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Chickens are friendly animals that can lay eggs, fertilizer, and pest control. If you’re considering purchasing and raising chickens, a chicken coop is the perfect way to house them and feed them while giving them ample room to roam.
However, not all chicken coops are created equal. Depending on factors such as the number of chickens you have, the size of your yard, and what climate you live in, some coops may work better than others for your specific situation. Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on a chicken coop, depending on its size, material, and other features.
To help you narrow down your options, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best chicken coops available. Overall, our top choice is the OverEZ Small Chicken Coop, which is perfect for up to five chickens, features a stylish design with a screened-in window for viewing, and has moisture-resistant siding. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Best Chicken Coops: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Overall: OverEZ Small Chicken Coop
- Best Metal Coop: Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken Coop
- Best for Small Yards: Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop
- Best Play Area: Aivituvin Walk-In Chicken Coop
- Most Portable: Best Choice Products Mobile Fir Wood Chicken Coop
- Easiest To Clean: ecoFLEX Fontana Barn
- Most Adjustable: PawHut Wooden Chicken Coop
Compare Top Chicken Coops
| Product | Material | Has Lockable Doors | Weight | Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OverEZ Small Chicken Coop | Wood | Not listed | 200 pounds | 55 x 34 x 45 inches | ||
| Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken Coop | Galvanized steel | Yes | 104 pounds | 110.4 x 220.8 x 76.8 inches | ||
| Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop | Solid fir wood | Yes | 63 pounds | 53.2 x 22 x 28 inches | ||
| Aivituvin Walk-In Chicken Coop | Fir wood | Yes | 63 pounds | 87.8 x 20.5 x 33.7 inches | ||
| Best Choice Products Mobile Fir Wood Chicken Coop | Fir wood | Yes | 64 pounds | 70.9 x 26 x 39.4 inches | ||
| ecoFLEX Fontana Barn | Plastic-wood polymer | Not listed | 57 pounds | 52.4 x 29.4 x 29.1 inches | ||
| PawHut Wooden Chicken Coop | Wood | Yes | 49 pounds | 74.8 x 32 x 40.5 inchs | ||
| Product | Material | Has Lockable Doors | Weight | Dimensions |
Best Overall
OverEZ Small Chicken Coop
- $1,299
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People 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.
“…I finally decided on this coop and it’s awesome! I am 5-foot-3 and 110 pounds, and I can comfortably sit inside this coop! With room for all four of my chickens to spare! The big door on the side makes cleaning super easy, and the whole coop is super sturdy. I put it together myself, and it took a good 1.5-2 hours, but it wasn’t awful…. Overall, I love this coop, and it keeps my girls safe! I added laminate flooring to make cleaning even easier.” — Lynn M. Hamilton via Amazon
“After a lot of research, I chose the OverEZ coops. I’m very pleased with all aspects of this coop except one, the nests are too small. My smaller chickens barely fit, let alone my big girls. If they have to, they will lay eggs in them, but when available, they lay in a larger nest area I made nearby. Still, this coop is of such quality I purchased a second smaller one for use as a hospital/isolator/new chicken introducing coop.” — chc via Amazon
Best Metal Coop
Polar Aurora Large Metal Chicken Coop
- $299.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People 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.
“The instructions were clear and easy to follow. We used extra zip ties to hold things in place while we wire-wrapped them. It seems sturdy, and I think it will help keep predators out… [This coop] leaves plenty of room for the animals to run around. I am very satisfied with this product and would recommend it to anyone. Much easier than building your own coop and running for them. Which I’ve done.” — LeighAnn Gillingham via Amazon
“This coop would have been the ticket if it didn’t need so many modifications. The holes with the spring loaded tabs were not drilled on center. I ended up welding all the joints. I also used my own zip ties to attach the wire, as the provided zip ties and coated wire was junk. Last but not least, the tarp provided is paper thin. If it were not so much work, I would have returned.” — Megan H via Amazon
Best For Small Yards
Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop
- $138.59
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People 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.
“I purchased this for my small backyard flock. With winter coming, I figured I would get them a cozy upgrade. I am highly impressed with this coop. Instructions were easy to follow and was together in mere minutes. The quality of the wood, while a little on the thin side, went together snugly and without any mishap. Providing my girls with a draft-free enclosure. The dual nesting boxes are nice as well. I have 4 very large hens that fit inside with plenty of room to spare.” — jerry via Amazon
“The nesting box floor has holes in the bottom; for what purpose, I have no idea, but that is a safety concern. Rodents, minks and weasels all would likely be able to enter inside the locked box and prey on your animals. I will need to either fill in those holes somehow or just cut out new flooring altogether. I will not put my ducks in it until the box is sturdy and completely sealed. The wood is thin pine and I will be using bails of straw to build up and around it in the winter for insulation.” — Sarah Shy via Amazon
Best Play Area
Aivituvin Walk-In Chicken Coop
- $209.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People 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.
“This was a great buy and super easy to put together! My broody chicken hatched two baby ducks and they seem to love it so far. I’m super glad we bought it, and it arrived way earlier than expected! I’d definitely buy from this company again!” — Anthony M. via Amazon
“It’s a great chicken house if you had very small chickens. I am using this for rabbits. I have two continental giants, and this was way too small for even one. I made adjustments and added to the barn cage to make their space bigger. I would have just rather built one myself for a lot cheaper.” — jasmine.libby via Amazon
Most Portable
Best Choice Products Mobile Chicken Coop
- $199.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People 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.
