Best Chicken Coops for 4 Chickens
Looking for a ready-to-assemble coop sized for 4 hens? You need ~16 sq ft of coop space and a 40 sq ft run. These picks hit that sweet spot.
Top picks
Finding matching ready-made coops…
Buyer checklist
At least 16 sq ft of interior coop space
Manufacturers often inflate sizes, count actual square footage, not bird count claims.
Attached run of 40+ sq ft
Hens need run space even with free-ranging. A small attached run is the minimum.
Hardware cloth, not chicken wire
Chicken wire is for keeping chickens IN, not predators OUT. Demand 1/2" hardware cloth.
External nest box access
Saves you from crawling into the coop daily for egg collection.
Removable droppings tray
Makes weekly cleaning a 5-minute job instead of 30.
Real roof slope and shingle/metal cover
Felt and plastic roofs fail in 1-2 years.
Why buy
- Ready in 2-4 hours of assembly
- No tools beyond a drill
- Predictable cost
- Often $400-$1,200
Why build
- Better materials and predator-proofing
- Sized exactly to your yard
- $300-$600 in materials
- Custom features (electric door, storage)
Frequently asked questions
How big a coop do I need for 4 chickens?
16 sq ft of interior coop space and 40 sq ft of attached run. Most coops marketed for '4-6 chickens' are actually too small, measure before you buy.
Should I buy or build a coop for 4 hens?
If you're handy and want maximum predator-proofing, build. If you want a fast, presentable setup, buy a quality kit and reinforce the wire mesh.
How much does a quality 4-hen coop cost?
$400-$1,200 for a good ready-to-assemble kit. Cheaper coops are usually too small or use staples instead of screws.