The Best Chicken Coops (Small, Medium, and Large!)

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: February 17, 2023
© iStock.com/fotoshoota

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Many people all around the world keep chickens as pets. Whether they just love the feathery animals for the free fertilizer for their garden or they can’t get enough of tasty eggs for breakfast, chickens make great pets! And, like any pet, they need a safe place to live and sleep. In this case the best chicken coop.

Just like a dog, cat, or guinea pig, you’ll want to make sure your two-legged friends are well taken care of. When a chicken is happy and healthy, they produce better quality eggs. It doesn’t matter if you’ve owned these birds for decades or you’re just starting a flock, there are crucial elements to keep in mind. 

Plenty of space, the right material, and ease of assembly are just a few of the factors you’ll want to be aware of when picking the proper cage for your chickens. We’ve dug deep and found the top options available to ensure you have the best coop possible, no matter how many chickens you have! Let’s get started! 

  1. AECOJOY Large Outdoor Wooden Hen House
    • Has a multi-level design with a sleeping and nesting area above and an enclosed run below.
    • Features a nesting box with lift up lid for easy access.
    • Has three roosting perches.
    • Constructed from fir wood and durable wire mesh.
    Check Amazon
  2. Multi-Level Outdoor Chicken Coop
    • This wooden chicken coop is 36", perfect for small spaces
    • It will accommodate multiple chicks, but only one adult chicken
    • Features two levels
    • The bottom level is an enclosed run
    • Features lockable doors with metal and wooden latches
    Check Amazon
  3. New Age Pet ECOFLEX Fontana Chicken Barn
    • Medium-sized for a small flock
    • Made from sturdy, durable, eco-friendly reclaimed wood and plastic
    • Heavy-duty plastic and weatherproofed wood withstand snow and rain
    • Features nesting boxes, roosting areas, and areas for your chickens to exercise
    • Can accommodate up to eight adult chickens
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. OverEZ Large Chicken Coop
    • Can accommodate up to 20 chickens!
    • Features 5 nesting boxes and two roosts
    • Two large vents provide ventilation
    • Durable wood construction and waterproofing protects chicken from rain and snow
    • This coop will be delivered completely assembled!
    Check Amazon

#1 Best Overall: AECOJOY Large Outdoor Wooden Hen House

In our opinion, the best overall chicken coop is the AECOJOY Large Outdoor Wooden Hen House.

The majority of the coop is made out of solid and durable fir wood. Thick metal bolts hold each piece together to ensure security. The wood also features a non-toxic waterproof treatment to keep chickens safe and sound, no matter the weather.

This coop has a large, multi-level living space with an access ramp between the two levels. The bottom level of the coop features a spacious run that’s enclosed by wiring, allowing poultry to bask in the sunshine on a warm day. The birds will love that there is a spacious nesting box in the upper level with two nesting sections. There are also three roosting bars — two in the sleeping area and one in the active area. This coop can be accessed via the spacious door, while the nesting box has a lift up lid so that the eggs can be collected from outside the coop. Plus, there is a small area below the nesting box where you can place the food and water so that the main living are doesn’t get dirty with food being kicked all around.

Speaking of cleaning, we love the bottom tray that smoothly glides out for quick and painless waste removal. The assembly is incredibly simple thanks to all the pre-drilled holes. All you need to get the job done is a screwdriver and a bit of determination. However, some customers have reported that the assembly instructions were a little confusing.

Pros and Cons of the AECOJOY Large Outdoor Wooden Hen House

ProsCons
This coop features two levels with an access ramp connecting the them.The assembly instructions are unclear.
It is made from durable fir wood and sturdy wire mesh.
It features a spacious nesting box with a lift up lid.
There is a pull-out tray to make cleaning easy.
It features three roosting bars.
There is an area underneath the nesting box that is perfect as a feed station.
Best Overall
AECOJOY Large Outdoor Wooden Hen House
  • Has a multi-level design with a sleeping and nesting area above and an enclosed run below.
  • Features a nesting box with lift up lid for easy access.
  • Has three roosting perches.
  • Constructed from fir wood and durable wire mesh.
Check Amazon

2. Best for Small Spaces: Multi-Level Outdoor Chicken Coop

Are you just getting started in the chicken raising world? Maybe you just want a few birds. Whatever the case may be, if you’re in the market for a small chicken coop, consider the Multi-Level Outdoor Chicken Coop.

This home for your chicks is a great option if you’re looking for something with an affordable price tag without compromising on the features or quality. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, making it perfect for small yards.

While it can hold many newborn chicks, this coop will only hold two adult chickens. We like that there are two levels with a run on the bottom. It’s enclosed with wiring that not only allows for fantastic airflow but protection from predators as well. 

It’s made with solid wood that has lockable doors with metal and wooden latches to match the coop’s aesthetic. We appreciate that there are three doors, allowing for easy access to the chickens or fresh eggs. It also features a pull-out tray to make cleaning a breeze. Overall, this is a great choice for a small chicken coop! 

However, some customers have reported that the wood is not as durable as they anticipated. Also, this coop does not have a dedicated nesting area.

