If you’ve been looking for the best chicken coop that money can buy, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed because of the wide variety of options you have at your disposal. How big should it be? How many chickens can it accommodate?
Is it sustainable and safe for your backyard birds? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this article, and we’ll also showcase some of the products that seem to be worth investing in.
Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
 | 1.Tangkula Large Chicken Coop | ||
 | 2. POTBY Deluxe Wooden Chicken Coop | ||
 | 3. SnapLock Formex Chicken Coop | ||
 | 4. Large Chicken Coop - Eglu Cube | ||
 | 5.Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop | ||
 | 6. ECOLINEAR Outdoor Wooden Chicken Coop | ||
 | 7. OverEZ Large Chicken Coop |
Contents
Top 7 Best Chicken Coop Reviews
In order to find the best chicken coop for backyard use, you should compare several models and look at how they can protect your birds and make them feel at ease.
A stressed chicken will not lay enough eggs and might become aggressive towards others, so finding the right coop can be essential. Here are some units that have received a good amount of critical acclaim.
1.Tangkula Large Chicken Coop
This 58-inch chicken coop comes with everything you need to get started. It’s got a user-friendly design, which will allow you to collect eggs and tend to your cleaning tasks without too much hassle.
Moreover, it’s made of durable materials and it seems to be capable of withstanding both the test of time and the abuse of the elements. It’s even eco-friendly as it is made from natural fir wood and it’s been painted with animal-safe dye.
Even the run has a waterproof roof, so your chickens will be able to enjoy themselves outdoors and get a breath of fresh air without getting soaked.
Features
- Made of wood
- Weighs in at 41 pounds
- Measures 58 by 21 by 34 inches
- Includes a wooden hutch
Pros
- Has a weatherproof design
- The roof protects the chickens from the elements
- Comes with galvanized wire to protect the animals from predators
- Adequate ventilation inside the coop thanks to the window
Cons
- You should add a board to the bottom or fix it to the ground for better protection against predators
2. POTBY Deluxe Wooden Chicken Coop
This is another decent option if you’re looking for a smaller chicken coop that you can use for one or two birds. It comes with a sliding door and it includes a run.
All of the structure is surrounded by mesh wire, which makes predators’ task of getting inside a challenge. The cage includes a resting floor, as well as a nesting box.
Similar to other products showcased in our article, this one, too, has a waterproof roof that can provide shelter to the chickens when the weather isn’t on their side. Also, the cage is durable and rugged, so it can last for a decent amount of time.
Features
- Made of fir wood
- Weighs in at 49.94 pounds
- Measures 65.52 x 29.25 x 40.17 inches
- Includes galvanized fence
Pros
- The coop is elevated for better protection against predators
- The tray can be removed for easy cleaning
- Made out of environmentally friendly materials
- Provides the birds with plenty of ventilation
Cons
- It’s a bit on the smaller side of things, so fits for 1-2 chickens tops
3. SnapLock Formex Chicken Coop
The SnapLock model is a coop that’s currently marketed for four to six chickens or six to twelve lighter breeds, such as Bantam. Even though it is sizable, we’d advise you to keep your expectations realistic and stick with the minimum figure rather than the bigger one.
The Formex has as many as four spots for nesting, and they include dividers that can be removed. This makes the task of egg collecting and cleaning a lot easier.
The litter tray can also be removed and cleaned with as little effort as possible, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Since the model comes disassembled, it’s a good thing that many users praise how easy it is to put together.
Features
- Measures 64 by 39 by 42 inches
- The outer nest trays measure 22.5 by 12 inches
- The inner nesting trays measure 10.5 by 12 inches
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Very easy to assemble even by less tech-savvy individuals
- Water, chemical, impact, and ultraviolet-resistant
- Lets you get the eggs easily and conveniently
- Predator-resistant design
Cons
- The nest boxes can be a little finicky
4. Large Chicken Coop – Eglu Cube
Even though it looks a little different compared to what you might be used to, the Eglu Cube is one of the best models when it comes to protecting your backyard birds against predators.
