The main places to buy chicken coops
You can buy chicken coops from farm supply stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, local builders, and specialty poultry suppliers. Each route has different prices, delivery options, and quality levels. The best choice depends on whether you want to pick something up today, have it shipped, or have someone build it to your specifications.
Farm supply chains like Tractor Supply and Atwood's stock coops year-round in their physical locations. Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's carry coops during spring and summer months, usually March through August. Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and eBay have the widest selection but require shipping, which can be expensive because coops are large and heavy.
Key Takeaways
- Farm supply stores and home improvement retailers carry coops in stock during the warmer months, letting you inspect the build quality before buying.
- Online retailers offer more models and price points but charge significant shipping fees that can add 20 to 40 percent to the total cost.
- Local woodworkers and small builders often customize coops to your space and budget, though lead times run four to eight weeks.
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local farm groups sometimes have used coops at half the retail price, but you inspect and transport them yourself.
- Specialty poultry suppliers focus on coop design and materials, making them useful for comparing features like ventilation and predator protection.
Farm supply stores and what they stock
Tractor Supply, Atwood's, and regional chains like Murdoch's carry coops in their physical stores during spring and early summer. Inventory peaks in April and May, then thins out by July. You can walk in, see the coop in person, check the wood quality and hardware, and take it home the same day if you have a truck or trailer.
Prices at farm supply stores typically range from $300 to $1,200 depending on size and materials. Staff can answer questions about local predators and whether a particular coop will fit your space. The downside is limited selection—most stores carry three to five models—and you pay full retail price with no negotiation.
Home improvement retailers and seasonal availability
Home Depot and Lowe's stock chicken coops seasonally, usually starting in March and ending by August. Selection is smaller than farm supply stores, often just two or three models per location. Prices run $250 to $900, and you can order online for in-store pickup or home delivery.
These retailers sometimes offer delivery services, which matters because a large coop is awkward to transport in a car. Delivery fees vary by location and coop size, typically $50 to $150. You can also check their websites before visiting to see whether a specific model is in stock at your nearest store.
Online marketplaces and shipping costs
Amazon, Wayfair, eBay, and Chewy carry dozens of coop models from multiple manufacturers. You can compare prices, read customer reviews, and find specialty designs like mobile coops or large walk-in models that local stores do not stock. Prices range from $200 to $2,500.
Shipping is the catch. A standard 4-by-8-foot coop weighs 150 to 300 pounds, and shipping costs $100 to $400 depending on your location and the retailer's warehouse distance. Some sellers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, but that usually means the base price is higher. Always calculate the total delivered price, not just the item price, before comparing to local options.
Most online coops arrive in a flat box that you assemble yourself. Assembly typically takes two to four hours and requires basic tools. Check the product photos and reviews to see whether the wood is pressure-treated, whether hardware is included, and whether customers report assembly problems.
Local builders and custom options
Woodworkers, carpenters, and small builders in your area can design and build a coop to fit your exact space, flock size, and budget. You find them through local Facebook groups, Craigslist, or by asking at your county extension office. Prices vary widely—$400 to $2,000—depending on materials and complexity.
The advantage is customization: you can specify the number of nesting boxes, roost height, run size, and ventilation. A builder can also use local wood and materials suited to your climate. The disadvantage is lead time—most builders have a four- to eight-week wait—and you pay a deposit upfront, usually 50 percent of the total.
Ask to see photos of previous builds and get a written quote that specifies materials, dimensions, and delivery or pickup. Some builders include a warranty on the structure; others do not. Clarify whether they will deliver and set it up, or whether you pick it up and assemble it yourself.
Used coops and secondhand marketplaces
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor often have used coops listed by people who are downsizing or upgrading. Prices are typically 40 to 60 percent below retail. You inspect the coop in person, check for rot or loose joints, and transport it yourself.
The risk is that you cannot return a used coop if it has structural problems or is smaller than you expected. Always ask the seller how old the coop is, what wood was used, and whether it has been treated for predators or weather. Visit in daylight and bring a flashlight to check the interior and underside for damage.
Local farm groups and poultry clubs on Facebook sometimes have members selling coops. These groups are also good places to ask whether anyone in your area builds coops or knows a reliable builder.
Specialty poultry suppliers and design focus
Companies like Omlet, The Coop, and Backyard Chickens focus specifically on poultry housing. They offer detailed product comparisons, educational content about ventilation and predator protection, and customer support from people who understand chicken keeping. Prices are higher than big-box retailers—$600 to $3,000—but the designs are often more thoughtful.
These suppliers are useful even if you do not buy from them. Their websites explain what makes a coop work well: adequate ventilation to prevent respiratory disease, hardware cloth instead of chicken wire for predator protection, and roosting bars at the right height. You can use this information to evaluate coops from any source.
Specialty suppliers often ship nationwide and may offer assembly services or local delivery in certain areas. Some sell modular coops that you can expand as your flock grows.
Comparing price, delivery, and timing
| Source | Price Range | Delivery | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm supply stores | $300–$1,200 | You pick up | Same day if in stock |
| Home Depot / Lowe's | $250–$900 | Pickup or paid delivery | Same day to 1 week |
| Online marketplaces | $200–$2,500 | Shipped; you assemble | 5–14 days |
| Local builders | $400–$2,000 | Builder delivers or you pick up | 4–8 weeks |
| Used / secondhand | $100–$800 | You pick up and transport | Same day to 1 week |
| Specialty suppliers | $600–$3,000 | Shipped or local delivery | 1–4 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to buy a chicken coop?
Used coops on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are usually the cheapest, at 40 to 60 percent below retail. You save the most by picking it up yourself and doing any repairs. Building your own from plans or lumber is also cheaper if you have tools and carpentry skills.
Can I get a chicken coop delivered to my house?
Yes, but it costs extra. Home Depot and Lowe's offer delivery for $50 to $150. Online retailers ship nationwide but charge $100 to $400 depending on distance and coop size. Local builders often include delivery in their quote. Always ask whether delivery includes setup or just dropping it in your yard.
When is the best time to buy a chicken coop?
Spring (March through May) is peak season for coops in stores and online. Prices are highest and selection is best. Late summer and fall have fewer options as retailers clear inventory. Winter is the slowest season, but you may find discounts on remaining stock.
Should I buy a coop online or in a store?
Buy in a store if you want to inspect the build quality and take it home when ready. Buy online if you want more models to choose from and do not mind paying for shipping and assembly. Local builders are best if you have specific needs or want a custom size.
What should I check before buying a used coop?
Look for rot in the wood, especially the floor and corners. Check that all joints are tight and hardware is find. Ask how old it is, what wood was used, and whether it has been treated for weather. Visit in daylight and bring a flashlight to inspect the interior and underside.