The 8 best chicken coops for 4 hens in 2022 (2023)

Chickens produce nutritious eggs, organic fertilizers and are inexpensive pets to keep. Whatever the reason you chose to keep chickens, you will need to have a place for them to live. There should also be several great backyard chicken coop options for you.

Choosing a good chicken coop for your daughters is a task that you need to think about a little, as you will be accessing it regularly to collect eggs and clean up the garbage. I'll show you what to consider when making your choice, and then you'll see my top picks for this year.

I'm sure when you're reading this you'll see a chicken coop that you and your chickens will love.

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A decent chicken coop for 4 chickens doesn't have to be very expensive. However, it must coverallof the following aspects very well or you should keep looking.

1. Nest boxes:Ideally, chicken houses should have at least one nest for every 3 birds at a minimum, which means you should look for a chicken house with 2 nests (or "1 large with divider"). Nesting boxes should be located in the darkest area of ​​the chicken coop and should definitely be off the ground.

2. Ventilation:A good chicken coop should have ventilation openings that allow fresh air to enter constantly. Otherwise, condensation will build up every night, even in the coldest of climates. You don't want the openings to be the same height on opposite walls; which creates a draft. Instead, make sure the ventilation areas are at different heights (warm air exits at the top and cool air enters at the bottom).

3. Hangers:Most chicken breeds like to roost at night and naturally look for the highest point to land. the nests (which is when they tend to create the most droppings... which means you might have to collect dirty eggs and cleaning might be more difficult). Most chicken coops can be customized if, by the way, you find that the one you built doesn't have that. You need about 8″ of perch space per hen.

4.Size:The minimum rule of thumb is to have about 2 to 3 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8 to 10 square feet per chicken outside. (More square feet is better, of course; many people will actually say 4 square feet per large bird inside and 10 outside is the bare minimum. If you have a smaller breed, you'll be fine with a little less.)

Learn more about choosing a co-opon hereoon here,or check out this handy video:

Now let's take a look at my top picks for 2022:

A quick nod to "The DIY Chicken Coop" before looking at the pre-made ones:

If you are useful and interested in saving some moneyymake a DIY chicken coop that exactly suits your situation (property size, number of birds, etc.) and consult the guides available atEasyCoops– you would be amazed at what you can build in just a few days with good plans:

(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.complete transparency.)

If purchasing a pre-built or near-built chicken coop is ideal, the following are my current top recommendations.

1. Large SnapLock Formex chicken coop*Main recommendation

• Company: SnapLock
• Rating: 4.4/5 stars
• Price: $$$$

This is pretty much the best chicken coop kit you can get online and is a perfect chicken coop for 4 chickens (advertised as 4-6 large chickens or 6-12 roosters).

It is made of high quality heavy plastic and is double walled to keep it cooler than wood. It is resistant to water and chemicals, as well as impact and UV rays. (Think of those little plastic houses for kids... the material is apparently pretty similar.)

PRO:

• There are 4 nesting spots with removable dividers and three 36″ perches - plenty of room for 4 birds.
• You're buying American if you get this... it's made in the USA!
• It is very easy to clean; Removable litter tray and pop-up roofs make nasty work quite simple.
• It has excellent ventilation: although it is plastic, your birds will get great air circulation in this aviary as there are large adjustable ventilation flaps on the front and back.
• Collecting the eggs is as easy as lifting the roof flaps over the nesting sites and reaching for them. The flaps also stay in position as you open them, so they don't bump into your arms when you reach for them.
• It's also super easy to assemble - the pieces just click together, no tools required!
• Each opening is closed off with carabiners, which are great for keeping out unwanted wildlife.
• It's very sturdy, yet surprisingly light.

Contras:

• Ideally, you should have access to the coop from all sides. 2 sides to check for eggs, the front door side to let the chickens out and the back side to access the 2 cleaning trays. This isn't an issue for some, but if you plan to place your chicken coop against a wall, it might not be the best design for you.
• If you want a ramp or platform you will need to add it separately

Because it's a high quality chicken coop, it will cost a little more to buy - it's one of the few that costs over $500. I have, and so do many others (check out the reviews by clicking below), but if you don't want to break the bank, there are plenty of more affordable options to choose from.

