If you are considering raising chickens in your backyard, you probably know that keeping a flock can come with several perks beyond providing fresh eggs on demand. However, you will need a good home for your birds to reap these benefits. The best chicken coops with run plans can help keep birds healthy, happy, and safe from dangerous predators.
Read on to discover some of the great options to consider, along with some of the considerations to consider before making a purchase.
What Is a Chicken Coop?
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A chicken coop is an enclosed facility that provides a safe shelter for chickens to roost, lay eggs, and keep them safe from predators. Chicken coops, in most cases, include interior and exterior parts, multiple levels, and many accessories or attachments like nesting boxes, roosting bars, runs, and bird feeders. All of these facilities ensure your chickens are comfortable, protected, and able to lay as many eggs as possible.
With that understanding, let's dive in and look at the five best chicken coops with run plans you can purchase.
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1. Ogrmar Chicken Coop Large Wooden Outdoor Hen Cage
- 【Raised Perches & Comfortable for Poultry】The raised perch keeps your poultry safe, dry and warm, especially in...
- 【Spacious Space & User-friendly Design】58" chicken coop comes with nesting box, resting box and ramp. Your...
- 【Removable tray & Gridding Fences】There is removable bottom sliding tray for easy cleaning. High quality...
- 【Shipping & Customer Service】UPS or USPS will deliver the item to your house in 3-6 business days after you...
- 【Sturdy Construction & Weatherproof】Constructed by premium natural fir wood and painted with eco-friendly...
Last update on 2024-08-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our top pick for the best chicken coop with run plans has to be the Ogrmar Chicken Coop. The raised coop we purchased helps keep our poultry safe, warm, and dry, particularly in the rainy and wet seasons. As a plus, it is also spacious and comes in a user-friendly design.
Image Source: Ogrmar.com
The large deluxe cage also came with a defined hutch, waterproof roof, heavy-duty wood, and mesh that ensured our chickens were safe and comfortable. Again, the coop came with windows that allow the light in, helping with solar collection and fresh air circulation.
What we enjoyed most about this Ogrmar Chicken Coop with run plans is that it is super easy to clean since it comes with a removable tray. Furthermore, it is also suitable for other small animals like rabbits, ducks, quails, birds, or roosters.
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2. Extra Large Chicken Coop, Wooden Hen House with Chicken Run
- ★ The Newest Improvement: Extra Removeable PVC Bottom Layer for easier clean if use indoor.
- ★ Large chicken coop with run for 3-4 chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals, no weight...
- ★ Waterproof bunny cage with 9.5 ft² large activity space. Four access doors and two ramps, perfect for Outdoor...
- ★ Rabbit hutch with DEEPER pull out tray that won’t leak off. Special design higher quality latches for...
- ★ Easy assembly with pre-drilled holes. High quality material & accessories for longer usuage.
Last update on 2024-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another of our favorite chicken coop plans with a run plan is the Extra Large Chicken Coop. Our chicken coop holds between 3-4 chickens and other small animals with no weight limit. We liked that our coop is made of high-quality materials and accessories, promoting usability and durability.
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We also enjoyed that this simple chicken coop came with a removable PVC bottom layer that made it easy for us to clean, especially because we intend to use this coop in indoor settings. Besides, our waterproof cage has four access doors and two ramps, allowing our chickens to go down the ramp into the outdoor space to play or relax.
Furthermore, unlike most free DIY chicken coop plans, this PVC chicken coop is extremely easy to assemble since it comes with pre-drilled holes. Plus, with this portable chicken coop, you can be assured that your small animals will have a safe and comfortable experience.
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3. Aivituvin Chicken Coop with Run Hen House with Large Nesting Box
- 【OVERALL DIMENSION】 65.2”(L) x 26.4”(W) x 47.6”(H) Spacious areas is perfect for chickens, bunnies, other...
- 【PULL OUT TRAY & PERCH】Chicken house come with removable pull out tray, easy to clean !Two round edge perches...
