
If you are planning on adding some chickens to your family this Spring, you may be feeling totally overwhelmed about how to house them. There are so many options to go for – purpose built coop, a shed or even a converted wendyhouse or caravan! In this blog we discuss the pros and cons of plastic coops vs wooden.
Plastic coops are definitely growing in popularity and they make great poultry houses. But, the wooden are more traditional and arguable nicer to look at in your garden.
Here are some points to consider when making your choice:
Ease of Cleaning –
The plastic coop has to be the winner here. You can set the pressure washer on it and it will dry quickly and easily. The wooden coops are much harder to deep clean and may take a couple of days to dry out. For day to day cleaning, it really depends on the design of the coop. Some wooden ones may have better access than plastic versions.
Durability –
Plastic coops are pretty much maintenance free and will last for many, many years. Your wooden version will need regular care.
Customisation –
Wooden coops are much easier to customize. If you want to move a door, add an egg box, fix on a run etc, this will be way easier to do to a wooden coop rather than plastic.
Comfort –
In my experience, chickens show no preference to wood or plastic. With both options it is good to give the choice of a perch or warm bed to sleep on. With both options it is important to consider air flow and ventilation. Plastic coops could get condensation inside if not ventilated. A good quality wooden coop may be slightly warmer in winter, and watch your plastic coop doesn’t blow over in gale force winds!
Red Mites –
Here, the plastic coop is a clear winner. If red mite take hold in your wooden coop they can be almost impossible to eliminate. They can work their way into every tiny crevice in the wood, making any sprays & chemicals almost useless. Although mites will find a home in the joints of a plastic coop, they can’t work their way into the plastic itself, so they are much easier to eliminate. Plus, you can can take your plastic coop apart to treat a lot more easily than dismantling a wooden version!
Price –
Plastic chicken coops are not cheap, where as wooden coops are available at all budgets. As with most things you get what you pay for, and investing in a plastic coop rather than a cheap and cheerful wooden version will pay for itself in the end.
Avian Flu –
What ever coop you choose, you also need to consider a run, and how you will protect your chickens during an avian flu housing order. Sadly, these seem to be annual events so it is imperative that you have a spacious, fully enclosed run which can withstand winter rain and maintain a comfortable environment.