Thinking about buying a cheap wooden chicken coop? Think again! While they may seem like a budget-friendly option, these coops often lead to higher costs, increased maintenance, and unnecessary stress for both you and your chickens. Here are 10 compelling reasons why you should avoid cheap wooden coops and invest in a better alternative.
1. Poor Quality Materials
Cheap wooden coops are made from thin, low-grade wood that easily delaminates in wet and cold weather. The panels weaken, causing the structure to deteriorate quickly. What seemed like a great deal at first ends up needing replacement every few years, making it far from a smart investment.
2. Rust and Warping Issues
Many cheap coops lack solid flooring and instead use metal pull-out trays, which are prone to rusting and warping. Over time, these trays become impossible to remove, turning coop cleaning into a frustrating and unhygienic chore.
Our coops have been designed for quick and easy cleaning. You will not need harsh chemicals to clean them - a quick hose down with water makes cleaning a breeze.
3. Insufficient Space
These coops often feature cramped housing and undersized runs that are unsuitable for long-term use. Many new chicken keepers don’t realise this until their birds become stressed and sick. Veterinary care for poultry can be expensive and difficult to find, making proper housing essential for their well-being.
4. Poor Predator Protection
Flimsy materials and weak fixings make cheap wooden coops an easy target for predators. Large animals can knock them over, chew through the sides, or pull off doors to access your flock. Without a protective skirt, rodents can also burrow underneath, creating further risks.
That’s why our runs manufactured from anti-chew' solid steel weld mesh and including a wide mesh skirt around the entire perimeter, grant your chickens excellent protection.
5. Unsafe Ramp Design
Most cheap wooden coops feature raised housing accessed by a ramp. However, these ramps are not designed for all breeds, ages, or species of poultry. Silkies, chicks, and ducks often struggle to use them, rendering the coop ineffective for many flocks.
If you are rearing chicks, our House Coop is ideal for broody hens and chicks alike. This comfortable coop is close to the ground to ensure easy access for chicks.
6. Prone to Wind Damage
Lightweight wooden coops are highly susceptible to strong winds. Many have been known to topple over during storms, leaving chickens exposed to injury and predators. Once damaged, they’re difficult—if not impossible—to repair.
On the other hand, the footprint of all our coops is very square giving them excellent stability. The low roof profile makes them very streamlined too.
7. Environmentally Harmful
Most cheap wooden coops are mass-produced in Asia using non-FSC-certified timber. This contributes to deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased carbon emissions from transportation. Plus, since they often only last two years, you'll go through multiple replacements over a decade, amplifying environmental damage.
Contrarily, our coops are unbelievably durable and are made from recycled and recyclable plastic. This is why we’re so confident to offer our industry-beating 25-year warranty!
8. Red Mite Infestation Risk
Wooden coops provide the perfect hiding spots for red mites, which thrive in cracks and joints. These parasites multiply rapidly and are extremely difficult to eradicate. Many owners end up burning their infested coops after spending a fortune on unsuccessful treatments.
When designing our coops we thought long and hard about how to prevent red mite becoming established. Our coops are made from hard smooth material, drastically reducing the places red mites can hide!
9. Difficult to Clean
Wood is porous and retains moisture, making cheap wooden coops impossible to keep truly clean. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites, and mould. Warping from liquid exposure further reduces the coop’s lifespan and makes maintenance a nightmare.
10. Designed Without Chicken Welfare in Mind
Cheap wooden coops are often built without considering the real needs of chickens. Proper perch size, ventilation, durable materials, and secure fixings are essential for a safe and comfortable coop. A poorly designed coop can lead to stress, illness, and unsafe conditions for your birds.
Invest in a Nestera Coop – A Smarter Choice
At Nestera, we design coops with input from poultry experts and the latest scientific research. Our coops are made from recycled plastic, come with an industry-leading 25-year guarantee, and require zero maintenance. Unlike wooden coops, they’re easy to clean—simply disassemble, wash with hot soapy water, and reassemble.
While Nestera coops may have a higher upfront cost, they save you money in the long run by eliminating replacement and maintenance expenses. Plus, they offer superior protection for your flock while being eco-friendly.
Choose a Nestera coop for a safer, cleaner, and longer-lasting home for your chickens!