2. Formex Snap-Lock Standard Backyard Chicken Coop

• Company: SnapLock
• Rating: 4.1 / 5 stars
• Price: $$$

If you liked the look and materials of the previous SnapLock option at the top of the list but weren't too keen on the price, you'll be happy to know that there's a smaller, cheaper, but fairly similar option available. . This "Standard" model is recommended to house 3-4 large chickens (the previous "Deluxe" model was 4-6, if you remember).

This standard SnapLock chicken coop is also one of the most popular choices for many as it is solid, has excellent ventilation and is easy to clean.

If that's not enough to love, here's more.PRO:

• It has 3 nesting sites with removable dividers and three 36" perches, so your girls have plenty of room to sleep and lay their eggs.
• It's a great design: a removable litter box makes cleaning easy, egg collecting is made easy with the roof over the nesting sites that lifts up (and stays in place while open), and adjustable ventilation flaps let you make your birds perfectly comfortable.
• All entrances can be locked with predator-resistant carabiners
• Unlike wooden chicken coops, it requires no maintenance! The double wall plastic iswWater and chemical resistant, impact and UV resistant, and insulates very well.
• Assembly is very simple - you don't even need to take out your toolbox and it's light enough that one person can handle it alone.

Contras:

• It doesn't come with a stand, although strangely you do get instructions with the kit on how to make one.
• While it's less expensive than the Deluxe model, it's still a little pricey compared to some of the wood models (although if they require staining, sealing, or waterproofing, you'll need to add those costs up when comparing).
• You only get the chicken coop, not a chicken coop with an enclosed area to run.

The SnapLock Standard is a great choice if you want a quality, comfortable-sized, easy-to-assemble, maintenance-free backyard chicken coop. It has great reviews and is reasonably priced, in my opinion, considering it will last a lot longer than some of the less expensive options. It's worth taking a closer look.

3. Pawhut Wooden Backyard Chicken Coop

• Company: Pawhut
• Rating: 3.8 / 5 stars
• Price: $

Moving on from plastic options, we now move on to the most common wooden chicken coops. Pawhut wooden chicken coop should be one of your best choices as it combines good size, decent quality, good looks and fair price.

It is important to note first of all that this chicken coop is not a HUGE chicken coop however you should be able to keep 4 full sized chickens in here. Pawhut does not recommend a maximum; In the world of chickens, each owner really has their own idea of ​​what works and what doesn't. However, reviewers of this one and comparisons to others this size indicate it should work fine for this number, but not much more.)

PRO:

• There is a decent sized outdoor space for your birds, enclosed with sturdy wire that will keep your birds in and predators out.
• You will find that cleaning is quite simple as it is designed with a removable drip tray.
• It is made from Chinese spruce wood, treated for longer life and painted a pleasant green exterior (water-based paint).
• There is a two-section nesting box for laying eggs (the roof rises to make egg collection easier), resting posts and it's nice and spacious inside the coop.
• You can access your chickens quickly and conveniently through multiple ports. And the door between the chicken coop and the play area can be closed from the outside with a special handle, so you don't have to go inside the chicken coop to close them at night (if you decide to).
• The roof is made of green asphalt compound, which is weather resistant so you don't have to worry about leaky roofs.

Contras:

• This chicken coop does not come pre-assembled. Apparently, setting it up isn't that difficult, but the general advice is that having an extra pair of hands is very important.
• You'll probably want to add a coat or two of water sealer to it, and you may need to reapply it annually or every other year.
• Many reviewers commented that they found it necessary to reinforce various parts of the chicken coop with additional screws.

What is really good is that the price is not too bad and most people will be able to afford this product. If you need a decent chicken coop and feel wood is the way to go, this chicken coop is a decent option.

4. Best choice of 80 inch wooden chicken coop products

• Empresa: Best Choice Products
• Rating: 3.8 / 5 stars
• Price: $

This chicken coop is very similar in layout to the model we just saw from Pawhut with an elevated living area and decent sized coop running area. It's also a noteworthy unit, as it's quite a bit cheaper than the previous model.

