Are you dreaming of fresh eggs from your backyard? Before you start picking out chicken breeds you need to figure out where those feathered friends will live! I’ve spent countless hours researching chicken coops for my own flock and let me tell ya – prices can vary wildly. In this article, I’ll break down exactly how much you can expect to spend on a chicken coop in 2025, from budget-friendly DIY options to fancy prefab models that would make any chicken feel like royalty!
Quick Answer: Chicken Coop Cost Overview
If you’re in a hurry here’s the short answer
- DIY chicken coops: $250-$700 for materials
- Professional installation: $700-$4,000 total
- Pre-built chicken coops: $549-$1,599+ depending on size and features
Now let’s dig deeper into what affects these prices and how to choose the right coop for your budget and needs.
Cost Factors That Affect Chicken Coop Prices
The price of a chicken coop depends on several factors:
Size Matters: How Many Chickens?
One of the biggest factors in determining cost is size. You’ll need:
- 2-3 square feet per chicken inside the coop
- 8-10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run
So for a flock of 6 chickens, you’d need at minimum a coop with 12-18 square feet of interior space and 48-60 square feet of run space.
Types of Chicken Coops and Their Costs
Different coop styles come with different price tags:
A-Frame Coops ($250-$500)
- Triangular shape for stability
- Great for DIYers on a budget
- Best for small flocks (2-4 chickens)
- Lightweight and portable
- Limited interior space and harder to clean
Chicken Tractor Coops ($300-$700)
- Mobile coops with wheels
- Allows chickens access to fresh ground
- Great for gardens (natural pest control!)
- Good for small flocks (3-5 chickens)
- Better ventilation than A-frames
Walk-In Coops ($700-$1,500+)
- Larger, permanent structures
- You can stand up inside for easy cleaning
- Accommodates bigger flocks (6+ chickens)
- Better protection from predators and weather
- Not movable once built
All-In-One/Prefab Coops ($800-$4,000+)
- Ready-to-use with all essential components
- Includes nesting boxes, roosting bars, attached run
- Great for beginners with less DIY skills
- Wide range of sizes available
- Optional high-end features (automatic doors, integrated feeders)
Material Costs for DIY Chicken Coops
If you’re building your own coop, here’s what materials might cost you:
| Material | Average Price | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Reclaimed wood | Free or low-cost | Walls, roofing, nesting boxes |
| Softwood lumber | $2-$5 per board foot | Framing, roosting bars |
| Pressure-treated lumber | $4-$8 per board foot | Floor joists, support posts |
| Plywood | $15-$20 per sheet | Walls, flooring, roofing |
| PVC | $1-$3 per linear foot | Roosting bars, feeder systems |
| Corrugated metal | $1-$5 per square foot | Roofing |
| Chicken wire | $0.50-$2 per square foot | Enclosing run areas |
| Hardware cloth | $1-$3 per square foot | Predator protection |
| Vinyl siding | $2-$6 per square foot | Exterior finish |
| Concrete slab | $6-$12 per square foot | Foundation |
Popular Chicken Coop Models and Their Prices
Let’s look at some specific coop models available in 2025:
The Chicken Coop Company Options
The Chicken Coop Company offers several models at different price points:
-
Leghorn Cottage ($549.99, on sale from $599.99)
- Suitable for 4+ chickens
- Small, entry-level coop
-
Orpington Lodge ($999.99, on sale from $1,099)
- Accommodates 6+ chickens
- Includes attached run
-
Rhode Island Homestead ($1,599, on sale from $2,400)
- Larger coop for 10+ chickens
- Includes run extension
You can also purchase just the hen house portion for less if you want to build your own run:
- Orpington Lodge (hen house only): $799.99
- Rhode Island Homestead (hen house only): $1,099.99
Run Extensions and Accessories
Don’t forget about potential add-ons:
- Run extensions: $324.99-$1,399
- Catch/poop trays: $80-$125
- Predator protection kits: $74.99
- Waterers: $69.99-$94.99
- Coop heaters: $114.99
- Automatic door openers: $195
Budget-Friendly Chicken Coop Ideas
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry! There are lots of ways to save money:
Low-Cost DIY Options
-
Repurposed Structures
- Convert unused dog houses, garden sheds, or old playhouses
- Can often be done for under $200
-
Straw Bale Coops
- Use straw bales to create temporary walls
- Excellent insulation for cold climates
- Very inexpensive but will need replacement
-
Pallet Coops
- Free pallets from businesses
- Just add chicken wire and a roof!
