Thinking about raising backyard chickens? A well-built chicken coop is essential — not just for housing and feeding your flock, but also for keeping them safe, comfortable, and giving them room to roam.
But with so many options on the market, choosing the right coop depends on several factors, including your flock size, yard space, and local climate. Prices can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the materials, size, and features.
To help you find the best fit, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the top chicken coops available today. Our top pick is the OverEZ Small Chicken Coop, ideal for up to five chickens. It features a charming design, a screened window for ventilation and visibility, and moisture-resistant siding. Keep reading for more of our favorite options.
Best Chicken Coops: Our Top 7 Picks
- OverEZ Small Chicken Coop: Best Overall
- Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken Coop: Best Metal Coop
- Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop: Best For Small Yards
- Aivituvin Walk-In Chicken Coop: Best Play Area
- Best Choice Products Mobile Chicken Coop: Most Portable
- ecoFLEX Fontana Barn: Easiest to Clean
- PawHut Wooden Chicken Coop: Most Adjustable
Compare Top Chicken Coops
| Product | Material | Has Lockable Doors | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OverEZ Small Chicken CoopCheck Price | Wood | Not listed | 200 pounds | 55 x 34 x 45 inches |
Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken CoopCheck Price | Galvanized steel | Yes | 104 pounds | 110.4 x 220.8 x 76.8 inches |
Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken CoopCheck Price | Solid fir wood | Yes | 63 pounds | 53.2 x 22 x 28 inches |
Aivituvin Walk-In Chicken CoopCheck Price | Fir wood | Yes | 63 pounds | 87.8 x 20.5 x 33.7 inches |
Best Choice Products Mobile Chicken CoopCheck Price | Fir wood | Yes | 64 pounds | 70.9 x 26 x 39.4 inches |
ecoFLEX Fontana BarnCheck Price | Plastic-wood polymer | Not listed | 57 pounds | 52.4 x 29.4 x 29.1 inches |
PawHut Wooden Chicken CoopCheck Price | Wood | Yes | 49 pounds | 74.8 x 32 x 40.5 inches |
Best Overall
OverEZ Small Chicken Coop
This chicken coop includes a screened-in window, with moisture-resistant siding and flooring that will keep chickens comfortable. It is designed to have straightforward assembly and can hold up to five chickens.
Pros and Cons of OverEZ Small Chicken Coop
- Includes screened-in window
- Has moisture-resistant siding
- Has a heavy-duty design that works in both warm and cold weather
- Has an expensive price point
- Some customers felt it was an overly small coop
What People Are Saying About The OverEZ Small Chicken Coop
Happy customers noted that this chicken coop was solidly built, easy to assemble, and had a roomy interior. However, some customers did note they felt it was smaller than they expected, and others claimed the sides did not line up correctly.
Best Metal Coop
Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken Coop
This large chicken coop is made from peck-resistant, PVC-coated wire, making it easy to clean with a wet cloth. The coop has a lockable steel door to keep your chickens safe from wolves and other predators, and the included cover protects your chickens from the elements.
Pros and Cons of Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken Coop
- Comes with a cover to protect your chickens
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Has a lockable steel door to keep your chickens secure
- Doesn’t have a nesting box
- Noted by some that parts were missing upon arrival
What People Are Saying About The Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken Coop
Customers praised this chicken coop for having a simple assembly process. Many noted that the assembly instructions were easy to understand and that the parts were clearly labeled. Customers also recommended this coop for its sturdy build. Negative reviews criticized the manufacturer for not sending all of the parts and for not responding to customer inquiries.
Best For Small Yards
Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop
This chicken coop fits three to five grown chickens in its small wooden body. It includes gaps for ventilation, a ladder for entering and exiting, and a nesting box for up to two hens. The solid wood panels and latching access points keep your chickens safe from predators.
Pros and Cons of Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop
- Comes in multiple colors
- Built with a rain-resistant asphalt roof
- The nesting box comes with an optional divider so that two hens can use it at once
- Can only accommodate a few chickens because of its small size
- Some found that it was not fully rainproof
What People Are Saying About The Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop
Positive reviews raved about how easy this chicken coop was to put together and clean. However, unhappy customers pointed out that the nesting box had holes in it that rodents could break into. They also said that the wood started to show signs of rain damage after a short period of ownership.
Best Play Area
Aivituvin Walk-In Chicken Coop
This wooden chicken coop fits up to eight chickens. While its large doors provide easy access, they can be secured with a lock to prevent predators from getting inside. Its two ramps from the house also make it easy for chickens to walk down into the large play area.
Pros and Cons of Aivituvin Walk-In Chicken Coop
- Most affordable option in this review
- Can also be used for other animals such as rabbits
- Has a removable PVC bottom layer for easy cleaning
- Criticized by some customers for having different dimensions than the product description
- Some customers said that it got too hot
What People Are Saying About The Aivituvin Walk-In Chicken Coop
Many customers loved this chicken coop for being predator-proof, weatherproof, easy to clean, and easy to assemble. However, dissatisfied customers said that their chicken coop arrived in a damaged box or with smaller dimensions than what the product description advertised.
