People are more health conscious these days, or maybe it’s just that a huge portion of society, the baby boomers, are at the age where health is more of a priority than ever.. Whatever the reason, a word that has gained popularity is ‘sustainable’ or ‘sustainability.’
Sustainable practices, living, farming, and eating—a part of this sustainable trend is backyard chicken keeping. Why? Raising chickens perfectly fits the definition of sustainability.
“sustainable, adjective
sus·tain·able sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl1: capable of being sustained
2a: of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods–sustainable society.”
See what I mean? You feed a chicken, give it water, and give it a secure place to live, and it gives you wonderfully fresh eggs. It’s almost a perfect relationship.
Another growing trend is raising chickens in suburban and rural areas. More and more backyard coops are visible in urban-leaning areas. Most are simple, small, and about as noticeable as a common dog coop.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Many cute chicken coops are available to help you practice more sustainable living and enhance your property with an aesthetically pleasing haven for your birds.
Be sure to check with your municipality regarding regulatory considerations to see if keeping chickens or, more specifically, roosters where you live is okay.
It’s always important to practice neighborly etiquette when keeping chickens in the backyard so you don’t become “those chicken people” on the block.
What Makes a Chicken Coop ‘Cute’?
Cuteness is usually a matter of aesthetic appeal in chicken coops, and the degree of cuteness results from design and construction. A perfectly cute design can be ruined by shabby construction, while a lesser design can be made cuter by good construction and peripheral decoration.
As you can see, dressing up a coop with some flowers and a weathervane doesn’t take much. What more can be done? Embellishments are limited only by your imagination.
However, the functionality of your coop should supersede its cuteness. A balance of the two will give you an aesthetic that pleases the neighbors and passersby while contributing to the chickens’ well-being.
Features to Look for in a Chicken Coop
Size and space recommendations per chicken: You will hear suggestions of two to four square feet recommended for each chicken in the coop, but if you want happy chickens, make it four square feet per chicken. Overcrowding can lead to feather picking, fighting, and even cannibalism. YIKES!
Materials and durability considerations. Wood is a sustainable resource, and most coops are made of it. Types of wood include solid wood, plywood, pressboard, and fiberboard. I would recommend the first two over the rest for longevity.
Plastic is being included in coop construction with excellent results. Nestera makes a coop out of UV-safe recycled plastic with a 25-year warranty.
Metal structures are solid but are poor insulators. If you choose a metal coop, it should be insulated already, or you should insulate it to keep your chickens from overheating or freezing.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance. Coops should have smooth floors and walls that can be hosed out and dried quickly and easily. Parts, components, and add-ons should be easy to come by if repairs need to be made.
Security features to deter predators. Look for solid construction of the coop and accompanying run to keep foxes, raccoons, and neighborhood dogs from getting to your chickens. Predator-proof latches are a good idea, and motion-activated lights can help keep your coop secure.
Nesting Boxes and Roosts. Chickens have retained many of their wild instincts, including sleeping at height to stay away from walking and crawling predators and the preference to hide their eggs away in a safe place for the same reason. Roosts and nesting boxes must be provided to keep your birds happy and feeling at home.
Creative Themes and Customizations
Some coops, with themes ranging from fairy-tale cottages to miniature barns, can be found with a quick search. Hey, look… I searched for you. I will not be reviewing these coops, but you can look to see if they tickle your fancy.
If you followed the link or even if you didn’t, DIY customizations for personal flair can add elegance, style, quirkiness, and self-expression at any level you desire.
Incorporating green living with eco-friendly materials and designs is one great form of self-expression. Going with a 100% recycled plastic coop tells the world that you care about the earth and are doing your part to help clean it up.
That brings us to our first cute coop. Let’s take a look at the
A Review of 4 Cute Chicken Coops for Suburban and Rural Backyards
Nestera’s Wagon Chicken Coop represents a significant advancement in backyard chicken care, primarily due to its innovative use of 100% recycled plastic. This choice of material underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability (there’s that word again) and offers practical benefits for you. The coop’s design facilitates easy cleaning—a simple hose down is sufficient, thanks to the smooth surfaces of the recycled plastic, which also allows for quick drying.
Key Features:
- Durability and Warranty: The coop boasts an impressive 25-year manufacturer’s warranty, highlighting its durability and the company’s confidence in its product.
- Capacity and Comfort: Designed to accommodate various chicken sizes, it can house up to five large chickens, six medium chickens, or ten bantams, making it versatile for different backyard flock sizes. Two nest boxes and three wooden roosting bars enhance the chickens’ comfort.
- Ease of Movement: The coop’s mobility is a standout feature. Four extra-wide wheels equipped with chocks for stability allow for easy relocation, promoting lawn health and providing fresh foraging grounds for the chickens.
