Chicken Coop Cost Guide: What You’ll Actually Spend

Last updated: July 2026 • Reviewed by The Coop Score team

A basic small coop costs $150-$400, a mid-size kit for 6-8 birds runs $400-$1,200, and a large walk-in coop for 10+ birds runs $1,200-$3,000 or more. Where you land in these ranges depends more on predator-resistance hardware and build materials than on size alone.

Price by Coop Size and Type

Coop CategoryTypical Price RangeFlock Size
Basic small coop$150-$4002-4 hens
Mid-size kit$400-$1,2006-8 hens
Large walk-in coop$1,200-$3,000+10+ hens
Premium Amish-built$1,500-$4,000+Varies by size

Hidden Costs (Predator-Proofing, Bedding)

  • Hardware-cloth upgrade: $30-100 depending on coop size, if your coop ships with chicken wire instead of proper mesh.
  • Bedding: $10-30 per month depending on flock size and bedding type — see our full bedding comparison for cost-per-month by material.
  • Run fencing (if not included): $100-400 depending on run size and materials.
  • Automatic door: $150-300 if you want one, plus batteries or occasional charging.
  • Seasonal maintenance: $50-100 per year for wood coops needing sealant or paint touch-ups.

Buy vs Build Cost Comparison

Building your own coop typically costs 20-40% less than an equivalent pre-built kit, but takes real time and at least basic carpentry skill. See our full DIY vs Pre-Built Chicken Coop comparison for the time-versus-money tradeoff in detail.

Shopping on a tight budget? See our Best Chicken Coops Under $300 guide for picks that still clear our predator-resistance minimum.