Most Portable
Best Choice Products Mobile Chicken Coop
This durable fir wood chicken coop has wheels, allowing you to push it to a new area in your yard to give your chickens fresh grass to eat. Chickens can also safely walk down the ramp into the mesh-covered run area. The large nesting box comes with a removable divider.
Pros and Cons of Best Choice Products Mobile Chicken Coop
- Has latches on both doors
- Features a UV roof panel to keep the inside from overheating
- Made from sturdy fir wood and steel wire
- Criticized for having a flimsy roof that caved in
- Noted by some customers that wildlife could get in
What People Are Saying About The Best Choice Products Mobile Chicken Coop
Positive reviews praised this chicken coop for easily fitting four to five chicks. Many reviewers also loved how maneuverable and simple to assemble it was. Negative reviews pointed out that the UV screen and roof were flimsy, increasing the chances that predators could break in.
Easiest to Clean
ecoFLEX Fontana Barn
This chicken coop offers 12 square feet of interior space that’s resistant to moisture, warping, cracking, and splitting. Made from recycled wood and polymer, it provides a non-toxic solution for raising your chickens. It’s available in both red or tan colors and can house two to three chickens.
Pros and Cons of ecoFLEX Fontana Barn
- Is resistant to moisture and odor
- Is backed by a 10-year warranty
- Is easy to assemble
- Not designed for holding more than three birds
- Some customers found it difficult to disassemble to clean
What People Are Saying About The ecoFLEX Fontana Barn
Based on our research, this chicken coop received positive reviews for its easy assembly, sturdy materials, and weatherproof design. However, several customers did note the lack of ventilation in this coop, and others were perplexed about how to properly clean it.
Most Adjustable
PawHut Wooden Chicken Coop
This adjustable coop features a removable divider, a slide-out tray for collecting droppings, and multiple entry points for easy access. This coop also has an asphalt roof that helps protect against the elements as well as a spacious 10.8 square-foot enclosure.
Pros and Cons of PawHut Wooden Chicken Coop
- Comes with an openable roof and lockable door
- Includes a built-in ramp
- Includes a nesting box with a hinged top that makes it easy to gather eggs
- Some customers felt the wood was thin
- Can only fit 2–4 chickens
What People Are Saying About The PawHut Wooden Chicken Coop
Our team found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it was easy to put together, had a sturdy design, and provided excellent value for the price. However, some others were concerned about its lid not being fully secure, and others were disappointed in the size, saying it was smaller than they expected.
Elements for a Safe and Secure Coop
The No. 1 threat to backyard chickens is predators. Your coop should serve as a fortress against potential attackers. Here are key features to include:
- Buried fencing extending at least 10 inches underground and curved outward to deter digging predators
- Predator-proof door latches to keep hens safe at night
- Sturdy construction using a combination of wire and wood
- Tightly fitted walls and roof to prevent small predators from squeezing through gaps
For added security, install motion-sensor lights around the coop to scare away nighttime intruders and set up a camera to identify any persistent predators.
Proper Ventilation and Insulation
A well-ventilated coop helps maintain air quality and regulate temperature. Proper insulation keeps chickens warm in winter and cool in summer. Your coop should have the following:
- Adjustable vents near the roof to allow hot air to escape
- Draft-free design to protect chickens from cold winds
- Insulation in walls and roof to maintain a stable internal temperature
- Windows that open to allow air circulation
Secure Doors and Windows
In addition to predator-proofing and insulation, your chicken coop should have secure doors and windows. Use hardware cloth rather than chicken wire for better durability and security, and secure locks on all doors and windows to prevent raccoons and other clever predators from accessing the coop. Design your coop so that all doors open outward to prevent unwanted animals from pushing their way indoors.
Essential Equipment for Your Chicken Coop
Certain equipment, such as waterers, feeders, nesting boxes, and dropping boards, is necessary to meet your chickens’ daily needs. Let’s explore these must-have items.
Waterers and Feeders
Clean water and nutritious food are essential for chicken health. You can use a simple drinker from a farm supply store, but clean it daily to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
Store feed in airtight containers to maintain freshness and deter pests. Additionally, consider using hanging feeders and waterers to keep them off the ground and free from bedding and droppings.
Nesting Boxes and Roosting Bars
Nesting boxes are a safe, secluded space for hens to lay eggs. Roosting bars mimic the branches chickens would use in the wild for sleeping. Here’s what you need:
- About 1 linear foot of roosting space per bird
- One nesting box for every five hens
- Secluded, dark locations for nesting boxes to prevent vent pecking
- Roosting bars with diameters measuring at least 2–3 inches
Droppings Boards and Trays
Maintaining a clean coop will help keep your chickens healthy. Droppings boards and trays can simplify waste removal. Place droppings boards under roosting bars to catch overnight waste, and use removable trays that are easy to clean to reduce ammonia levels and odor. Regularly clean and replace these boards and trays to maintain a hygienic environment.
Creating a Comfortable Living Environment
A comfortable coop encourages natural behaviors and promotes overall chicken health.