- 【WEATHER RESISTANT】 Waterproof Asphalt roof in the sleeping area!100% UV proof panel in the playing run...
- 【LARGE NESTING BOX】Poultry cage comes with 2-section nesting box offers easy way to deposit and collect eggs,...
- 【STURDY MATERIAL】Chicken coup with heavy duty galvanized wire mesh and predator-resistant spring latch keeps...
Last update on 2024-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aivituvin Chicken Coop with Run is another hen house we recommend if you are looking for a spacious coop plan perfect for chickens, bunnies, and other small animals. Our chicken house came with a removable pull-out tray, making it easy to clean the hen house.
Image Source: Aivituvin.com
Furthermore, it had two rounds of edge perches above the removable tray, making it ideal for chickens with sensitive feet. Again our coop came with a convinent sliding door between the ramp and the resting room. We also enjoyed that our coop is made with a predator-resistant spring latch that helps keep our birds secure at all times.
Even better, our functional chicken coop had a waterproof Asphalt roof that protected our hen from rain and UV rays while still providing the needed sunlight. The most interesting bit is that our backyard coop came with two section nesting box that provides an easy way to deposit or collect our eggs.
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4. Portable Chicken Coop Hen House With Run
- 🐣【MULTI LEVELS】Overall size: 80.59" L x 26.6" W x 42.5" H ,Chicken house include large nesting box,resting...
- 🐣【MOVABLE WHEELS】Upgrade design with metal wheels and long handle makes the poultry cage movable easily in...
- 🐣【PREDATOR-RESISTANT】 chicken run made of metal wire with predator-resistant spring latch keeps your Chicken...
- 🐣【PULL OUT TRAY & PERCH】Chicken cage Includes a Pull out tray for easy cleaning , 2 round edge perches above...
- 🐣【COMBINATION】Buy 2 Coops to extending super larger space.Easy combine 2 sets together by simply take off...
Last update on 2024-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gutinneen Chicken Coop Hen House With Run is the other perfect chicken coop we recommend. We wouldn't be more pleased! Our chicken house was well thought out and came with a perfect design that fit our needs.
Image Source: Gutinneen.com
Although this beautiful coop is lighter-weight and has less hefty construction than any other free chicken coop plan, it has better hardware than other options. Again the fact that you could lock the coop was a bonus for us.
Additionally, this mobile coop is portable, meaning you can place it in different places. Furthermore, the movable chicken coop has two section nesting box making it easy to deposit and collect eggs.
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5. MIXXIDEA 65in Portable Chicken Coops Outdoor
Last update on 2024-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The other perfect option we recommend is the MIXXIDEA 65in Portable Chicken Coops Outdoor. Our coop had a large nesting box that provided enough room for our chickens. Besides, the boxes are perfectly designed with a lid that slides open for ventilation and easy collection of eggs.
Image Source: Mixxidea.com
Additionally, our perfect hen house came with a run that was reinforced with hardware cloth, and installed locks on each door to keep off predators. The amazing bit is that our coop also came with a chicken swing installed in this large chicken coop for the hen to sit on and swing to keep them active.
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Factors to Consider Before Selecting the Best Chicken Coop Plans
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1. Size
When selecting a chicken coop with run plans, it is necessary that you pick a structure th can comfortably accommodate the number of birds that you have. How much room they need will, in most cases, vary from breed to breed, but you should essentially have 10 square feet per bird for standard breeds.
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Most importantly, look at the coop's capacity, and be sure to factor in the probable expansion of your flock. Also, remember to look at the number of nesting boxes and roosting spaces available within a coop. Typically, you should have a nesting box for every 4 chickens. Also, consider having 8 to 10 inches of roosting space per hen.
2. Ventilation
When selecting chicken coop plans, selecting the ones with great ventilation is extremely important. Proper ventilation supplies your hen with fresh air during the night and helps reduce odors within the coop. Besides, if you live in cold climates, draft-free ventilation controls moisture buildup during winter, helping avoid frostbite among your birds.