Pros and Cons of the Multi-Level Outdoor Chicken Coop

ProsCons
This coop has two levels with a living area above and a run on the bottom.The wood is not as durable as advertised.
It features durable wire mesh to protect birds from predators.There is not a dedicated nesting area.
There is a pull-out tray to make cleaning easy.
It features three doors with lockable latches.
Best for Small Spaces
Multi-Level Outdoor Chicken Coop
  • This wooden chicken coop is 36", perfect for small spaces
  • It will accommodate multiple chicks, but only one adult chicken
  • Features two levels
  • The bottom level is an enclosed run
  • Features lockable doors with metal and wooden latches
Check Amazon

3. Best Medium-Sized Coop: New Age Pet ECOFLEX Fontana Chicken Barn

Whether you’re short on space or have a handful of chickens, the New Age Pet ECOFLEX Fontana Chicken Barn is our top pick for a medium-sized coop.

This coop is sturdy and durable, being designed with reclaimed wood and plastic. These materials are also eco-friendly, making this coop a great choice for the environmentally conscious individual. The reclaimed wood and heavy-duty plastic can withstand harsh weather conditions and there’s a weatherproofing treatment to prevent the wood from holding moisture. 

This coop features a nesting box with a hinged lid and two roosting areas which offer plenty of room for your birds to sleep. This coop can hold up to six adult birds and if you need more room, ECOFLEX also offers an expandable pen.  Not only that, but the door becomes a ramp when it is open.

As pet owners, we appreciate that you get a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty upon purchasing. We also like that it’s easy to clean and all you need is a hose to get the job done. Overall, this is a great option if you’re looking for a middle-size coop. 

The only drawback to this product is that it lacks any ventilation. Some customers said that they drilled some holes in the side to fix the problem.

Pros and Cons of the New Age Pet ECOFLEX Fontana Chicken Barn

ProsCons
This chicken coop is made from reclaimed wood and plastic.It lacks any form of ventilation.
It has a nesting box with a hinged lid.
It features two roosting perches.
The door becomes a ramp when it is open.
Best Medium-Sized Coop
New Age Pet ECOFLEX Fontana Chicken Barn
  • Medium-sized for a small flock
  • Made from sturdy, durable, eco-friendly reclaimed wood and plastic
  • Heavy-duty plastic and weatherproofed wood withstand snow and rain
  • Features nesting boxes, roosting areas, and areas for your chickens to exercise
  • Can accommodate up to eight adult chickens
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Nesting: OverEZ Large Chicken Coop

If you’re looking for a chicken coop that provides the ultimate nesting experience for your birds then we recommend the OverEZ Large Chicken Coop which boasts five nesting boxes.

This coop can hold up to 15 chickens with ease! If you need an even larger space then OverEZ also makes a coop that holds 20 birds at once! 

So what’s so great about this pick? Well, let’s start with the fact that it has five nesting boxes available! It features two roosting perches. Plus, there are two large vents on the sides that provide adequate ventilation, allowing your birds to stay cool even on warm summer days. 

You can’t go wrong with the durable wood construction that protects chickens during the colder months. The waterproofing technology on it prevents rain and snow from damaging the materials of the coop. 

Easily one of the best things about this coop is that you won’t have to worry about assembly. Once you purchase this coop, you simply choose a delivery time and a trailer will drop the coop off, completely assembled. 

However, given the size of this coop and the features that it boasts, it is easily the most expensive option on the list.

Pros and Cons of the OverEZ Large Chicken Coop

ProsCons
This coop can hold up to 15 chickens.It is more expensive than other options on the list.
It is made from durable wood with unique waterproofing technology to prevent inclement weather from damaging it.
It features five nesting boxes.
There are two large vents to provide ventilation.
This chicken coop is delivered fully assembled.
Best for Nesting
OverEZ Large Chicken Coop
  • Can accommodate up to 20 chickens!
  • Features 5 nesting boxes and two roosts
  • Two large vents provide ventilation
  • Durable wood construction and waterproofing protects chicken from rain and snow
  • This coop will be delivered completely assembled!
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

You might be asking how to find the ideal chicken coop for your needs if you’re new to raising poultry. The quantity of your flock and the availability of space you have will determine how large a coop you need and the characteristics it should have, such as numerous levels and nesting areas. You’ll also want to consider airflow, insulation, and safety to keep your hens and roosters happy and secure.

Construction Materials

The majority of chicken coops are constructed of wood or plastic, with felt covering and rust-resistant mesh netting. For particular situations, some materials may need to be treated. To make the wood waterproof, it should be pressure-treated or coated. Otherwise, when it rains the wood may distort or decay.

It may also attract viruses that might infect your chicken, as well as fungus and termites. At the same time, you’ll need a material that’s both strong and light enough to support the weight of your chicken. To extend the life of your chicken coop, you may choose to use UV-coated or powder-coated materials.

Flock Size

The size of the coop you’ll buy will be determined by the number of birds it will contain. Every standard hen in a coop requires three to five square feet of floor area to be comfortable. If there isn’t enough room, the birds may pluck or peck at each other in a competitive manner. 