Bedding Materials
Proper bedding absorbs waste, reduces odors, and provides comfort. Here are a few options:
- Sand for easy cleaning and dust bathing areas
- Straw for nesting boxes to cushion eggs
- Wood shavings or hemp bedding for the coop floor
Change bedding regularly and make sure it’s dry and mold-free to prevent respiratory issues.
Lighting Solutions
Chickens need light for egg production, and a well-lit coop helps chickens feel secure and prevents pecking and other aggressive behaviors. Natural sunlight is best, but artificial lighting can supplement during shorter winter days. Consider a coop design that allows ample natural light and a 60-watt bulb on a timer for 14–16 hours per day during winter months. Avoid excessive artificial light, which can stress chickens.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Make sure that your coop has adequate airflow with windows and vents that can be opened and closed depending on the weather. Install fans or use natural airflow designs to reduce humidity and maintain fresh air.
Monitor coop temperatures regularly and use heaters or fans as needed to maintain a comfortable environment for your feathered friends.
Nutritional Needs for Happy Chickens
Commercial chicken feed provides the balanced nutrition your flock needs. Choose a feed appropriate for your chickens’ life stage, such as starter feed for chicks and layer feed for egg-laying hens.
While treats should make up no more than 10% of a chicken’s diet, they can provide enrichment and additional nutrients. Consider offering your flock the following:
- Garden-grown treats such as kale, spinach, or carrots
- Grit to aid in digestion
- Kitchen scraps like vegetable peelings or fruit
- Oyster shells for additional calcium
Health and Hygiene Considerations
Maintaining a clean coop and being prepared for health issues will help your flock thrive.
Cleaning Supplies
Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and parasites. Stock up on the following supplies:
- Food-grade diatomaceous earth to control pests
- Scrub brushes and a hose for cleaning
- Vinegar or poultry-safe disinfectants for sanitizing
First Aid Kit for Chickens
Chickens can sustain minor injuries or catch illnesses, so we strongly recommend having a first aid kit handy. The kit should contain the following:
- Antiseptic spray
- Gauze and self-adhering bandages
- Tweezers for splinter or tick removal
- Veterinary antibiotic ointment
Electrolytes and probiotics can also support chickens during recovery from illness or stress.
Regular Health Checks
Frequent health checks help detect potential issues early. Develop a habit of inspecting your chickens regularly for signs of illness or injury, monitor their weight and egg production, and observe your flock for any behavioral changes.
Enrichment and Entertainment for Your Flock
Happy chickens are active and engaged. They enjoy pecking and exploring. Offer a variety of toys, such as the following:
- Hanging vegetables or fruit
- Securely mounted mirrors
- Xylophone or other musical toys
An outdoor run is another great way for your chickens to receive enrichment and get some exercise. Dust baths, perches, and natural covers are all great options for your run. Rotating the area where your chickens forage can also keep the ground fresh and reduce the buildup of parasites and pathogens, so we recommend installing mobile fencing to make moving the run area simple.
Seasonal Considerations for Chicken Coops
Different seasons bring unique challenges for chicken keepers. Prepare your coop for year-round comfort.
Winter Preparations
Cold weather requires extra care to keep your flock comfortable. Add extra bedding for insulation, use a heated water base to prevent freezing, and install a heat lamp for extreme weather conditions—but be cautious of fire risks. Make sure the coop remains draft-free but still well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
Summer Cooling Strategies
Hot weather can stress chickens. Help them stay cool by providing shade in the run area and offering frozen treats like watermelon or frozen corn. Make sure your flock always has access to fresh, cool water.
You can also install misters or fans in the coop to lower the temperature. If you notice signs of heat stress, such as panting or lethargy, take immediate action to cool your chickens down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Coops
Where should I put my chicken coop?
Here are some general guidelines of the best places to keep your chicken coop:
- Place your coop as far away as possible from both your house and your neighbors’ houses but still within earshot of your home to hear disturbances.
- If there’s a fence or hedge between your property and a neighbor’s, avoid putting your coop directly next to it to prevent the chickens from damaging the property boundary.
- Move your chicken coop every three to six months to give your grass a chance to grow back in the previously used area.
- Don’t put your coop in direct sunlight, as extreme heat will distress the chickens.
What flooring should I use inside my chicken coop?
If possible, place your chicken coop over a patch of grass or dirt instead of using artificial flooring. This will allow your chickens to peck at the ground for grubs. However, you can also cover this surface with straw or wood shavings to keep the chickens comfortable. If you live in an area where predatory animals are a concern, consider placing the coop on a concrete or wooden surface instead to keep predators from digging under the coop to reach the chickens.
Should I put a rooster in my chicken coop?
Roosters are natural leaders, so they can help your hens feel more secure, which could increase egg production. However, keep in mind that roosters crow multiple times per day, which may be a problem if you live in an area with strict noise regulations or if your coop is close to a neighbor’s house.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a chicken coop?
In many cases, the cost of materials is significantly cheaper than purchasing a pre-built chicken coop. However, the labor, tools, and skills required to build a sturdy coop may outweigh that of a pre-built coop. Additionally, a hand-built coop may not be as durable, weatherproof, or secure for your chickens compared to a pre-built model.
Our Methodology
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Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of [products] with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
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Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.