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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p> Pentagon Pet is the owner of this article that was first published on January 26, 2021.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n With a plastic coop, red mites can be quickly removed because unlike wooden coops there’s nowhere for them to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a number of things to consider when you’re choosing a chicken coop that’s right for you and your chickens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessibility and cleaning are big factors because this will make things easier when it comes to cleaning out the coop on a regular basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s also important to consider the size of the coop and whether your chickens will fit comfortably inside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might find the following article useful if you’re looking for a new coop (either plastic or wood):<\/p>\n\n\n\n See our recommended chicken coops here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chicken coop for different flock sizes and different weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here to find out more about our recommended coop.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPlastic V’s Wood Chicken Coops – the Comparision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Coop Type<\/strong><\/td> Wood<\/strong><\/td> Plastic<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Cost<\/strong><\/td> Generally better value
although cheaper wood
coops are often poorer
in quality. *Winner<\/strong><\/td>Higher cost than most
wooden coops especially
with optional extras<\/td><\/tr>Quality<\/strong><\/td> Need to shop around
for a good quality well
built wooden coop<\/td>Generally good
quality products with
good reviews. *Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Maintenance<\/strong><\/td> Will need some
maintenance, repair
and treatment
due to weather
deterioration<\/td>Shouldn’t need any
maintenance unless any
parts break. *Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Look<\/strong><\/td> Classic wood chicken
coop look which can also
be customised to a
chosen colour. *Winner<\/strong><\/td>Ultra modern and
bight look, but can’t be
changed<\/td><\/tr>Durability<\/strong><\/td> Will deteriorate due to
weather and use<\/td>Long-lasting and will
maintain its look.
*Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Insulation<\/strong><\/td> Most wood coops
don’t offer much
insulation<\/td>Good insulation staying
warmer in winter and
cool in summer. *Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Ventilation<\/strong><\/td> Should be included for
chicken health.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td>Built into the design.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Size<\/strong><\/td> Available in larger sizes
to house more chickens.
*Winner<\/strong><\/td>Suitable for smaller chicken
flocks, up to a max of
around 8 average size
birds.<\/td><\/tr>Moveability<\/strong><\/td> Most are very heavy to
move but some do
come with the option of
wheels<\/td>Lightweight to move
and most come with
wheels or have wheels
as an optional extra.
*Winner<\/strong>
<\/td><\/tr>Assembly<\/strong><\/td> Depends on each model
but many will need a
degree of assembly
and possible drilling<\/td>Assembly usually
required but easy
to assemble and no
drilling. *Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Ease of cleaning<\/strong><\/td> Depends on brand, but
generally not that easy
to access fully to clean
and muck needs lifting
out. Slow drying.<\/td>Very easy to clean with
pull out trays which can
be jet washed.
Quick-drying.
*Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Egg collection<\/strong><\/td> Most have easy
access egg collection
hatches.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td>Easy access egg
collection built-in.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Nestboxes<\/strong><\/td> Most have built-in
nest boxes.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td>Built-in nesting
area.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Roosting<\/strong><\/td> Most have built-in
roosting bars.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td>Built-in roosting
area\/bars.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Red mite & other
parasites<\/strong><\/td>Wood coops provide
the perfect environment
for red mites and they are
very difficult to get rid of<\/td>Although it’s not
impossible to get red mite
in a plastic coop
they can easily be removed.
*Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Risk of movement
in high winds<\/strong><\/td>Most wood coops are
heavy and won’t move
in wind. *Winner<\/strong>
<\/td>A chance of moving in high
winds depending on how
they’re positioned.<\/td><\/tr>Predator proof<\/strong><\/td> Depends on run set-up
but most modern wood
coops should be
predator-proof.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td>Providing the run is set up
correctly and the coop is
closed properly it
will be predator-proof.
*Joint winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Ease of access<\/strong><\/td> Depends on the style
and make, some are
easier to access than
others. Some are raised
up.<\/td>Designed for easy access
and most have a raised-up
option.
*Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Accessories<\/strong><\/td> Some wood coops come
with a run, but
accessories are limited.<\/td>Many options of extras and
accessories which are
compatible with the coop.
*Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Automatic door
installation<\/strong><\/td>Can be fitted to any wood
coop, but will require
drilling etc.<\/td>Compatible and
easy to fit if you buy
the same brand.
*Winner<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy Plastic Chicken Coops are the Clear Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nChoosing the Right Chicken Coop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our recommended coop <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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