- Predator Protection: The coop’s construction from chew-resistant, thick recycled plastic and the addition of heavy-duty stainless steel hasp bolts on the front door offers robust protection against predators.
- Ventilation and Insulation: Adjustable ventilation and excellent thermal insulation ensure the coop remains comfortable for chickens across seasons, addressing common concerns about plastic coops’ temperature regulation.
- Maintenance-Free: The coop’s material choice means it is resistant to UV and weather conditions and requires less maintenance than traditional wooden coops.
Optional Add-ons:
- Automatic Chicken Coop Door: Enhances convenience and security, automating the opening and closing of the coop door.
- Removable Droppings Tray: Facilitates easy cleaning, underscoring the coop’s design focus on low maintenance.
Assembly and Shipping:
- The coop is easy to assemble, with most users completing the setup in under an hour, and it ships free in recycled packaging. However, it’s not available for shipping to Hawaii or Alaska.
Environmental Impact:
- Nestera’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of recycled materials and nearly zero-waste manufacturing process, making the Wagon Chicken Coop an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious chicken keepers.
The Wagon Chicken Coop by Nestera is a thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly option for backyard hobbyists. Its durability, ease of maintenance, predator protection, and comfort features make it a compelling choice for those looking to provide a safe, comfortable home for their chickens while minimizing their environmental footprint.
The Craftsman 3′ x 4′ Tractor Chicken Coop, proudly made in America and handcrafted by the Amish in Lancaster County, PA, is a testament to quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. This coop is a shelter for your chickens and a movable habitat designed to enhance their well-being while simplifying maintenance for you.
Key Features:
- Mobility: The coop features a tractor design with two wheels and wheelbarrow handles, allowing easy movement across your yard. This mobility ensures your chickens can always access fresh grass, and it helps distribute their natural fertilizer evenly.
- Capacity: It comfortably houses 4 to 6 full-size chickens or 6 to 8 bantam chickens, with four nesting boxes for egg laying.
- Ventilation and Light: Great ventilation is ensured with one window, one ventilation slot, and two gable vents, crucial for maintaining a healthy environment. The window also allows natural light to enter, making the interior welcoming for the chickens.
- Attached Run: The attached and enclosed run offers 32 square feet of space, including a sheltered area under the coop. It provides your chickens with exercise space and protection from bad weather.
- Customization Options: The coop offers various customization options, including siding, roofing materials, finishes, and additional features like an electrical package or a heated roost bar, allowing you to tailor the coop to your specific needs and preferences.
Materials and Construction:
- The coop is constructed with high-quality materials, including Duratemp® siding with a 50-year warranty, pressure-treated plywood flooring, and LP® Tech Shield® Roofing Sheathing for cooler temperatures inside the coop during warm weather.
- Using half-inch hardware cloth wire over windows and vents ensures predator protection, keeping your chickens safe.
Customization and Enhancements:
- A wide range of finishes allows for personalizing the coop’s appearance. The availability of 15 paint colors and five stain colors, along with different siding and roofing options, means you can design a coop that meets your chickens’ needs and complements your backyard aesthetic.
- Optional features like the “Cleaner Coop” options (e.g., epoxy floor and clean-out lid) make maintenance easier and ensure a clean and hygienic environment for your chickens.
Shipping and Warranty:
- The coop includes shipping in its price, with a lead time of 4-5 weeks for delivery, reflecting the made-to-order quality of this product. A 10-year limited warranty covers structural issues, ensuring long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.
Final Thoughts:
The Craftsman 3′ x 4′ Tractor Chicken Coop stands out for its quality construction, thoughtful design, and extensive customization options. Its mobility feature is beneficial for maintaining lawn health and ensuring your chickens can access fresh foraging areas. The attention to detail in its design, from ventilation to predator protection, makes it a superior choice for backyard chicken keepers looking for a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing coop for their flock. This coop embodies traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality.
This Dutch gambrel-roof style hen house, crafted meticulously by the Amish in Pennsylvania, USA, marries traditional aesthetics with modern poultry housing needs. Its distinctive barn-like appearance is visually appealing and maximizes interior space, making it a practical choice for chicken keepers.
Key Features:
- Spacious: Designed to house up to 20 chickens comfortably, this coop is ideal for those looking to maintain a larger flock. Six nesting boxes ensure ample space for egg-laying.
- Ventilation and Light: Equipped with two windows, a vent slot, and two gable vents, the coop ensures excellent airflow and sufficient natural light, creating a healthy environment for the chickens.
- Customization Options: The coop offers a wide range of customization options, including different types of siding, roofing materials, and finishes, allowing owners to tailor it to their specific needs and preferences.
- Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials such as Duratemp® siding and ACQ pressure-treated plywood flooring, the coop is built to withstand the elements and resist common threats like termites and rot.
