Looking an option of types of commercial chicken houses? You’ve come to the right place. Here I will show the best chicken coop types.
Keep reading…
Of course before building a chicken coop or choosing what types to buy, you will need to know the requirements first on hand.
Table of Contents
Space Requirements for Chickens
In determining how much space to give your chickens, keep in mind that bigger is always better. The more space your chickens have to roam, the healthier and happier they will be.
If you choose to keep your chickens in a coop or a fenced area, it is very important that you meet the minimum requirements for space.
Most poultry farmers will recommend a minimum of 3 square feet (90 sq.
cm) of ground space per chicken.
This measurement refers to the amount of floor space only — it does not include nest boxes, perches, or roosting areas.
In addition to providing at least 3 square feet (90 sq. cm) of ground space per chicken, you also need to provide perches for your chickens to roost at night. Smaller to medium-sized chickens need about 12 inches (30 cm) of perch space each.
Keep in mind that your chickens will likely roost close together, but you still need to provide at least 12 inches (30 cm) per bird.
You may also want to provide several perches at different heights so your chickens can choose the perch they like best.
Finally, you also need to provide your chickens with nest boxes — that is, if you plan to keep hens.
Nest boxes should be installed below the height of your perches to make sure that your chickens don’t soil them by roosting in them at night.
You should provide a minimum of two nest boxes for your chickens with one nest box available for every four hens. Line the nest boxes with straw (not hay) so the hens have comfortable material to lay in.
Do not use hay because it can foster mold spores which might make your chickens sick and which could affect the eggs.
Best Chicken Coop Types
Chicken coops types are come in all shapes and sizes, made from a wide variety of different materials.
Some of the most popular options for chicken coop materials include plastic chicken coops, eco chicken coops, and wooden coops.
There are also different shapes/style options like arks, chicken houses, poultry sheds, and portable coops. You will find a brief explanation of each option below:
1. Plastic Chicken Coops
This type of coop is constructed from heavy-duty plastic materials which makes them very durable. These coops are also very easy to clean and they are generally portable as well.
The problem with this type of coop is that they often come with a very small run which doesn’t give your chickens much room to range.
These coops also need to be used on flat ground so there are no weak points in the enclosure which might allow a predator to get inside the coop.
2. Eco Chicken Coops
This type of chicken coop is constructed from recycled materials which makes it an eco-friendly option.
Eco chicken coops are usually bolted together and made with thick walls for optimal durability as well as easy cleaning.
If you are looking for a pre-fabricated chicken coop, these are a great option because they are usually flat packed for easy shipping and transport.
This type of coop doesn’t usually come with a run so you have the option to build a large run around it to suit the size of your flock.
3. Wooden Chicken Coops
One ofthe most cost-efficient materials to use in making a chicken coop is wood. You can purchase pre-fabricated wooden chicken coops to assemble yourself or you can build your own.
These coops come in a wide range of sizes and shapes so you can choose one that works for your flock.
Keep in mind when buying a pre-fabricated wooden coop that manufacturers often have lower space recommendations.
Buy the coop a little larger than recommended to make sure your chickens have enough space to roam and roost.
When it comes to chicken coop designs, there are many options to choose from.
Some of the most popular options include the chicken ark, the traditional chicken house, the poultry shed, and the portable coop.
You will find a brief explanation of each option below.
4. Chicken Ark
A chicken ark is a small enclosure that is designed to keep your chickens completely contained while also giving them some space to move around.
This type of coop is particularly popular in areas where chickens cannot be allowed to roam freely due to city ordinances or predators.
Chicken arks are recommended for flocks containing fewer than 12 birds and they are typically movable so you can give your birds access to fresh grass every few days.
A chicken ark typically has two enclosed ends with a fenced in space in the middle — these coops can be triangular or rectangular in shape.
5. Traditional Chicken House
The traditional chicken house is based on a design created by Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment that dates back to 1895.
This design consists of a large wooden structure (similar in appearance to a barn) that includes indoor roosting space with a door that provides access to a fenced-in chicken run.
6. Poultry Shed
The poultry shed is another very basic design that is easy to build yourself.
This design is completely enclosed with several roosts, nesting boxes and feeders/waterers included as well as a closed-off area for supply storage.
The shed has a sloping roof and several windows in the front to provide natural sunlight.
You can provide your birds with access to the outdoors by fencing in an area around the shed and by keeping the door to the shed open.
7. Portable Coop
The portable coop is a great option for modified free-range chickens because it can be moved around to different areas along with your portable run.
If you allow your chickens to range completely free, a portable coop provides them with a safe haven to retreat to at night.
Portable coops can be built from a variety of materials and they are often built on skids or with wheels to facilitate easy movement.
Conclusion
The type of enclosure and coop you choose for your chickens is entirely up to you.
If you have a great deal of outdoor space and no threat of predators, you can let your chickens range freely while providing them access to a coop at night.
If predators are a problem, or if city ordinances prevent you from letting your chickens range freely, a modified free-range setup might be better.
This option includes a large fenced-in area (or a portable run) along with some kind of coop.
If you have very limited space for your chickens, a very small flock, or a high threat of predators, keeping your chickens entirely in a coop with a small run might be the best option.