Worried about picking the wrong coop for your property?

Picking a chicken coop doesn’t have to be hard. Think about your yard, your weather, and how many chickens you want. Use this simple guide to find a coop that keeps your birds safe, comfy, and easy to care for.

Step 1: Check the rules (permits & registration made simple)

Before you buy a coop, spend a few minutes checking the rules where you live. This saves money and headaches later.

Where to look

• Your city website → search “backyard chickens,” “poultry permit,” or “urban agriculture.”

• If you live outside city limits, check the county site.

• Ask your HOA or neighborhood manager for the written rules (CC&Rs).

What to find out

• How many hens are allowed; if roosters are allowed.

• Setbacks: how far the coop must be from property lines, homes, or wells.

• Limits on coop size/height.

• Care rules: odor control, rodent-proof feed storage, and manure/compost rules.

• Noise/nuisance rules.

• If you can sell eggs and whether you need a license.

Permits & annual registration

• Some places require a poultry permit or annual pet registration for hens.

• You may need to apply, pay a small fee, show a simple site plan (a sketch of where the coop goes), and pass a quick inspection.

• Put any annual renewal on your calendar.

Building/electrical permits

• A building permit may be needed for big coops or those with a foundation.

• Electrical work (outlets, lights, heaters, fans) may need an electrical permit. Use outdoor-rated, GFCI power—don’t rely on indoor extension cords.

HOA tips

• Some HOAs limit flock size or ban coops. Get the rule in writing and follow any design or screening rules (paint color, fence style, placement).

Quick checklist

• ☐ City/county rules read

• ☐ HOA checked

• ☐ Flock size & rooster rules known

• ☐ Setbacks measured

• ☐ Permit/registration steps & fees noted (plus renewal date)

• ☐ Building/electrical needs understood

Step 2: Count your birds (now and later)

Plan for the birds you want today and a few you might add later.

• Inside space: ~3–4 sq ft per standard hen (2–3 for bantams; 4–5 for very large breeds).

• Run space: ~8–10 sq ft per hen (more is better).

• Roost bar: 8–10 in. per hen.

• Nest boxes: 1 box for every 3–4 hens.

Step 3: Match your yard size (by acres)

Tiny yard/patio — under ~0.05 acre (under ~2,200 sq ft): 2–3 hens.
Choose a compact coop with an attached run or a small mobile “tractor.”

Small yard — ~0.05 to 0.25 acre (~2,200–11,000 sq ft): 4–6 hens.
Use a fixed coop with wheels or a light tractor you can move for fresh ground.

Medium yard — ~0.25 to 0.5 acre (~11,000–22,000 sq ft): 6–10 hens.
Pick a walk-in coop with a covered run for easy cleaning and better airflow.

Large yard — 0.5 acre and up: 10+ hens (check local limits).
Go with a walk-in coop plus a big covered run or portable electric netting for daytime ranging.

Homesteads, Farms & Hatcheries - check out our XL coops.

Always follow your city/HOA rules for flock size, setbacks, and permits.

Step 4: Pick features for your climate

Hot & sunny: lots of high vents, shaded placement, light-colored roof/walls; consider an exhaust fan.
Cold & snowy: draft-free but well-vented up high; strong roof for snow; deeper litter.
Wet & humid: raised floor, covered run, gravel for drainage, gutters/drip edge.
Windy/storm-prone: anchor the coop; doors away from the wind; lower profile.

Chicken Coops from the Hen House Collection have customizable features for all climates and yards.

Step 5: Keep predators and rodents out

• Use ¼" galvanized hardware cloth on every opening (vents, windows, under the run).

• Add a buried apron of hardware cloth 8–12" down or laid flat 12" out to stop diggers.

• Choose two-step latches on doors.

• Store feed in metal cans with tight lids and use a treadle feeder (opens only under a chicken’s weight) to block mice and wild birds.

No need to worry about predators, because coops from the Hen House Collection have predator protection features like automatic chicken doors, predator proof wire over windows, around runs and under runs.

Step 6: Place the coop in the right spot

Pick high, well-drained ground; avoid soggy areas. Aim for morning sun and afternoon shade. Keep it close to water and power. Leave space to walk around for cleaning and repairs.

Step 7: Make cleaning easy

If you can, choose walk-in height. Look for a clean-out tray or big door, removable roosts, and a hinged nest-box lid. Keep a small shelf or bin for supplies.

Quick picks by climate & yard

• Hot + small yard: compact coop, extra vents, shade cloth, hardware cloth on windows.

• Cold + medium yard: walk-in coop, high vents above roosts, deep litter, tight doors.

• Wet + any yard: raised base, covered run, gravel under run, gutters.

• Windy/coastal: anchored coop, low profile, doors out of the wind.

Final checklist

Right size for your flock now + future • Fits yard • High vents but no drafts on roosts • ¼" hardware cloth on openings + buried apron • Easy to clean • Anchored, good drainage, near water/power • Rules, permits, and registrations handled

Choose a coop that fits your yard, weather, and local rules, and your hens will stay healthy, safe, and happy—with fresh eggs for you all year.

Shop All Coops and find the perfect match for your yard!