It’s large enough to allow the chickens to feel at ease and the best thing about it is that it’s low maintenance, as well as easy to clean. The netting that it was fitted with provides enough ventilation to the birds, and it also ensures that no snakes, raccoons, or other critters get inside.
Believe it or not, it’s even fitted with wheels, so you can move the chicken coop wherever and whenever you want.
Features
- Comes with a plastic bedding tray
- Made of 100% recyclable polyethylene
- Frame made of steel
- Available in several sizes for different numbers of chickens
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Compatible with a variety of accessories, from waterproof covers to extendable runs
- Well-ventilated thanks to its panels
- Very easy to clean by just hosing it down
Cons
- The instructions that accompany the product could be improved
5.Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop
Although it also boasts a somewhat simplistic design, the Petsfit alternative is another that you should jot down on your list. It’s large enough to accommodate up to four laying hens, which can’t be said for other, more compact models.
When it comes to durability, you probably have nothing to worry about in this respect as the coop is made of rugged fir wood. It hasn’t been dyed with any potentially dangerous substances, so it’s perfectly safe for the birds.
It’s also worth noting that the Petsfit model comes with two panels that you can use for cleaning. There’s one nesting box located at the side of the coop.
Features
- Weighs in at 2.2 pounds
- Measures 53 by 25 by 28 inches
- Comes with pre-drilled holes
- Available in 2 colors
Pros
- Durable design protects the birds from the elements
- The coop is elevated so that snakes or other predators can’t get inside
- Made of eco-friendly materials
- Easy to clean thanks to the side doors
Cons
- You might have to cover it with a tarp when it’s rainy as some users note that it’s not exactly weatherproof
6. ECOLINEAR Outdoor Wooden Chicken Coop
If you want a fully functional coop that actually looks good, for a change, the ECOLINEAR unit might be right up your alley. It’s sizable enough to allow your birds to feel comfortable all the time and it comes with a large run, too.
The model includes a nesting box that can be used by two birds at the same time. While it is marketed for 2 to 4 chickens, we’d advise you to utilize it for just two chickens as anything more might make them feel crowded.
Moreover, the coop boasts a built-in window, so ventilation is not something that you need to worry about. Both the wire enclosure and the tray are removable, which makes the task of cleaning a lot easier than with other models.
Features
- Weighs in at 56 lbs
- Measures 80.7 by 26 by 44.5 inches
- Made of wood, so eco-friendly
- Hasn’t been treated with any toxic dyes
Pros
- The elevated design is a benefit in itself as it protects the chickens from predators
- There’s a pull-out tray for removing the bedding and droppings
- The roof is made to be weatherproof
- A larger run area is available with this model
Cons
- Can be a little tight for four chickens (although it’s marketed for 2-4 birds)
7. OverEZ Large Chicken Coop
If you have no issue whatsoever with spending a little more on a coop that stands the test of time and that is even visually appealing, then the OverEZ might just be the perfect option for you.
It’s large enough to accommodate up to fifteen chickens and it comes with not one, but two screen windows that let fresh air go inside. There are also 2 vents located on each gable end, so ventilation is not a problem with this model.
Based on the info that we came across, you aren’t going to run into any mishap while installing this coop. The instructions are very clear and they also provide tips on how you can keep it clean over time.
Features
- Measures 74 by 60 by 72.5 inches
- Comes with 2 screened windows and 2 vents
- Includes five nesting boxes
- It’s outfitted with 2 roosts
Pros
- Very easy to assemble
- Can comfortably house up to 10-15 chickens
- Protects chickens from the elements and the cold
- Suitable for other backyard birds, such as ducks
Cons
- Handling the coop after it’s been installed is challenging as it can be pretty heavy
Buying Guide
What are the most important factors when it comes to purchasing a chicken coop? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’ll be happy to know that we’re answering it in detail in the guide below.
1. Size
Did you ever hear the expression ‘the bigger it is, the better? If you did, you should know that it’s actually true, in this case. The bigger the chicken coop, the better will the birds feel while resting in it.
When it comes to keeping backyard birds, overcrowding can cause a variety of issues, and even have a negative impact on the birds’ egg production and health. If you don’t want to deal with any of these problems, get the biggest coop you can afford.
