Two to four hens in the back garden call for a coop that takes up little space but lacks nothing inside. On this page you can read what a compact chicken coop needs to offer, so you do not come home with a pretty garden house that turns out to be too cramped or awkward to clean in practice.
Small outside, complete inside
Even a small coop needs three things: a perch on which all the chickens fit side by side, at least one dark nest box and a dry floor. Perches should be higher than the nest box, otherwise the hens sleep in the nest and soil it. A coop on legs keeps the floor dry, gives rats less of a chance and creates a shady spot underneath where the chickens like to sit.
Checklist for a compact coop
- Droppings tray or hatch: you cannot stand in a small coop. A pull-out floor or a large roof that opens makes cleaning a job of minutes.
- Egg hatch: a nest box you open from outside, so you can collect eggs without going into the coop.
- Catches: a fox or marten can open a simple turn button or hook. Choose bolts with an extra lock.
- Vents: placed high and covered with mesh, so moisture can escape without a draught on the perch.
- Room to grow: those who start with two hens often want a third later. Choose a coop that allows for that.
Where a small coop stops
A compact coop is a night shelter, not a living space. The chickens need a run or free range during the day. For that, see runs and enclosures for chickens or go straight for a coop with attached run. If you will soon keep five or more chickens, a large walk-in chicken coop is a better fit. For the floor, bedding and coop hygiene has tips on floor covering, and an automatic door lets the chickens out in the morning without you having to get up early. Back to the overview: all coops and runs.
This subcategory is still being built; compact coops are being added to the range.
Frequently asked questions
How much space do 3 chickens need in the coop?
Enough to sit side by side on the perch and reach the nest box without jostling. There is no legal minimum size for backyard chickens in the Netherlands; check whether rules apply in your country, and if in doubt, go a size bigger.
Is a coop on legs better?
For small coops, often yes: the floor stays drier, rodents are less likely to nest under the floor and you have to bend less when cleaning.
Do I need a separate nest box for two chickens?
One nest box is usually enough for two to four hens. It must be dark and screened and hang lower than the perch.