a tractor coop design. A tractor is pulled to areas where the chickens work the soil in the attached, open floor run.
Walk-in
A large-sized accommodation for chickens where a human can walk inside the shelter is known as a walk-in coop design.
Normally it is used for bigger flocks and often provides space for chicken feed and equipment.
All-in-one
It is designed in such a way that a small shelter for a medium-sized flock can be incorporated under a single roof and large enough for human entry but small enough to be relocated easily.
Material
The material of the chicken coop should be able to resist the harsh weather outside. This may include sunlight, UV ray protection, etc.
Generally, you will find chicken coops made out of two materials – wood and metal wiring.
Nesting station
You have planned to raise some hens and you must be collecting eggs. For this reason, you will be needing a nesting station where the temperature is adequate for breeding and giving eggs.
Try to look for a chicken coop with a removable nesting tray as it will make your cleaning job easier. It will also prevent parasites and diseases to get your chickens and hens.
Ventilation and airflow
Hens also require proper ventilation just like us humans. If the coop does not have proper ventilation then it might lead to respiratory illness and an awful smell inside the coop.
It is better to have a controlled airflow such as a window which you can shut down when the weather is chilly outside.
Sunlight
Sunlight encourages egg production, hence look for a chicken coop where your hen can get sunlight whenever needed.
Bedding
Bedding for chicken includes good untreated wood sawdust, wood shavings, chopped straw, and hay to keep the eggs safe and warm.
Safety from predators
Chicken coops attract predators such as cats, dogs, and other animals. That is why it should be your responsibility to take care of your poultry.
For this you can check some things on the list while buying a good chicken coop:
- Secure latches on doors and nesting boxes
- Safe opening against rodents and predators.
- The run outside should also be enclosed.
- Wired mesh design
- Quality of material used for building the coop.
Price
The price of a good chicken coop can cost you $50 to $500 or even more. That depends on the brand, accessories, size, and design.
Ramp
A raised hen cage is a much safer option as predators are unable to come via flooring. If the cage is not elevated you can build your own base. The ramp is the part that will connect the uplifted coop with the ground.
Not all chicken coops come with this feature. The ramp features traction bars every few inches to increase friction when the chickens go up.
Weather-Proofing
A weatherproof roof ensures no leaks during the rainy season in the nesting box and during bad weather conditions.
Wood Treatments
Some chicken coops come with wood treatments to prevent insect and parasite infestation. Wood treatments increase the coops’ service life and provide a safe and healthy place for your chickens to grow.