If you want to let your flock go free throughout the day, you’ll need less free space than if they’re normally restrained. Smaller fowl, such as bantams, will take up less space in the coop, generally around two square feet. Perching and roosting bar space should be provided for each bird. 

Nesting Space

Poultry will have a secure, private, and peaceful area to deposit their eggs in a nesting space. One box should be provided with every three to four chickens. A basic nesting box is a 12-inch cube that can be made of wood, but plastic and metal versions are more common. 

The boxes are often offered in a row or two. However, chickens like seclusion when nesting, therefore they should be at least 18 inches from the floor and away from loud and bustling locations.

Levels

If you’re short on space, always build up! There are plenty of coops available that have multiple levels to provide plenty of square footage for a larger flock. With multilevel coops, there’s often a ramp that’s easy for chickens of all sizes to use. 

Having multiple levels allow chickens to have their own space. Some can be pecking on the ground level, while others take a nap upstairs. Most often nesting boxes are on the upper level to provide a more serene place. 

Ventilation

The health of your chickens depends on proper coop ventilation. Ammonia fumes produced by manure accumulation can be harmful to their health, causing respiratory problems and eye discomfort. Fresh air will also keep humidity out, resulting in a dryer atmosphere for your hens to feel comfortable in the cold. 

Air holes should be situated approximately where the wall joins the ceiling at the top of the coop. Vents in the same location may be found in more expensive coops.

Insulation

No matter where you live, it gets cold during a change of season and overnight. Just like any other pet, chickens don’t like getting cold. You’ll want to make sure the coop you choose doesn’t have any unnecessary drafts. 

Avoid gaps in the walls and if you find them, fill them with caulk. To ensure your birds stay warm, line the coop with cardboard or corrugated plastic. Keep the coop doors closed overnight and in unpleasant weather. 

Chicken Run

If you can’t allow your chickens out during the day, acquire a coop with enough area for a chicken run, which takes around eight to ten square feet per typical chicken. 

Bantams require just around four square feet of space since they are petite and can fly, enabling them to perch overhead. Chicken runs, which are normally linked to the coop, provide hens with a secure outdoor area where they may sunbathe, dust bathe, or feed in grass or dirt. Your chickens will be happy if they have more area to do this.

Security

One of the most essential parts of a chicken coop is security. You’ll want your feathery friends to be safe from predators at all times. Look for a cage that has wire-covered vents, along with latches on all of the doors. Some chicken owners also opt for automated doors that are only open during certain hours of the day. 

It’s important to note that not all predators live at ground level. Make sure there is a cover on top of the chicken run to prevent owls and hawks from getting in. Even a bit of wire mesh will get the job done without compromising your poultry’s comfort. 

Ease of Cleaning

It’s critical to keep your birds healthy by cleaning their coop on a regular basis. The longer it takes to clean a larger coop, the more effort will be required to clean it. The crouching and straining required to access tight and dark areas make cleaning tough. It will be better to get around and see whether the doors and roof can be opened in a larger coop.  

Removable flooring or trays, particularly beneath the roosts, are another crucial component that will assist in speeding up the cleaning procedure by making it much easier to clear gathered droppings. If you pick a coop with nest boxes that slide out for cleaning then you will save time and effort.

The Different Types of Chicken Coops: Pros and Cons Compared

There are many different sorts of coops to consider, especially when looking at the many different DIY concepts that individuals have come up with. Here are the good and the bad of the main types of chicken coops available on the market today! 

  • Stationary Coops: These are coops that aren’t portable. Their walls have a solid framework, and they may even have a concrete floor. The majority of them are of the do-it-yourself sort, purchased as a construction kit, custom-designed, or converted from an existing shed or structure.
  • Chicken Tractors: Chicken tractors aren’t truly tractors; instead, they’re a common word for a mobile coop. These are ideal for small flocks and regions with limited yard space, as they allow you to give your chickens a new area every so often. This type of housing isn’t as secure as stationary options. 
  • Semi-Permanent Coops: Semi-permanent coops are perhaps the most popular since they come in a broad range of forms that you can buy or create yourself. These can be elevated coops or coops that sit on the ground, and they should be used in combination with a portable fence system.

About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

The Best Chicken Coops (Small, Medium, and Large!) FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How big does a chicken coop have to be? 

If your hens have access to the outdoors, a reasonable rule of thumb is that they need at least three to five square feet of coop area per chicken.



What is the ideal distance between a chicken coop and a house? 

Generally, such ordinances would stipulate that hens must be kept at a certain distance from people’s homes, which might be as little as 10 feet or as much as 150 feet. The requirements differ depending on whether the chickens’ owner or a neighbor lives in the house.



Is it possible for hens to stay in the coop alone for a week? 

First and foremost, hens should be left alone for no more than three to four days at most.



Is it better to build a chicken coop in the sun or in the shade? 

Because chickens suffer from heat exhaustion, all chicken coops should be erected in the shade if at all feasible. In most circumstances, a cool coop in the summer is more vital than a heated coop in the winter.

 

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