There’s nothing quite like the fresh eggs, natural pest control, and the fun of watching your flock’s unique personalities when you’re raising backyard chickens. But choosing the wrong chicken coop can make the experience frustrating and overwhelming. A poorly designed coop can lead to health problems for your chickens, daily maintenance headaches, or unexpected costs down the line.
At Dakota, we understand that the right coop is foundational for having a successful backyard flock. That’s why we bring together the most important considerations, from coop size to interior design, so you can make a confident, informed decision and buy chicken coops that work for you and your flock.
The best chicken coop for beginners should simplify care while protecting your flock from predators and weather.
These essentials are non-negotiable:
Intentional features also make a big difference when it comes to convenience. Nesting boxes with external access mean you can gather eggs without stepping inside, while walk-in access makes feeding, cleaning, and maintenance far easier.
Prefab coops are a great way for new chicken owners to get started since many of these features are already built in. Dakota’s coops are designed for ease of access, security, and comfort, giving beginners a smooth introduction to chicken keeping while setting their flock up for success.
Read more about what to look for in you buy chicken coops.
When you buy chicken coops, you will want to consider both your budget and your long-term needs. At Dakota, we offer two primary options: pre-built coops and custom-built coops, each providing unique benefits. Whether you choose a pre-built or custom coop, you can trust that each option is built with the same high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
These affordable coops are crafted with quality and durability in mind and come in a range of sizes and styles that accommodate most chicken-keeping needs. Pre-built coops are a ready-to-use solution and are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to start their flock quickly.
They are also generally more budget-friendly than custom builds, making them an affordable choice without compromising on the quality Dakota is known for.
Custom Dakota coops allow you to create a setup tailored to your exact specifications. This is ideal if you have unique requirements, such as extra space for a larger flock, specific nesting or roosting arrangements, or if you want the coop to blend with your backyard aesthetic.
Custom coops can be a bit more of an investment upfront, but they offer ultimate flexibility. Dakota ensures that custom builds meet high standards of quality and durability, so your coop will stand the test of time.
Discover which coop type is right for you.
Coop size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and it depends on flock size, breed behavior, climate, and whether you plan to expand in the future.
As a general rule of thumb, your coop should have:
An oversized coop can be especially beneficial for cold climates (giving birds more space when they spend time indoors) or for active breeds that need room to move.
The right size prevents overcrowding, reduces stress, and supports consistent egg production. With Dakota, you can easily find and buy chicken coops with dimensions to fit your space, your flock, and your long-term goals.
Learn how to choose the best chicken coop size for your flock.
For many chicken owners, planning ahead with a larger coop can save time, stress, and money down the road. A spacious coop provides practical advantages that smaller setups can’t always match.
Here’s why bigger can be better:
By giving your chickens more space, you’re also creating a healthier environment that supports better egg production and reduces disease risk.
A larger coop also delivers long-term value. Instead of upgrading when your flock expands, you’re already prepared, making the initial investment more cost-effective. A little extra space can ensure years of smoother, more enjoyable chicken keeping.
Explore the benefits of a large chicken coop.
Every flock is different, which is why custom coops can provide the best experience.
Customization allows you to:
Custom coops ensure your setup works seamlessly with your routine, backyard layout, and long-term plans. With Dakota, you can use our 3D Configurator to tailor everything, from the floorplan to the roofing, to create and buy chicken coops that are as unique as your flock.
See how custom chicken coops may be the best option for your flock.
The inside of a coop matters just as much as the outside. While the structure itself provides protection from predators and weather, it’s the interior design that determines how comfortable your flock will be and how easy it will be for you to manage daily care.
Small details can make a big difference in keeping chickens healthy and ensuring your chores don’t become overwhelming.
Some of the most important interior features include:
When these elements are built into the coop, chickens are less stressed, more productive, and better protected from health risks like poor air quality or overcrowding. At the same time, you’ll save effort during routine cleaning and egg collection.
Learn how our chicken coop interiors provide space and flexibility.
A coop alone isn’t enough for most flocks. Chickens need a safe outdoor run where they can roam, forage, and stretch their wings without risk. Runs are especially valuable in suburban or urban areas where predators or limited space make free-ranging impossible.
A well-designed run provides:
Our enclosed coops make it easy to find the right run size for your setup, keeping your flock active, safe, and healthy year-round.
Discover why chickens need a chicken coop run.
Even the best chicken coop for beginners won’t work well if it’s in the wrong spot. Proper placement improves flock health and makes your life easier.
Look for a spot that has:
You’ll also want to consider how your coop fits with your garden layout, greenhouse, or backyard landscaping. Accessibility for feeding, cleaning, and egg collection should always guide your decision.
Read the best tips for finding the perfect spot for happy hens.
While the initial purchase of a chicken coop is a key consideration, long-term savings are just as important. Dakota’s affordable coops are designed to minimize maintenance costs, providing benefits that add up over time.
Built with durable materials, our coops are resistant to wear and tear, reducing the need for frequent repairs. Features like Long Creek Steel’s Tuff Rib Roofing, LP® SmartSide® Panel Siding, and LP® ProStruct Flooring offer superior resilience against the elements, which means fewer maintenance expenses down the road.
Our coops are designed for quick and efficient cleaning. With easy-access doors and thoughtful design features, keeping the coop clean is a simple process. This saves time and minimizes the resources needed for upkeep. Clean coops are essential for healthy chickens, so a design that prioritizes ease of cleaning is a valuable benefit.
Dakota coops hold their value well, making them a worthwhile investment for the future. If you ever decide to move or no longer need the coop, reselling it can provide a good return. Our reputation for craftsmanship means that even after years of use, these coops are highly desirable and retain their value better than many other options on the market.
Read more about how you can save more over time.
At Dakota, we offer short-term and long-term payment plans that make it possible for you to buy chicken coops without waiting to save up. Financing options allow customers to spread the cost over time with manageable monthly payments, which is particularly useful for families who want to start raising chickens immediately but need a payment plan that fits their budget.
For many, financing opens up options that may have seemed out of reach, like a larger coop or additional features that can simplify upkeep. Taking advantage of these payment plans is a great way to own a Dakota coop without needing the entire payment upfront. Our financing options can help you make the right choice for your needs while keeping costs in check.
Learn more about our financing options.
Purchasing a Dakota coop is straightforward, thanks to our customer-focused process. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide to help you make your buy chicken coops with confidence.
Get more details about how to buy the best chicken coop for beginners.
A great chicken coop is thoughtfully planned to keep chickens healthy, simplify your chores, and blend seamlessly into your backyard. By considering essentials like size, interior design, and coop placement, you’ll be equipped to choose a setup that grows with your goals.
At Dakota, we make that process easier with prefab and custom coop options built from durable materials and designed with both flocks and owners in mind.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our stock coops today and buy chicken coops that are built to last.