Your chicken coop is the most important investment in your flock’s health and safety. A good coop protects against foxes, rats, and weather while making daily egg collection and cleaning straightforward. Here are the best options for UK chicken keepers in 2026.
- Quick Comparison
- Wooden vs Plastic Coops
- •Wooden Coops
- •Plastic Coops (Omlet Eglu)
- 1. Omlet Eglu Cube — Best Overall
- 2. Omlet Eglu Go UP — Best for Small Flocks
- 3. Flyte so Fancy Maggie’s Hen House — Best Wooden
- 4. Pets at Home Wooden Coop — Best Budget
- Fox-Proofing Essentials
- Space Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- •How often should I clean a chicken coop?
- •Do I need planning permission for a chicken coop UK?
- •What is the best cheap chicken coop?
- Related Reading
- • 📚 Related Reading
Quick Comparison
| Coop | Type | Capacity | Fox-Proof | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omlet Eglu Cube | Plastic | 6–10 hens | ★★★★★ | £550–£700 |
| Omlet Eglu Go UP | Plastic | 2–4 hens | ★★★★★ | £350–£450 |
| Flyte so Fancy Maggie’s Hen House | Wooden | 6–9 hens | ★★★★☆ | £400–£550 |
| Pets at Home Wooden Coop | Wooden | 4–6 hens | ★★★☆☆ | £150–£250 |
| Walk-In Chicken Run | Metal frame | 6–12 hens | ★★★★★ | £300–£600 |
Wooden vs Plastic Coops
Wooden Coops
Traditional wooden coops are cheaper upfront and available in more sizes. However, wood absorbs moisture, harbours red mite in cracks, and requires annual treatment with wood preservative. Budget wooden coops (under £200) often have thin panels, flimsy latches, and poor ventilation. Buy the best quality you can afford — or expect to replace a cheap coop within 2–3 years.
Plastic Coops (Omlet Eglu)
Plastic coops like the Omlet Eglu range are significantly more expensive but virtually maintenance-free. They don’t harbour red mite (smooth surfaces with no cracks), are pressure-washable in minutes, and last 10+ years. The Eglu Cube and Go UP are both predator-resistant with anti-tunnel skirts and heavy-duty mesh. For most UK keepers, the Eglu pays for itself in time savings and red mite prevention within 2–3 years.
1. Omlet Eglu Cube — Best Overall
The Eglu Cube is the gold standard for UK chicken housing. It accommodates 6–10 hens with a spacious roosting area, twin nest boxes, and a large attached run with anti-tunnel skirts. The double-walled insulation keeps birds comfortable in both winter and summer. A slide-out droppings tray and removable roosting bars make cleaning a 5-minute job. At £550–£700 (with run), it’s expensive, but Omlet’s 3-year warranty and buyback scheme add long-term value.
2. Omlet Eglu Go UP — Best for Small Flocks
The Go UP is the compact version — perfect for 2–4 hens in a smaller garden. Raised on legs to provide shelter underneath and discourage rats from nesting. Same easy-clean plastic construction as the Cube. The attached run can be extended with additional panels. At £350–£450, it’s the best small-flock coop money can buy.
3. Flyte so Fancy Maggie’s Hen House — Best Wooden
If you prefer the look of wood, Flyte so Fancy is a premium UK manufacturer based in Dorset. Their Maggie’s Hen House accommodates 6–9 hens with tongue-and-groove panels, felt roof, pop hole with auto-closer, and integral nest boxes. Quality materials mean it will last 8–10 years with annual treatment. At £400–£550, it’s the wooden coop to buy if you want something that lasts.
4. Pets at Home Wooden Coop — Best Budget
For beginners on a tight budget, the basic wooden coops from Pets at Home (£150–£250) get you started. They accommodate 4–6 hens and include nest boxes, perches, and a small run. However, expect to add extra fox-proofing (padlocks, weld mesh over existing wire), and plan for annual wood treatment and red mite prevention. A solid starter coop, but you may outgrow it quickly.
Fox-Proofing Essentials
Foxes are the number one predator for UK chickens. Every coop needs:
- 16-gauge galvanised weld mesh — NOT chicken wire (foxes bite through it)
- Anti-tunnel skirt or buried mesh — L-shaped mesh extending 30cm outward around the run perimeter
- Secure latches — padlocks or two-step latches (foxes can open simple bolts)
- Auto door closer — shuts the pop hole at dusk so you never forget
Space Requirements
| Space Type | Minimum per Bird |
|---|---|
| Coop (roosting area) | 1 sq ft (0.09 m²) |
| Run (if not free-ranging) | 8–10 sq ft (0.75–0.93 m²) |
| Free-range garden | As much as possible |
| Perch length | 20–25 cm per bird |
| Nest boxes | 1 per 3–4 hens |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean a chicken coop?
Remove droppings from the roosting area daily or every other day. Do a full deep-clean (remove all bedding, scrub surfaces, check for red mite) weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter. Plastic coops can be pressure-washed; wooden coops need scrubbing with poultry-safe disinfectant.
Do I need planning permission for a chicken coop UK?
In most cases, no — a standard garden coop falls under permitted development. However, if you live in a conservation area or your coop exceeds certain size limits, check with your local council. Some housing deeds also have covenants against keeping poultry.
What is the best cheap chicken coop?
The best budget option is a wooden coop from Pets at Home at £150–£250 or a second-hand Eglu from Omlet’s resale marketplace. Avoid very cheap flat-pack coops from Amazon (under £100) — they’re typically flimsy, poorly ventilated, and not fox-proof.
