The 8 Best Chicken Coops for Backyards (2024)

Updated January 17, 2023

Treehugger’s top choice chicken coop is not only extremely user-friendly, it’s also eco-friendly. It’s made from recycled plastic in a facility that minimizes all kinds of waste, and is designed to be flat-packed for the most efficient shipping. It’s easy to clean, with removable perches and trays, smooth sides that can be wiped down quickly, and hatches and a roof that are easy to remove.

It’s available in three sizes. The large size accommodates six to eight hens and a small size that’s good for two or tree hens. You can also choose between a ground level coop, "lodge" style, or raised coop (pictured). The lodge style coop is a medium height that sits on four legs for a total height of about 39 inches, to keep birds away from the cold ground. The raised coop is total height of 46 inches, which has enough space below the coop for solid walls, which can give birds more shelter in the event of wind and rain.

There's also a number of additional add-ons and upgrades, such as wheels, an automatic door opener, and even a camera setup. Nestera guarantees its products for a full 25 years.

We also love that Nestera donates to good causes, including Bedlam Farm Wildlife Rescue and Wood Green, two animal rescue charities.

Price at time of publish: $539 and up

The ECOFLEX house is made from a reclaimed wood and plastic polymer, making for an eco-friendly and sturdy coop that can hold up in any weather. This waterproof product doesn’t hold moisture, so cleanup is as easy as getting out the garden hose and spraying it down. Inside the 41 x 36 inch design, you’ll find nesting boxes and roosting areas, enough space for as many as six to eight chickens total.

Want to build your own coop? Etsy has some of the best chicken coop plans out there from designers and builders who really know chickens. This design here is truly a dream coop, showing you how to create an amazing space for up to 16 chickens.

With a design that optimizes ventilation and lighting, this extra wide (11.5 feet), extra long (9 feet), and extra tall (8.5 feet) coop will give your chickens plenty of space to nest, roost, and roam. The plans include nearly 90 pages of illustrations and instructions to make assembly easy. There’s a full tool and supply list. They estimate with materials for this coop to come in around $1,600.

Price at time of publish: $55

On a budget? This coop has all the elements you need to get started, including a run, a nesting area, a liftable roof, and a pull-out tray for easy cleaning. It has two levels total and includes a window for extra light and ventilation.

At 59 inches long and 21 inches wide, it’s enough for about two to three chickens total. Assembly is easy, and the mesh wiring will keep predators away. It’s a good starter coop or add it to your current space for your growing flock.

Price at time of publish: $227

If you're looking for a coop that's large enough for a person to walk into without bending down, this coop stands nearly 86 inches tall and can house up to six hens. The base measures 58 x 66 inches. Roost & Roots offers a menu of different features, like storm protection panels for cold climates and different feed and water systems.

The coop is made from cedar, pre-wired panels and galvanized metal hardwear. It includes a roost, run and eggbox, with access to collect eggs from both the inside and the outside. It does require about four hours assembly, but there are tutorial videos and a "Handyman Hotline" in case you get stuck.

Price at time of publish: $4,495

This classic wooden barn accommodates a six-hen flock right. It measures 42.5 x 27.6 x 123.2 inches, for a total of 24 square feet. With two separate nesting boxes, birds have space to spread out and not feel too crowded. The elevated nesting areas not only allow plenty of space for a chicken run, but they also keep the nests above wet conditions on the ground.

It has four doors total, plus two removable ramps and two pull-out trays. All of the door have barrel bolt latches, making it harder for ambitious chickens to escape.

Price at time of publish: $510

You want a ready-to-go option that will hold a lot of chickens? This is the one. While the price tag on this coop is higher than most, it’s really one of the easiest options for you. The coop is delivered via tractor trailer; they set up a delivery time with you ahead of time and then pull up and unload it.

Right away, it’s pretty much ready to go. The 74-inch coop has five nesting boxes and two large vents. The design includes natural wood flooring and eco-friendly paint. It sits off the ground for good ventilation and to keep predators away. It will hold up to 15 chickens.

Price at time of publish: $1,999

If you want to give your chickens an enclosed space for exercise, this coop comes with a run that's over 20 square feet. The coop is designed for four to six chickens, and comes with a pull-out try, a ramp, and a rooting bar. The roof is removable, and there are six doors, so you'll have a lot of options when it comes time to access the birds.

In total, the coop and run measure 8.6 x 3.25 x 2.3 feet. It's made from wood, with wire mesh fencing and a PVC covered roof for waterproofing. The door latches have space to add a lock if needed, and the bottom of the coop is completely enclosed to prevent other critters from getting in.

Price at time of publish: $370

Final Verdict

Add Some Automation to Your Chicken Coop

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you make your own chicken coop?

  Chicken coops can get really expensive, especially if you have your eye on one of the more unique or cute designs. If you're really handy, the most cost-effective chicken coop is one you build yourself from upcycled or salvaged materials. Here are a few handmade coops for inspiration, but don’t let them intimidate you. There are plenty of simple plans out there to get you started, and of course finished coops like the ones we recommend here.

  Another option is to repurpose an old building, shed, or outdoor unit to turn into a coop. This can be a cost-effective way to give your chickens a home.

• How big of a coop do you need?

  A general rule of thumb is that you need about 2 to 3 square feet inside your coop per chicken and then another 8 to 10 feet outside the coop for an exercise area. This isn’t the time you want to go with the bare minimum, though. If you’re able, definitely give your chickens more room and space for their needs.

• How do you clean a chicken coop?

  Cleaning your coop should be part of your regular outdoor chores. On a daily or every-other-day basis, you should be scooping out poop, leftover food, and any other waste. Then on a weekly ro bi-weekly basis, you’ll want to clean out any hay or insulation you have in your coop. Long-term, it’s good to give your coop a more thorough cleaning using a water/vinegar mixture. To do this, clear everything out ahead of time and then scrub with a brush, mop, or any other clearing tool you want to use.

• How do you winterize a chicken coop?

  It’s so important to winterize your coop, especially if you live in a cold area. To do this, consider insulation that you can pick up at your local home improvement store. If this isn’t an option, consider hanging blankets along the walls. When you do insulate your coop, be mindful of what you’re covering. You don’t want to cover up the ventilation at all. If you do for any reason, make sure to add ventilation back in. Keep in mind that straw doesn’t do a lot to retain heat in a chicken coop, which a lot of people don’t realize.

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