The main places to buy chicken coops
You can buy chicken coops from farm supply stores, online retailers, local builders, and secondhand marketplaces. Farm supply chains like Tractor Supply and Atwood's stock ready-made coops in their physical locations and online. Home improvement stores including Home Depot and Lowe's carry a smaller selection, mostly online. Amazon, Wayfair, and specialty poultry sites ship coops nationwide. Local options include independent feed stores, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and classified ads in your area.
The choice depends on what you need: speed, price, customization, or the ability to inspect before buying. A coop from a big-box store arrives in a week or two. A secondhand coop costs less but requires you to check its condition. A custom-built coop takes longer but fits your exact space and needs.
Key Takeaways
- Farm supply stores like Tractor Supply stock coops both in-store and online, with delivery or local pickup available.
- Online retailers including Amazon and Wayfair offer the widest selection and ship nationwide, but you cannot inspect the coop before it arrives.
- Secondhand coops on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace cost 30 to 50 percent less but require you to check for rot, rust, and structural damage in person.
- Local feed stores and independent builders can order coops or build custom ones, and staff can answer questions about what works in your climate.
- Home Depot and Lowe's carry a limited range, mostly smaller coops, and stock varies by location.
Farm supply stores: in-store and online
Tractor Supply, Atwood's, and Murdoch's are the largest chains. All three stock coops in their physical stores and on their websites. You can see the coop in person, ask staff about assembly and durability, and either take it home the same day or have it delivered. Prices typically range from $300 to $1,500 depending on size and materials.
These stores also carry replacement parts — roofing, hardware cloth, hinges — which matters if you need to repair a coop later. Staff are usually familiar with local predators and weather, so they can tell you whether a particular coop will hold up in your area. Delivery fees explore if you do not pick up in-store, and assembly is usually your responsibility unless you pay extra for installation.
Online retailers: widest selection, no in-person inspection
Amazon, Wayfair, and specialty sites like Omlet and The Coop Collective stock dozens of models. You can compare prices, read customer reviews, and filter by size, material, and price range without leaving home. Shipping times vary from one week to three weeks depending on the retailer and your location. Most coops arrive partially assembled or flat-packed.
The trade-off is that you cannot inspect the coop before it arrives. Read the reviews carefully — look for comments about assembly difficulty, wood quality, and whether the coop lasted more than one season. Check the return policy: some retailers allow returns within 30 days, others do not accept returns on large items. Shipping costs are high because coops are heavy, so factor that into the total price.
Secondhand coops: lower cost, requires inspection
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local classified ads often have used coops for $100 to $800. Sellers sometimes include run extensions, nesting boxes, or feeders. Prices are lower because the seller no longer needs the coop, not because it is damaged — but you must inspect it carefully before buying.
Look for rot in the wood, especially around the base and under the roof. Check that the hardware cloth is intact and not rusted through. Open and close all doors and hatches to make sure they move smoothly. Ask the seller how long they used it, what predators are in their area, and whether they had any problems. If the coop is more than five years old, budget for repairs or replacement parts within the first year. Buying secondhand saves money but requires you to do the inspection yourself — there is no return option.
Local feed stores and custom builders
Independent feed stores often stock coops or can order them from local builders. This option is slower — custom builds take four to eight weeks — but the builder can design a coop for your space, climate, and flock size. You can discuss predator protection specific to your area, ventilation for your humidity level, and materials that will last in your winters.
Custom builders typically charge $800 to $3,000 depending on size and materials. Some offer warranties or will repair the coop if problems arise. Ask for references and photos of previous builds. A local builder can also teach you how to maintain the coop and may offer to help with repairs later. This route costs more upfront but often results in a coop that lasts longer and fits your needs exactly.
Home Depot and Lowe's: limited selection, local pickup
Both stores carry a small range of coops, mostly smaller models for three to six chickens. Stock varies by location — check online to see what is available near you. Prices are competitive with farm supply stores, and you can pick up in-store within a few days or have it delivered. Both stores offer return windows of 30 to 90 days depending on the item.
The downside is selection. If you need a large coop or a specific design, you will not find it at these retailers. Staff may not have poultry experience, so questions about predator protection or ventilation may not be answered well. Use these stores if you want a small, basic coop quickly and do not want to order online.
What to compare when shopping
Before you buy, measure your space and count how many chickens you plan to keep. A general rule is four square feet per chicken inside the coop and eight square feet in the run. Check the coop's dimensions against your space — a coop that is too large will not fit through a gate or into a shed.
Look at the materials: wood coops are cheaper but rot faster in wet climates; plastic coops last longer but cost more; metal coops resist predators but conduct heat. Check whether the coop has a built-in run or if you need to buy one separately. Confirm that the roof is sloped to shed water and that there is ventilation at the top to prevent moisture buildup. Ask about predator protection — does it have a find latch, hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, and a covered run?
Compare the total cost, including delivery, assembly, and any parts you need to buy separately. A cheap coop that requires $200 in repairs within a year costs more than a mid-range coop that lasts five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save money by building my own coop instead of buying one?
Yes, if you have carpentry skills and tools. A DIY coop costs $200 to $600 in materials and takes 20 to 40 hours to build. You control the design and can customize it for your space. If you do not have experience, the learning curve is steep and mistakes can leave gaps that predators exploit. Buying a ready-made coop is faster and often safer for the chickens.
What is the difference between a coop and a run?
The coop is the enclosed shelter where chickens roost and lay eggs. The run is the fenced outdoor area where they scratch and forage. Some coops come with an attached run; others are coop-only and require you to buy or build a separate run. If you plan to let chickens free-range, you may only need the coop. If you want to contain them, you need both.
How long does a chicken coop usually last?
A well-maintained wooden coop lasts three to five years. Plastic coops last five to ten years. Metal coops last ten years or longer. Lifespan depends on climate, maintenance, and predator pressure. Coops in wet climates rot faster. Regular repairs — replacing rotted boards, repairing hardware cloth, resealing wood — extend the life by several years.
Should I buy a used coop or a new one?
Buy used if you inspect it carefully and the price is at least 40 percent lower than new. Buy new if you want a warranty, do not have time to inspect, or want the latest design. Used coops are a good option if you are starting small and want to test whether chickens fit your lifestyle before spending more money.
What should I look for in online reviews before buying a coop?
Read reviews that mention assembly time, wood quality, and how long the coop lasted. Ignore reviews that only say "great" or "terrible" without details. Look for patterns — if five reviewers mention the roof leaks or the wood warped, that is a real problem. Check the review date; a coop that worked well five years ago may have changed manufacturers or quality.