Materials and Construction:
- The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability and maintenance ease. For instance, the LP® Tech Shield® Roofing Sheathing provides a cooler interior during warm weather, while the epoxy flooring option offers a 100% moisture-resistant, easy-to-clean surface.
Customization and Enhancements:
- Owners can personalize their coop with 15 paint colors and five stain colors and further customize with options like electrical packages, heated roost bars, and various run configurations.
- The coop’s design allows for adding tractor wheels, enabling mobility across the yard. This provides fresh grazing areas for the chickens and evenly distributes their manure.
Shipping and Warranty:
- The hen house comes with shipping included in the price, reflecting its made-to-order quality. A 10-year limited warranty offers peace of mind, covering structural issues under proper maintenance conditions.
Final Thoughts:
The Dutch Gambrel-Roof Style Hen House stands out for its charming design, spacious interior, and extensive customization options. Its construction from durable, high-quality materials ensures a long-lasting, comfortable home for your chickens. The coop’s ventilation system, combined with the option for an epoxy floor and other “Cleaner Coop” features, addresses essential aspects of chicken welfare and maintenance ease. This coop is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Amish builders and offers a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and customizable solution to their chicken housing needs. Whether expanding your flock or starting anew, this hen house promises to be a worthy centerpiece in your backyard poultry endeavor.
The Clubhouse Chicken Coop Overview:
The Clubhouse Chicken Coop is a thoughtfully designed chicken habitat combining practicality and aesthetic appeal. Suitable for up to four large fowl or six-plus bantam chickens, this coop includes an attached run, offering a comprehensive solution for small-scale operators. Its design emphasizes ease of use, security, and the well-being of the chickens, making it a standout choice for novice and experienced chicken keepers.
Top-Quality Features:
- Predator-Proofing: A standout feature is the wire mesh floor for the run, designed to deter rodents and burrowing predators, a security measure not commonly found in other coops. Additionally, the coop boasts better quality latches with dual latches on every opening, enhancing predator resistance.
- Maintenance Ease: The coop includes extra-deep droppings trays lined with galvanized metal for easy cleaning, solid plexiglass windows, and a design optimized down to the millimeter for maximum usability.
- Weather Protection: The covered run protects chickens from the elements, and adding on and daisy-chain additional runs provides flexibility for expanding the outdoor space.
Dimensions and Specifications:
The Clubhouse Chicken Coop offers ample space within a compact footprint. Its exterior dimensions are 81″ wide x 33.5″ deep x 50.4″ tall, with interior dimensions thoughtfully allocated between the nesting and living areas. The included run and the option for additional runs ensure that chickens have enough space to move, exercise, and explore safely.
Assembly and Customization:
Assembly is straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver. Most holes are pre-drilled for convenience. The coop’s design allows for significant customization by adding up to three extra runs, each equipped with a wire mesh floor for added predator protection.
Designed for Happy Owners and Chickens:
The Clubhouse Coop includes features aimed at making chicken a joy rather than a chore. Easy access to nesting boxes, conveniently placed doors, and a pull-out droppings tray are just some thoughtful design elements. For the chickens, 50″ of rounded-edge roosting poles, two nesting boxes, and a covered run area ensure comfort and security.
Ventilation and Predator Protection:
Extra ventilation is provided through dual slots, ensuring a comfortable environment even in warmer months, while the comprehensive predator protection measures keep chickens safe from harm.
Maintenance and Longevity:
The coop’s natural wood should be sealed or stained annually to protect your investment. With proper care, the Clubhouse Chicken Coop can provide many years of service beyond the typical four to six years of use.
Shipping and Customer Service:
The coop includes free shipping and arrives in two separate boxes to facilitate handling. Customer service is prioritized, and shipping damages, returns, and cancellations are supported, ensuring a positive purchase and ownership experience.
Final Thoughts:
The Clubhouse Chicken Coop is an excellent choice for those starting their chicken-keeping journey or looking for a secure, easy-to-maintain, and attractive coop for a small flock. Its security features, ease of cleaning, and customizable options make it versatile and practical. Whether used as a starter coop, a hospital, a broody house, or for a bantam breeding trio, the Clubhouse Coop offers a blend of functionality and charm that will delight both owners and their feathered friends.
Caring for Your Chicken Coop and Flock
There you have it: four cute coops to set up and customize to your heart’s content. I have a couple of items to discuss before I wrap this up.
Regular maintenance routines will extend the life of your coop so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Winterizing your coop for colder climates is never a bad idea, regardless of the material your coop is constructed of.
Introducing new chickens to the coop can be stressful for adult birds. To help ease their transition, keep a close eye on them, ensure they have plenty of food and water, and spend as much time as you can with them for the first couple of days.
When you become a chicken owner, you will want to learn all you can about the little egg layers, like dealing with common chicken illnesses and tips for a happy and healthy flock
Thanks for stopping by.
Please leave any questions you have in the comments below.
Dave
Chickenmethod.com