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Generally, you should allocate at least one square foot of ventilation to about 10 square feet of coop floor space. Again the vents should be installed in a place that boosts airflow but doesn't lead the draft to blow on your chickens while roosting. Remember to cover the ventilation with hardware cloth to keep out predators.
3. Location
For the stationary coops, it's necessary to consider the location you want to place the coops before you make a purchase. For instance, if you live in warm areas, you want to locate your coops under shade. However, locating your coop in the sun will be more helpful if you live in a northern climate.
Also, it would help if you considered how far your coop would be from the house and a water source. Considering these elements when choosing a coop, you should find a very functional coop that you and your chickens are satisfied with.
3. Flooring
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When selecting the best chicken coop with run plans, you will also need to consider the flooring type. Ideally, cement or concrete floors are the most secure flooring for coops. They are pretty easy to clean and maintain, and they will help prevent predators.
4. Security
When choosing the right chicken coop plan, it is good to consider the security of your chicken. Ideally, you should go for coops with welded wire and predator-proof carbines to keep off predators from reaching your chicken when they are asleep during the night.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning your chicken house will help keep your chicken in good and healthy condition. Nevertheless, most of the free chicken coop plans will be hard to clean, so it is necessary that you consider picking a coop plan that is easy to clean.
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The backyard chicken coop plans with lighter and simpler access on the roof and doors that can be opened will allow you to clean easily. Also, chicken coop plans with removable floors or trays will accelerate the cleaning procedure because they make it much simpler to clear collected droppings.
How to Build Your Own Chicken Coop
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1. Prepare the Ground
Before you begin building your own coop, you want first to prepare the land. You can remove as many rocks and sticks as possible from the ground you use. Also, consider cutting back nearby shrubbery and large branches, which can harbor predators making it easier for them to attack your hens.
2. Build Your Coop Frame
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Next, you will build the frame of whatever coop plan you have picked. It is essential that you do not rush the frame, as renouncing its overall quality will ultimately cost you by causing problems down the line in your build. If your coop frame is not sturdy and secure, then the rest of your coop will not be okay. As a matter of fact, you risk losing your chicken to leaks, drafts, predators, or even coop collapse.
3. Install Coop Walls And Roof Panel
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You'll now install panels and floor to the coop's frame. For the wall, you can opt to use plywood, which you can buy at the home improvement or lumber stores. Lay the panels securely on the frame and secular flush along all of its edges. This way, you will ensure that no gaps are left to let in predators or drafts. When all is done, you can now cut your vents, cover them with hardware mesh, and ensure any vents under the perches are closeable for winter.
4. Put in the Floor
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Then you will now choose the type of flooring you want to use. Ideally, using cement or cocreate will be the best option. The best bit is that the floor does not need to be perfect or even. However, if you intend on using materials like wood, ensure that you do not have large holes that could let predators in.
5. Add Your Doors
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After that, you will now create your entrances to the coop. Typically you should have two types of doors, one for the birds and the other one for you. The size of the door in terms of height and width depends on the chicken breed you are rearing. As you build your DIY chicken coop, the crucial thing to note is that both entrances should be accessible. Again ensure that they can be locked securely to keep chickens in and predators out.
6. Building Nesting Boxes and Perches
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Now that your simple chicken house is done, you will need to add nesting boxes and perches. Nesting boxes are where the chicken will lay their eggs; they are usually boxes filled with soft bedding. Plan for at least one nesting box per three chickens.
7. Build Your Run Frame
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For the most part, building the run frame is similar to building a frame for the chicken coop. Nevertheless, the run frame will only need to support chicken wire, hardware mesh, or any other fencing. Therefore, the frame won't have to be as sturdy or strong as the coop frame. That said, it should still be well-constructed.
8. Add Your Run Fencing
With the structure in place, you will now add the fence for your small chicken coop. Ideally, you should go for hardware cloth or hardware mesh rather than chicken wire. This is because hardware mesh will help greatly to keep out predators.
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When installing the fence, you must install the hardware mesh along the bottom and sink it at least six inches into the ground. This way, no predator can get in unless they bring wire cutters with them.
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