Every chicken should have at least 2 to 3 square feet available inside the coop and about 8 to 10 square feet outside, in the run. Look at the size of the product you intend to buy and then see how many chickens would rest comfortably in it.
2. Materials and design
Most modern chicken coops available for sale these days are made of a mix of materials. The actual coop is made out of wood or, in some cases, plastic. But the run usually comes with a wooden frame and wire mesh to provide adequate ventilation.
Wood has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s a little more breathable than other materials but can develop mold and become damaged throughout the seasons. Metal is inappropriate for a chicken coop, as it can become overly hot when sitting in the sun.
Regarding the design, you will have to decide between getting a coop that doesn’t include the run and one that does come with it. If you want to leave your birds to roam in your backyard throughout the day, you just have to gather them up in the coop in the evening.
But if you want to protect your garden from the damage that the chickens could inflict on it, you should consider getting a coop that includes the run.
Also Read: Best Chicken Coop Bedding
3. Protection
When it comes to the seasons, you should be able to use the best chicken coop for winter, for spring, and summer, too, provided that you make some modifications to it. Winterizing a coop is easy if you add insulation.
Another detail that matters when it comes to protection is how the coop is going to keep your birds safe from predators. It’s usually better to opt for an elevated coop as rats, raccoons, and other such critters are less likely to reach your chickens with this design.
Naturally, the roof structure needs to be safe and sound so there is no leakage in the event of rain.
4. Ventilation
The best chicken coop for 6 chickens has at least two points where air can freely go inside; one for a dozen chickens would probably have to come with at least four.
Ventilation is important health-wise. Make sure you pick a model with ventilation points above or under the places where the birds will nest. Otherwise, they aren’t going to feel comfortable. In fact, chickens loathe drafts.
5. How easy is it to clean?
Keeping the coop clean is a part of raising happy and healthy chickens, so even the best small chicken coop needs to be sanitized occasionally. Ideally, you should be able to take some parts out of its structure to conveniently get inside.
If the door and the roof are removable, they’ll make your cleaning task a lot easier. You can simply remove the droppings and dirt and then hose everything down with water and a cleaning solution.
Even the perches and nesting boxes must be sanitized occasionally, so keep that in mind. If you get a coop that you can’t disassemble at all or that you can’t even go inside of, you aren’t going to be able to clean it properly.
FAQs
1. How to clean a chicken coop?
Shovel the droppings, dirt, feathers, and everything else, and then use a hose to remove whatever’s left. If you see that any of the debris is stuck to the walls or floor, scrape them and then hose them down again.
You can use an animal-safe cleaning solution or vinegar to wash and wipe everything down. Leave the coop to dry before allowing your birds to go inside.
2. How to keep snakes out of a chicken coop?
Here are some tips for this purpose:
- Elevate your coop
- Get rid of any rats or mice (they attract snakes)
- Make sure that you collect your chicken eggs regularly
- Cover all holes on your property
- Add netting to the sides of your coop
3. What size chicken coop for 10 chickens?
In order to house ten chickens, a coop needs to have a size of at least 40 square feet. This shouldn’t include the run, though — only the indoor space, and the figure is just the minimum.
If you want to raise happy free-range chickens, you should aim at offering them 5-10 square feet per bird, so that would make for a rather large coop at the end of the day.
4. Why does a chicken coop have two doors?
One door typically allows chickens to go into the run and another should be used by humans for cleaning and egg-gathering purposes. There are coops that only come with one door (if you decide to avoid using a run and let your birds roam freely across your property).
5. How to insulate a chicken coop?
There are a number of methods when it comes to achieving this goal, but the most effective one seems to be using spray foam insulation. You can also use fiberglass, in which case you wouldn’t have to resort to the services of a professional.
If you can’t opt for any of these two choices, you can simply use thick wool blankets and hang them on each wall.
Conclusion
We hope that our guide, along with our product selection, has given you some assistance in terms of finding the best chicken coop for the money. Whichever model you have chosen to buy or build, always keep your birds’ health and safety in mind
