Search for a Coop

Finally, removed the last tree stump and tree root. You wouldn't believe the number of thick invasive roots there were from next door's tree. Anyway, all sorted and ground nice and level, awaiting the Cotswold slabs.

That evening started looking at chicken coops on the Internet. Keeping Chickens at home is certainly a growing industry, there are a large number of sites dedicated to the amateur chicken keeper.

Pets at Home had a range of coops from 'Chicken Coop' by Hutch Company to the large 'Poultry Chicken Coop' by Shire. The larger one was only available online. The coops seemed well built.

Omlet sold a range of unique looking coops that have a double walled construction build for insulation ensuring the chickens will be warm in the winter. They were a bit expensive but looked very modern.

Had a look at EBay and there were a few power sellers that were selling very well priced coops. One in particular, from Romney Marsh, was offering free delivery in mainland UK.

Hen House World, a Lancashire outfit, sold a range of very well made coops. Their 'ch-101NT' version seemed to fit the style and shape we were looking for. You could shut the chickens in the indoor hutch by a lever mechanism without opening the enclosure and there was a tray for easy cleaning of droppings. Anything to make life easy. The prices of the coops seemed heavily discounted.

During the day, took a trip over to Frost's Garden Centre near Woburn Sands. They had a complete poultry section with chickens and coops for sale. They had a good range of chicken coops from the starter coop to the equivalent of the chicken stately home, 'The Berkley'. Again the coops were well made and sturdy but a bit expensive.

All their chickens seemed in good health including some Pekin Bantams as well as the large Orpingtons and the smaller Hipswell Ranger. I'm not sure I know the difference between the breeds but the cage labels said they laid between 250 and 300 eggs a year, which seems quite productive.




There were a few other websites selling coops but I settled on the 'ch-101NT' from Hen House World. It seemed to have all the right fittings, and it was the right size for our small area of garden set aside for the coop. Perhaps, more research was required but I was eager to get our small egg production unit up and running. The price was reasonable, so I placed an order. Delivery was within 2-3 working days. The web site said it came in two flat pack boxes and all you need to assemble it is a screwdriver. Well, we shall see!