The 7 Best Chicken Coops of 2021

What to Look for in a Chicken Coop 

Overall Size

Some of the cutest chicken coops are also the smallest. So they might look adorable but only be able to house a few chickens. This is fine if you don’t plan on getting a lot of chickens, but it’s good to keep in mind up front. You don’t want to fall in love with the perfect coop for your 8-10 chickens, only to realize it’ll only fit three or four. Most coops will list how big they are, along with how many nesting spots there are. 

Ventilation

This is such an important part of a good coop. While most do have some sort of ventilation system, some are a lot better than others. More is better, so look for a coop with multiple ventilation spots built in. Also, look at how big the ventilation is overall. It definitely matters on those hot days and sticky nights. 

Perching and Roosting Space

A nesting spot isn’t the same as a perching or roosting area. A good coop will have both, giving chickens ample room to lay eggs, perch, and roost at night. Chickens can share spaces—for instance, you don’t have to have a separate perch for every chicken. But there should be multiple options for overall chicken comfort. 

Chicken Run

This is a “nice to have” feature for many, but if you don’t have a lot of space where you’re at, it might be a “must have.” A chicken run will give your chickens extra space to run, stretch, and exercise. This is especially important if you’re not able to let your chickens out on their own throughout the day. They need to stay active and moving!

FAQs

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 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.

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. You can find plans to make your own if you’re handy. Then 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 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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We want to help our readers make the best choices for their gardens, because food can't get any more local than when it comes from your own backyard. Author Stacy Tornio comes from a family of chicken tamers and has helped both her mom and grandma with their flocks. She's also been researching and writing about the art of raising chickens for many years.