This coopis is made from weather resistant spruce wood, a warm honey color that you can enjoy as-is or paint in the colors of your choice. The roof is also made of wood (not asphalt like the previous one).

PRO:

• It has the same handy sliding lower tray that is removable for easy cleaning as many other chicken houses have, a feature you will really appreciate every time you clean your chicken house.
• The chicken coop kit includes the ramp that goes up to the house, where there is a sliding door that you control. It is designed to give your chickens access to shade and nesting inside the henhouse and fresh air area to run around as they please.
• The entire chicken coop area is fenced with a strong metal wire fence, making it safe for your chickens to enjoy their time outdoors without worrying about predators, as well as providing the chicken coop with important ventilation.
• You can access the nesting area to collect the eggs very easily; Just lift the lid and there are several other lockable entrances for easy feeding, cleaning and general access to the coop.

Contras:

• This is a relatively small cooperative. While some people are comfortable with housing 4 chickens in this chicken coop, if you have 4 BIG chickens you might agree with many reviewers who suggest it's best for 2 or 3 at most.
• You'll probably want to stain it a bit and add more sealer to the (quite soft) wood to make it even more weather resistant. The wood comes treated, but apparently more is recommended... which means assembly ranges from "fairly easy" to "a little more work".

The Best Choice Products 80″ Chicken Coop is really a great beginner chicken coop, and if you're handy, you can customize it and make it exactly the way you want it with very little effort. Some reviewers mention buying two and putting them together to make a larger chicken coop, or adding shingles, painting the wood the colors of your choice, and extra locks for added protection, just as a few ideas. It's basic co-op for a fair price, but it's a great start to something great.

5. Petsfit Weatherproof Outdoor Chicken Coop with Nesting Box

• Company: Petsfit
• Rating: 3.7/5 stars
• Price: $

Here is a chicken coop with a slightly different design than the previous options. It's close to the ground, but it's a few inches above it. It's available in a gray/white combo as well as this red/white combo pictured, so if you don't like red, don't turn it off right away.

This Petsfit chicken coop is designed for 3-4 full-size chickens and comes with a large nest on the side divided with a divider in two. Collecting the eggs is simple - just lift the lid and walk away. Ramp to raised chicken coop is included and doubles as a door when raised.

PRO:

• Assembly is very easy, with good instructions, labeled parts, and pre-drilled holes.
• This chicken coop comes with a 1 year warranty against damage, and the seller guarantees to pay to replace any parts damaged in transit.
• It is made of solid, rain-resistant spruce wood, designed to be strong and durable. However, additional layers of sealant are definitely a good idea to keep it looking good in the long run.
• There is good ventilation in this chicken coop even when the doors are closed. The boards under the chicken coop have gaps between them.

Contras:

• Cleaning this chicken coop is NOT as easy as taking out a removable litter box. The 3 wooden floor panels can be lifted for cleaning through the front "door", but apparently this is NOT the easiest thing in the world to do. Several reviewers also advise linoleum on wooden floor panels to protect them from falls as well.
• The chicken coop roof cannot be opened if you follow all assembly instructions. Most reviewers strongly recommend that you buy hinges and adapt them so you can lift the roof for easy cleaning and access to the chicken coop.

Overall, this co-op is good value for money. Although you still need to add a running area for your chickens, this chicken coop makes a good chicken coop to protect your chicks from predators and the weather, and with nesting boxes to lay eggs during the day.

6. Pawhut Deluxe Wooden Chicken Coop with Outdoor Patio

• Company: Pawhut
• Rating: 3.6/5 stars
• Price: $$

Here's another entry from Pawhut, this time their "Deluxe" model with an outdoor patio that's next to the chicken coop instead of below it. It's a fairly simple yet extremely functional design, perfect for some backyard chickens.

PRO:

• The hens have access to several roosting posts inside, as well as a large divided nesting box. When you want to collect the eggs, just lift the nesting box lid and reach for it.
• This wooden chicken coop has a simple but clever design: the chicken coop can be opened from the side to make it a "fresh air school" or closed to convert it into an environment controlled chicken coop. (In the image, a portion of the race area coverage has been opened. The entire coverage can be opened or closed, as well as peaked, as it is built in segments.)
• The chicken coop is made from premium Chinese spruce wood that has been treated and painted/stained to protect against the elements.
• Features a removable floor tray for easy cleaning of chicken droppings
• Your chickens can get in and out of the coop with ease as the ramp is neither steep nor too challenging for small birds.

