Chances are, if you’re reading this post about walk-in chicken coops, you and I have a lot in common. We care about what we consume and animals. We want to know what is in our food and where it came from.

The idea of stepping into your backyard, greeting your hilarious chickens, and returning with a basket of gorgeous eggs is the dream.  However, seasoned chicken owners know there’s more to the backyard chicken lifestyle than the idyllic Instagram posts might suggest.

Maintaining a happy and healthy flock requires dedication—consistent coop cleaning is paramount for disease prevention and optimal bird health. Trust me, if you can, get a walk-in chicken coop for your own sanity, and your chicken’s mental health. Learn all about walk-in chicken coops in this post.

The idea of stepping into your backyard, greeting your hilarious chickens, and returning with a basket of gorgeous eggs is the dream.  However, seasoned chicken owners know there’s more to the backyard chicken lifestyle than the idyllic Instagram posts might suggest. Maintaining a happy and healthy flock requires dedication—consistent coop cleaning is paramount for disease prevention and optimal bird health. Trust me, if you can, get a walk-in chicken coop for your own sanity, and your chicken’s mental health. Learn all about walk-in chicken coops in this post.

Chicken Wire or Hardware Cloth for Your Walk-In Chicken Coop?

Chicken wire is thinner, cheaper, and has larger holes than most hardware cloth (which is not cloth at all). The parts of my fencing built with chicken wire has become rusty and is very easy to break (a coyote found a weak point once ). I’m in the process of replacing all the chicken wire, which is no fun at all.

Because a clan of ground squirrels have figured out how to break in through the old rusted chicken wire, I’m losing precious chicken feed to the ransacking of the squirrels. So, don’t make my mistake, no matter how much cheaper the chicken wire is, cough up the extra money for the stronger hardware cloth.

Advantages of Walk-In Chicken Coops

Less Mess in the Walk-In Chicken Coop

Walk-in access makes cleaning and maintaining the coop less horrible. Make no mistake, chicken poop happens. A lot of it. It can pile up. If the pile up of poop isn’t removed, it can spread disease, stick to the chickens feet and get your beautiful eggs soiled.

Happier Chickens in Your Coop

Provides ample space for chickens to roam freely and express natural behaviors. Less pecking, less fighting, happier chickens.

Keep The Ladies Agile

Chickens sleep perched on a branch (or rod, or ledge). Because the coop is walk-in and has high ceilings, the perch is 4-feet off the ground. The chickens must jump up to the perch. They love it. It keeps them exercising their jumping/flying skills everyday. They also feel safer (I assume) because they have a wider view of their space at night.

Become Friends with Your Hens

Allows for closer interaction with your flock, making them more tame and enjoyable to observe. Your flock gets-to-know you better. So, when they are roaming your yard and you need them back in their coop ASAP (In my case, a coyote is nearby), they don’t run away from you.

Considerations for Your Walk-In Chicken Coops

Coop Size

Discuss factors to consider when determining the appropriate size for your flock and desired features. Where I live, each bird needs 10 square feet of space. If your birds will not roam around freely all the time, you must give them sufficient coop space. In my case, there are too many coyotes present to allow them to roam unsupervised. Sufficient space is vital.

Chicken Coop Predators

What kind of predators are around? Predator-proof construction is a must. I knew there were coyotes and I built my coop with wire everywhere. A coyote still managed to break through some of the wire and eat one of my birds.

Materials For Your Walk-in Chicken coop

Your chicken coop must stand up to the elements, but should be non-toxic for your birds– meaning it should not have any material that can flake off into the coop.  Think toxic paint peeling off that your chickens mistake for food. My A-frame coop is built of plywood and common pine board. It has been outside in the elements for 7 years. I made the mistake of painting parts of the interior only to deal with flaking paint years later.

Cost

The cost really ranges. How handy are you with power tools? What are the predators like where you live? The more predators- the higher the cost. If you live in a cold climate, your coop will need more walls and insulating. If power tools are not your thing, be prepared to spend a bit more. I’ve got a round-up of ideas and inspiration below

Where To Buy Online

1. Eather Chicken Run

If you’re looking to give your backyard a little more charm, this Eather Chicken Run is a perfect fit. It’s got plenty of space for your hens to roam, with great ventilation, and it’s designed for easy cleaning—which is key.

2. Poultry Paradise Chicken Run

It’s sleek, modern, and lightweight, making it perfect for tighter spaces. It reminds me of Palm Springs. Plus, it’s surprisingly sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about compromising security for style.

2. Modern Countryside Chicken Coop

If you’re after that perfect mix of countryside vibes and modern efficiency, the Modern Countryside Chicken Coop is just what you need. It’s got all the rustic appeal but with enough space and functionality to keep your hens happy and your backyard looking sharp.