“The stability of this is better than I had thought. The way everything fits is perfect….The directions said it would take 90 minutes to assemble, but it didn’t take long if you have everything laid out and prepared…. It’s not terribly heavy, so the thickness isn’t bad. The cleaning tray makes this super easy to clean. The wheels help move the coop around with ease, and they are large, much bigger than expected.” — Nlclark05 via Amazon
“Easy to assemble, but not super sturdy, especially if you’ll be moving it around a lot. The roof slats have become warped fairly soon after purchasing. It’s ok and suits my needs, but I’d go with something bigger for chickens.” — Kindle Customer via Amazon
Easiest to Clean
ecoFLEX Fontana Barn
- $228.84
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for a durable chicken coop with a large interior that’s easy to clean.
What Are People 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.
“So, I went from a cheaply made wood coop that literally fell apart the first time I tried to clean it to this little beauty here. What a difference! I could tell the quality when I was putting it together, and all the pieces fit like clockwork. There is nothing fragile about this coop, and it is weatherproof, so it will be in use for quite some time. It also doesn’t have a bunch of gaps in it like the wood coop did, so I know my girls will stay dry and warm. They really like this coop as well. ” — Blah via Amazon
“….My biggest complaint is that the tiny front opening is the only way to access the inside of the coop. How are you supposed to rinse the flooring? They recommend you keep their specialty tool (because they don’t just use regular screws, so you have to use a specialty key to tighten them). I guess unscrewing the top is annoying enough, but then you also have to take apart the roof piece by piece, as it is not a solid top…..So we spent some extra time gluing together the top and putting hinges and new hardware on the roof. Not a deal breaker, but annoying nonetheless. This is an easy engineering fix and a major oversight for a coop that is selling itself on ease of cleaning.” — SaveMama via Amazon
Most Adjustable
PawHut Wooden Chicken Coop
- $209.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Farmers who want a flexible coop with plenty of interior space.
What Are People 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.
“This coop came very quickly by FedEx and was very easy to assemble. It is made of sturdy wood and it looks exactly as it is shown in the pictures. We only have two chickens in the coop, and because it is Michigan winter we keep it in the garage currently, and it fits no problem. I wouldn’t get this for more than four chickens to live in. Great investment. —Jenni via Amazon
“I thought this would be way bigger than I had received. It has some really nice qualities and access to your chickens. For the money, I feel like it was a nice starter, but I know we will be putting more money into this cage to make it bigger and more spacious for our little ones. I have one hen and one rooster that are pretty [plump], and six little chicks that won’t grow anymore, so adding on is what we will have to do.” — Aida via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Chicken Coop
The ideal backyard chicken coop is a cozy, high-quality home for your chickens. Before finding the right chicken coop for you, you should take time to consider factors such as the nesting boxes, safety features of the coop and the size to ensure it best fits your needs. You should also pay attention to the ease of cleaning, UV protection elements, exercise areas, and other design elements. Read our guide below for more information about finding the right chicken coop.
How many nesting boxes are needed?
Nesting boxes give your hens a comfortable place to lay their eggs and make harvesting and collecting eggs much easier. Ideally, you should have one nesting box for every three or four hens in your coop. Be sure to keep the nesting boxes clean and lined with fresh straw or pine shavings to attract the hens to them.
What safety features should you look for?
It’s important in your hen house to both keep your chickens safe from predatory animals and prevent chickens running away. All coop doors should be secured with a sturdy lock. Windows and other large openings should be covered with mesh that the chickens can’t peck through. Also, chicken owners should regularly check the roof and walls of your chicken coop and repair any damage.
How do you tell if a coop is easy to clean?
Make sure that you have easy access to your feathered friends’ house’s interior to keep it clean and smell-free. The nesting boxes and the area underneath the perches should be cleaned the most as should any area where your chickens regularly defecate or shed feathers.
What’s the right size for your chicken coop?
If your chickens don’t have enough living space and fresh air, they will get stressed and lay fewer fresh eggs. Ideally, a chicken coop should have three to four square feet of space per chicken in interior areas and five to six square feet of space per chicken in outdoor areas.
What are rest/exercise areas in a chicken coop?
Chickens should have perches for resting and an outdoor area, typically called a “chicken run,” for exercising. Outdoor areas should be surrounded with wire mesh to keep predators out.
How do you tell if a chicken coop has UV protection?
A chicken coop with a UV panel on the top will block and reflect sunlight, keeping a cooler temperature inside the chicken coop during the warmer months of the year or if you live somewhere with a permanently warm climate.
What other design elements should you look out for?
Several additional design elements can improve a chicken’s quality of life. These include:
- Access ramps
- Feed boxes
- Fans
- Roosting bars
- Sliding doors
- Windows
How To Keep Your Chicken and Other Animals Protected
Buying a high-quality chicken coop that’s safe from predators and gives chickens plenty of room to run and feed is an excellent way to keep your chickens safe and healthy. However, there are also some other steps you can take to improve their quality of life, such as:
- Use motion-sensor lights and sounds to deter predators such as raccoons and foxes.
- Remove vegetation or hiding spots around the coop to discourage skunks, weasels, and snakes. Clear away brush piles and trim grass.
- Ensure roosts are high up off the ground for sleeping, at least two to three feet.
- Keep feed stored securely indoors or in galvanized metal containers.
- Avoid introducing new chickens without proper quarantine to help reduce the risk of disease spread.
- Install fire prevention measures like smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in coops with electrical systems and have a fire extinguisher handy.
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
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
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.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
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.
Questions or Comments?
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