With more and more innovative chicken coops coming onto the market there’s suddenly a lot more options than there used to be when it comes to choosing a chicken coop.
In the past, wooden chicken coops have been the only option until some makers started producing plastic coops. But with more people becoming anti-plastic are they any good and should we buy them?
I’ve spent time doing research into the pro’s and cons of both wooden and plastic coops and have found some surprising results.
Choosing between wood and plastic chicken coops depends on various factors. Wooden coops offer a traditional, insulating environment but require maintenance against pests and weather. Plastic coops are durable and easy to clean but may lack the aesthetic and insulation of wood. Both have their own merits and drawbacks.
Read on to find out much more about the pros and cons of both plastic and wooden chicken coops along with comparisons between the two to help you decide which is right for you.
Just to let you know before we start, we sometimes recommend products which we feel might be helpful for a particular topic. Chicken Pals may receive a small commission for the recommendation however we only link to quality products and where possible those we have tried – for more information please see our privacy policy.
Plastic V’s Wood Chicken Coops – the Comparision
For this comparison, I’ve looked at good quality wood coops along with the various plastic Eglu coops which are available from Omlet. This is based on research, my own experience and opinions of owners from reviews and chicken keepers groups.
| Coop Type | Wood | Plastic |
| Cost | Generally better value although cheaper wood coops are often poorer in quality. *Winner | Higher cost than most wooden coops especially with optional extras |
| Quality | Need to shop around for a good quality well built wooden coop | Generally good quality products with good reviews. *Winner |
| Maintenance | Will need some maintenance, repair and treatment due to weather deterioration | Shouldn’t need any maintenance unless any parts break. *Winner |
| Look | Classic wood chicken coop look which can also be customised to a chosen colour. *Winner | Ultra modern and bight look, but can’t be changed |
| Durability | Will deteriorate due to weather and use | Long-lasting and will maintain its look. *Winner |
| Insulation | Most wood coops don’t offer much insulation | Good insulation staying warmer in winter and cool in summer. *Winner |
| Ventilation | Should be included for chicken health. *Joint winner | Built into the design. *Joint winner |
| Size | Available in larger sizes to house more chickens. *Winner | Suitable for smaller chicken flocks, up to a max of around 8 average size birds. |
| Moveability | Most are very heavy to move but some do come with the option of wheels | Lightweight to move and most come with wheels or have wheels as an optional extra. *Winner |
| Assembly | Depends on each model but many will need a degree of assembly and possible drilling | Assembly usually required but easy to assemble and no drilling. *Winner |
| Ease of cleaning | Depends on brand, but generally not that easy to access fully to clean and muck needs lifting out. Slow drying. | Very easy to clean with pull out trays which can be jet washed. Quick-drying. *Winner |
| Egg collection | Most have easy access egg collection hatches. *Joint winner | Easy access egg collection built-in. *Joint winner |
| Nestboxes | Most have built-in nest boxes. *Joint winner | Built-in nesting area. *Joint winner |
| Roosting | Most have built-in roosting bars. *Joint winner | Built-in roosting area/bars. *Joint winner |
| Red mite & other parasites | Wood coops provide the perfect environment for red mites and they are very difficult to get rid of | Although it’s not impossible to get red mite in a plastic coop they can easily be removed. *Winner |
| Risk of movement in high winds | Most wood coops are heavy and won’t move in wind. *Winner | A chance of moving in high winds depending on how they’re positioned. |
| Predator proof | Depends on run set-up but most modern wood coops should be predator-proof. *Joint winner | Providing the run is set up correctly and the coop is closed properly it will be predator-proof. *Joint winner |
| Ease of access | Depends on the style and make, some are easier to access than others. Some are raised up. | Designed for easy access and most have a raised-up option. *Winner |
| Accessories | Some wood coops come with a run, but accessories are limited. | Many options of extras and accessories which are compatible with the coop. *Winner |
| Automatic door installation | Can be fitted to any wood coop, but will require drilling etc. | Compatible and easy to fit if you buy the same brand. *Winner |
Why Plastic Chicken Coops are the Clear Winners
Although plastic is becoming increasingly unpopular, when it comes to chicken coops it’s a clear winner, especially when it comes to easy cleaning and keeping the coop pest-free.
That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with a good quality wooden coop, but care does need to be taken when choosing the right one because some of the cheaper ones might not last too long.
The innovation which has gone into plastic chicken coops has completely changed the design of the traditional coop to workaround easy access for backyard and urban chicken keepers along with comfort for chickens.
Most plastic chicken coop designs include pull out trays which make cleaning so much easier and just work well for modern living especially for those who don’t have much spare time.
Any chicken keeper who has been unlucky to have a red mite infestation in their wood coop will tell you it’s almost impossible to get rid of them for good. The mites hide in the grain and small crevices in the wood, so whatever you try, they just keep coming back, which is bad news for chickens and owners.
This article was first published on January 26, 2021 by Pentagon-Pets.
With a plastic coop, red mites can be quickly removed because unlike wooden coops there’s nowhere for them to hide.
If you live in a place which is prone to bad weather and especially snow, then a plastic coop is worth considering because they offer better insulation during the winter months.
Plastic coops are also compatible with various accessories, including covers, runs, walk-in runs and feeders. They also work well with an automatic door which opens and closes on a timer.
Choosing the Right Chicken Coop
There are a number of things to consider when you’re choosing a chicken coop that’s right for you and your chickens.
Accessibility and cleaning are big factors because this will make things easier when it comes to cleaning out the coop on a regular basis.
It’s also important to consider the size of the coop and whether your chickens will fit comfortably inside.
You might find the following article useful if you’re looking for a new coop (either plastic or wood):
See our recommended chicken coops here
Our recommended coop
Chicken coop for different flock sizes and different weather.
Click here to find out more about our recommended coop.
Pentagon Pet is the owner of this article that was first published on January 26, 2021.
You Might Also Like
I this post has helped you to find out more about the best type of chicken coop, you might also like the following articles:
Omlet Universal Automatic Coop Door – the Review
Keeping chickens warm in winter and cold weather
This article and its contents are owned by Pentagon Pets and was first published on January 26, 2021.