From a flock of five hens, the coop changes from a piece of garden furniture into a small barn. You want to be able to stand in it, get to it with a wheelbarrow and muck it out in half an hour. This page helps you choose a large chicken coop you will enjoy for years.
Why walk-in makes the difference
In a coop where you can stand upright, you calmly check in the evening whether all the birds are on the perch, spot red mite sooner and shovel out droppings without kneeling. A full-height door, next to a separate pop hole, is therefore no luxury in large coops. A floor of concrete, paving or a plastic sheet makes hosing down and disinfecting much easier than a wooden floor on bare ground.
Selection criteria for five chickens or more
- Perch length: all the birds must be able to sleep at the same time, at the same height. Chickens fight over the highest spot if the perches are stepped.
- Number of nest boxes: several hens lay around the same time. A multi-compartment plastic nest, such as the Gaun two-compartment nest in nest boxes and perches, is easy to wash.
- Ventilation: more birds means more moisture and ammonia. Provide closable vents at the top and an inlet lower in the wall, without a draught on the perch.
- Light: a mesh-covered window lets daylight in, which helps with checking and cleaning.
- Foundation: a ground-standing model needs a sturdy, dig-proof edge; otherwise the floor becomes an entrance for rats.
Combining and fitting out
A large coop needs a run on the same scale; see chicken runs and enclosures or coop and run combinations. With an automatic sliding door, the routine stays the same, even when you get home later. If you only have a few hens, a compact garden coop is enough. All options together are in chicken coop and run.
Large coops are not yet part of the range; this page will be updated as soon as they are available.
Frequently asked questions
From how many chickens do I need a walk-in coop?
There is no hard limit, but from about five birds, cleaning a low coop becomes awkward. A coop you can stand in then saves a lot of time.
Does a large chicken coop need to be insulated?
Chickens cope well with cold, as long as they are dry and out of draughts. Insulating the roof mainly helps against heat in summer and condensation in winter.
How many nest boxes do I need for ten chickens?
Several; hens share nests, but not all at the same time. Gaun sells a plastic two-compartment nest box that, according to the product name, is designed for up to ten chickens.