What Features Should You Look for When Buying a Chicken Coop?
Must Have Features and Some Small Splurges
Picking the right chicken coop is a big deal—especially if you want your chickens to be happy, healthy, and safe. A good coop doesn’t just look nice. It also needs to work well for both the chickens and the people who take care of them. Here are some important features to look for when shopping for a coop.
1. Good Ventilation
Chickens need fresh air to stay healthy. A good coop should have windows or vents that let air flow through without letting in rain or snow. This helps control moisture, cuts down on smells, and keeps your flock from getting sick. Raised chicken coops also provide added ventilation and protection from predators.
2. Strong, Safe Flooring
The floor of the coop should be sturdy and easy to clean. Look for thick wood floors like 5/8" LP flooring that can handle scratching, droppings, and heavy use. Raised floors help keep the coop dry and protect against predators.
For an added benefit an epoxy coating can be added to the Hen House Collection coops along with a deep litter liner for composting offering the ultimate floor and wall protection.
3. Removable Roost Bars
Roost bars are where chickens sleep. Removable roost bars make it much easier to clean under them. You can lift them out, hose them off, and get rid of droppings without too much work. Both Driftless Outdoors chicken coops and Hen House Collection coops have removable roost bars available.
Feel like splurging? Spoil your chickens with a heated roost bar
from Hen House Collection to provide added warmth during the winter months.
4. Litter Trays
Litter trays catch droppings under the roosts. These trays slide out so you can dump the waste into your compost pile.
They help keep the coop cleaner and make your job quicker and easier.
5. Easy to Clean
A coop that’s easy to clean saves you time and keeps your chickens healthier. Look for features like clean-out lids, removable parts, and smooth walls or floors. The easier it is to scoop, wipe, or rinse, the better!
6. Right Capacity
Make sure your coop is big enough for your flock. A good rule is about 2 to 4 square feet of indoor coop space per chicken. Too many birds in a small space can lead to pecking, stress, and sickness.
7. Coop Height
Taller coops give your chickens more air and light—and they make it easier for you to walk inside and do chores. If you want a walk-in coop, look for styles with tall roofs like the Quaker or Dutch designs.
8. Yard Space and Placement
Think about where your coop will go. Make sure there's enough room for a run or fenced area where your chickens can scratch and explore. Try to put the coop in a spot with shade, dry ground, and room to grow if you add more birds later.
Choosing the Best Coop
A great chicken coop keeps your birds safe and makes your daily chores easier. Look for smart features like ventilation, strong floors, roost bars you can remove, and litter trays to save time. Make sure it’s the right size for your flock and fits well in your yard.
Whether you're just starting or growing your flock, the right coop makes all the difference.