Contras:

• You will likely need to add at least one extra coat of sealer as the wood is quite thin and smooth.
• Mesh, while pretty decent in strength and definitely capable of keeping your birds INSIDE the cage, may not keep heavier predators out.
• The instructions are pictorial and apparently require some clever deciphering, but if you're skilled you can figure it out without too much stress.

Overall, this isn't the most durable, long-lasting, well-built option, but for the price you're paying, it's a great option if you have a few chickens to house. Your chickens would be very comfortable here!

7. Duplex TRIXIE Pet Product Coop with Outdoor Patio

• Empresa: TRIXIE Pet Products
• Rating: 3.7/5 stars
• Price: $$

You've seen this basic shape twice before, but set up like this in a "duplex" style it's a great option if you have 4 large breed birds that seem to like their space, or think that maybe in the future you might decide to grow your flock with some birds. According to the specifications, it is suitable for up to 6 large birds or 10 roosters.

This duplex consists of 2 mirrored bedrooms, both with removable masts, sliding doors and entrance ramps. Each house has a large nest with a removable divider that can turn 2, makingquiteof space for your 4 birds to feel at home.

More PROs:

• Outdoor running is good and big! If you want to keep your birds a bit out of the way for one reason or another, you can restrict the birds to just one side using the divider door in the middle.
• Both houses are easy to clean with removable plastic drip trays.
• The nest boxes in both houses have hinged roofs with locking arms so egg collecting is really easy.
• Your birds are well protected from unwanted visitors with a closed mesh galvanized metal grille, metal sliding latches and padlocks.
• The chicken coop comes with a one-year warranty, so you can buy with confidence that the chicken coop will satisfy you.

Contras:

• You will want to add another coat of sealant to the wood prior to assembly, and possibly again in the future to keep the chicken coop weatherproof.
  
• It is one of several different chicken coops offered by Trixie Pet Products... unfortunately the customer reviews on their Amazon page are for the entire range of units. This makes it more difficult to get the actual details of this particular unit.

Overall, if you are someone who wants to "err on the larger side" with your chicken coop for your 4 chickens, this is one of your best options. Plenty of space in the chicken coops and a large running area with a divider to separate the 'hungry' birds. Is a good choice.

8. Zoovilla Country Style Chicken Coop

• Company: Zoovilla
• Rating: 3.9 / 5 stars
• Price: $$

This zoovilla chicken coop has some pizzazz and style that some of the others may lack. It's a sleek unit that doesn't take up much space, perhaps a good choice for a smaller or urban backyard.

This chicken coop has a capacity of 6 chickens and comes with 2 large nests (each with a divider, creating 4 spaces). There is a ramp (hard to see in the picture here) that leads to the chicken coop on the left side of the race area.

PRO:

• Each nesting box (one on each side) has a hinged roof that can be lifted off for easy egg collection.
• There are 4 lockable doors for when you want to keep your chickens safe inside the coop... 2 on the run and 2 on the house.
• Easy to clean with the removable excrement tray
• The roof is asphalt black for longevity and the unit comes pre-painted and treated.

Contras:

• Nests are higher than other chicken coops, so it can be more difficult for children to help collect the eggs.
• The running area under the house is quite low so if you have a taller breed of chicken they may not fit in very well.

This is a great buy for the price. It's worth a look if you feel like you want something a little fancy in your backyard and something with lots of space and good functionality.

Ready to enjoy your own backyard chickens?

There are so many different types of chicken coops on the market! Backyard chicken coops come in many different sizes, but not all will fit 4 chickens... and it can be difficult to find one that's big enough. So, this post here highlights some of the best larger co-ops that you can order online here.

Another option, of course, is to build your own, either of your own design or through a purchased plan. No recommendations on chicken coop plans yet, sorry! That's atopic for another day!

I wish you lots of fun with your backyard chickens... have fun collecting and eating the delicious fresh eggs and seeing/getting to know your chicks!