Plastic vs. Wooden Chicken Coops: What’s Best? (Compared)

When it comes to backyard chicken coops, there are two distinct tribes…leading to the question, “which chicken coops are best – plastic or wooden?”

Here are some points of view to consider:

#1 Convenience & ease of maintenance = Plastic (Win)

Example – Eglu Pro Chicken Coop

(Source: Guardian.co.uk)

#2 Modification and repair = Wooden (Win)

Example – Handy 15 Hen House Flyte So Fancy

#3 Cost = Both (Draw)

Wooden coops can cost as little as half the price of their plastic counterparts.

However, in the long run, it can be argued that with a 10 year warranty offered on premium plastic coops and their relatively stable preloved resale value, the better longer-term investment would be plastic.

Overall, the short-term savings of a wooden chicken coop would be cancelled out by the long-term returns of a plastic coop.

Conclusion

It all comes down to preference. If you value convenience more, then a plastic coop would suit you better. But if you’re more of a DIYer, then a wooden coop is never a daunting undertaking.

Either way, don’t let indecision take away your joy of minding a backyard flock.