Where to find chicken coops for sale
You can buy a chicken coop from farm supply stores, online retailers, local builders, and secondhand marketplaces. The best choice depends on whether you want something ready to assemble, fully built, or custom-made for your space. Each route has different costs, delivery options, and timelines.
Farm supply chains like Tractor Supply Co. and Ace Hardware stock coops year-round, usually in the spring and early summer when demand peaks. Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and specialty sites like Backyard Chickens sell coops that ship to your door. Local carpenters and Amish builders offer custom work. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local farm groups often have used coops at lower prices.
Key Takeaways
- Farm supply stores let you see the coop in person and take it home the same day, but stock is limited and prices are higher than online.
- Online retailers offer more styles and sizes, lower prices, and delivery to your door, but you cannot inspect the coop before it arrives.
- Local builders and Amish craftspeople can make a coop to fit your exact space and needs, though lead times run four to twelve weeks.
- Used coops on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist cost 30 to 50 percent less but require you to inspect for rot, predator damage, and structural problems before buying.
- Buying in late winter or early spring gives you the widest selection, but prices are highest during peak season.
Farm supply stores and garden centers
Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, and local farm supply stores carry coops in stock during spring and early summer. You can walk around the coop, check the door hinges, look at the roofing material, and see how sturdy the frame is. Most stores will load it into your vehicle if you buy it, so you take it home the same day.
Prices at farm supply stores run higher than online — typically $300 to $800 for a basic four-to-six-bird coop. Stock runs out by mid-June in many regions, especially for popular sizes. Call ahead or check the store's website to confirm they have the model you want in stock. Some stores will special-order a coop if they do not have it on the floor, but that adds two to four weeks to delivery.
Online retailers and specialty coop websites
Amazon, Wayfair, and Chewy carry coops from multiple manufacturers and often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores. Specialty sites like Backyard Chickens Supply, My Pet Chicken, and Omlet focus only on poultry equipment and offer detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and sometimes video assembly guides. Online shopping lets you compare styles, sizes, and prices without leaving home.
Shipping costs vary widely — some retailers offer free delivery on orders over a certain amount, while others charge $50 to $150 to deliver a coop. Delivery times range from three days to three weeks depending on the retailer and your location. You cannot inspect the coop before it arrives, so read customer reviews carefully and check the return policy. Most online retailers allow returns within 30 days if the coop arrives damaged or does not match the description.
Local builders and Amish craftspeople
Carpenters and Amish builders in your area can build a coop to your exact specifications — the right size for your space, with the roofing material you prefer, and ventilation suited to your climate. Search online for "custom chicken coop builder near me" or ask at local farm supply stores for referrals. Many builders have photos of past work on their websites or social media pages.
Custom coops cost more upfront — typically $600 to $2,000 depending on size and materials — but they last longer and fit your property better than mass-produced models. Lead times are usually four to twelve weeks because the builder works to order. Get a written quote and timeline before you commit, and ask whether the price includes delivery and assembly. Some builders offer a warranty on their work; others do not, so ask.
Used coops on secondhand marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local farm groups often have used coops for sale at 30 to 50 percent below retail price. This is the cheapest route if you find a well-maintained coop nearby. You can inspect it in person, ask the seller how long they used it, and sometimes negotiate the price.
When you look at a used coop, check the wood for soft spots or rot, especially on the floor and lower walls where moisture collects. Look at the roof for missing shingles or rust on metal panels. Test the door hinges and latches to make sure they work smoothly. Ask whether the coop has been treated for mites or lice, and whether the seller will disclose any predator damage. A coop that has been exposed to weather without a shelter or regular maintenance may need repairs before it is safe for birds. Factor repair costs into your offer.
Timing your purchase for the best selection
Late winter and early spring — February through April — is when farm supply stores stock the most coops and online retailers have the widest selection. This is also when prices are highest because demand peaks as people prepare for the growing season. If you can wait until late May or June, prices often drop as retailers clear inventory, though selection shrinks.
Fall and winter are the slowest seasons for coop sales. Many retailers stop stocking coops from September onward, and online selection narrows. If you need a coop outside peak season, order online or contact a local builder with a longer lead time. Buying off-season can save money if you are willing to wait.
Comparing cost and delivery across options
| Source | Price Range | Delivery Time | Can Inspect First |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm supply store | $300–$800 | Same day | Yes |
| Online retailer | $250–$900 | 3–21 days | No |
| Custom builder | $600–$2,000 | 4–12 weeks | Yes (photos first) |
| Used marketplace | $100–$500 | Pickup or local delivery | Yes |
What to look for when comparing coops
Before you buy, think about how many birds you plan to keep. A coop needs at least 3 to 4 square feet of interior space per bird, plus an outdoor run with 8 to 10 square feet per bird. A coop that is too small leads to stress, fighting, and disease. Check the ventilation — the coop should have windows or vents on at least two sides to prevent moisture buildup in winter and overheating in summer.
Look at the roofing material. Asphalt shingles are common but wear out in five to seven years. Metal roofing lasts longer but costs more. Check whether the coop has a removable floor for cleaning, or whether you have to scrape it out. A removable floor saves time and your back. Ask whether the coop comes with nesting boxes and roosts, or whether you have to buy those separately. Some coops are sold as shells with nothing inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assemble a coop myself if I buy it online?
Most online coops come partially assembled or as flat-pack kits that you put together with basic tools. Assembly usually takes two to four hours for one person. Check the product description for assembly time and whether instructions are included. Some retailers offer assembly services for an extra fee, or you can hire a handyperson locally to do it.
What is the difference between a coop and a run?
A coop is the enclosed shelter where chickens sleep and lay eggs. A run is an outdoor pen attached to the coop where birds can scratch and forage during the day. Many coops come with a run attached, but some are coop-only. If you buy a coop without a run, you will need to build or buy one separately, or keep your birds in the coop full-time.
Do I need to treat a used coop before I put birds in it?
Yes. Clean the interior thoroughly with a stiff brush and hot water, then spray with a poultry-safe disinfectant to kill mites, lice, and bacteria from the previous flock. Let it dry completely before you add bedding and birds. If the coop has soft wood or visible rot, repair or replace those boards first.
What size coop do I need for four chickens?
A four-bird coop needs at least 12 to 16 square feet of interior space, plus a run of 32 to 40 square feet if the birds will spend time outside. A standard four-by-four-foot coop with a six-by-eight-foot run is a common size that works for four to six birds. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for the specific model you are considering.
Can I buy a coop in winter?
Yes, but selection is limited. Most farm supply stores stop stocking coops in September and do not reorder until February. Online retailers carry coops year-round but may have longer shipping times in winter. A custom builder is your best option if you need a coop in fall or winter, though you should order four to six weeks in advance.