-
Upcycled Materials
- Old drawers as nesting boxes
- Tree branches as roosting bars
- Repurposed windows for ventilation
-
Simple A-Frame Design
- Minimal materials needed
- Easy for beginners to build
Essential Features Every Chicken Coop Needs
No matter your budget, make sure your coop includes these necessities:
Must-Have Coop Elements
- Nesting boxes (1 box per 4-5 hens)
- Roosting bars (8+ inches per chicken)
- Ventilation (windows or vents)
- Predator protection (hardware cloth, secure latches)
- Easy-to-clean features (removable trays, accessible interior)
- Protection from elements (waterproof roof, proper insulation)
Professional Installation vs. DIY
Should you build it yourself or hire help?
DIY Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Much cheaper ($250-$700 vs $700-$4,000)
- Customizable to your exact needs
- Satisfaction of building it yourself
Cons:
- Requires tools and building skills
- Time-consuming (can take several weekends)
- Might not be as durable as professional work
Professional Installation Benefits
- Expertise in predator-proofing
- Proper ventilation and insulation
- Typically includes warranty
- Saves you time and effort
- Better resale value for your property
If you’re hiring someone, ask these questions:
- What experience do you have with chicken coops?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- What materials do you recommend?
- How long will construction take?
- Do you handle permits and inspections?
- What type of warranty do you offer?
Planning Your Chicken Coop Budget
Before you start building or buying, consider these tips:
- Start with flock size – How many chickens do you plan to keep?
- Consider future expansion – Might you want more chickens later?
- Factor in accessories – Feeders, waterers, nest boxes, etc.
- Include ongoing costs – Bedding, maintenance, repairs
- Think about climate needs – Extra insulation for cold areas, more ventilation for hot regions
FAQ About Chicken Coop Costs
Q: What’s the cheapest way to build a chicken coop?
A: The most economical approach is using reclaimed materials like pallets, repurposing an existing structure, or building a simple A-frame design. These options can cost as little as $200-$300.
Q: Are expensive coops worth the money?
A: Higher-priced coops typically offer better durability, predator protection, and convenience features. If you plan to keep chickens long-term, the investment may be worthwhile. However, many chicken keepers are perfectly happy with budget-friendly options.
Q: How much does it cost per chicken for coop space?
A: Figure roughly $50-$100 per chicken for a basic DIY coop, or $100-$200+ per chicken for pre-built or professionally installed coops.
Q: Do chicken coops add value to your property?
A: Well-built, attractive coops can add modest value to rural or homestead properties. However, in urban or suburban settings, the value depends on the buyer’s interest in keeping chickens.
Q: How long do chicken coops last?
A: With proper maintenance, a well-built coop can last 10-20 years. Budget coops might need replacement or significant repairs after 3-5 years.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Coop
Choosing the right chicken coop depends on your budget, skills, and chicken-keeping goals. Whether you spend $250 on a DIY A-frame or $4,000 on a deluxe walk-in coop, the important thing is that your chickens have a safe, comfortable home.
I started with a simple DIY coop that cost about $300 in materials, and it served my small flock well for years. As my chicken addiction grew (and believe me, it WILL grow!), I upgraded to a larger walk-in model. Whatever you choose, your chickens will reward you with fresh eggs, pest control, and endless entertainment!
Remember – a happy chicken needs about 2-3 square feet in the coop and 8-10 square feet in the run, so size your coop accordingly. And don’t forget to factor in those essential features like proper ventilation, predator protection, and easy cleaning access.
What kind of chicken coop are you considering? Have you started pricing materials? I’d love to hear about your chicken coop plans in the comments!
Egg collection supplies: $50+
To collect and store eggs, you will need egg cartons, nesting pads or boxes, and possibly an egg scale. These items can be purchased for less than $50.
Once you have your chickens set up in their coop and run, ongoing expenses include feed, bedding, and any medical care needed. Feed costs vary depending on the type of feed chosen and the number of birds in your flock. Bedding materials such as straw or wood shavings should be replaced regularly to keep the coop clean and healthy for your birds.
Q: What breeds of chickens are best for egg production?
A: You don’t have to purchase the same breed to produce eggs. But you do want to factor in location. Take the weather and climate of your location into consideration. Certain breeds do better in certain climates and locations. But if you’re looking at overall egg production, breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, Sussex, Australorp, and Barred Rock are all known for their prolific egg-laying.