Finding the Perfect A-Frame Chicken Coop for Sale for Your Flock

Raising backyard chickens is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Fresh eggs every morning and adorable feathered pets make for an enjoyable experience. But ensuring your flock’s health and safety requires providing them with a high-quality chicken coop. A-frame coops are a classic, attractive option to consider. If you’re looking to purchase an a-frame chicken coop for sale this guide will help you find the perfect one to meet your needs.

What is an A-Frame Chicken Coop?

An a-frame chicken coop gets its name from having a structure shaped like the letter A. The roof has two sloped sides that meet at the top like a triangle. This shape allows the coop to easily shed rain, snow, and debris, while providing plenty of interior space. A-frames come in a variety of sizes from small starter coops for just a few chickens to large coops for flocks of over 100.

A-frame coops typically feature:

• Triangle A-frame shaped structure
• Sloped roof for easy water runoff
• Doors for human access and small chicken doors
• Nesting boxes for egg laying
• Roosting bars for chickens to perch
• Ventilation windows or vents
• Durable all-weather construction

The simple sloped roof design provides good height inside without requiring a lot of materials to build The style also has an attractive, classic look A-frames remain one of the most popular and cost-effective backyard chicken coop options.

Benefits of an A-Frame Chicken Coop

There are many advantages to choosing an a-frame design for your backyard chicken coop:

Easy Water Runoff – The sloped roof allow rain, snow, and debris to easily slide off. This prevents the roof from sagging under weight and keeps the interior drier.

Maximizes Interior Space – The high peaked roof gives you ample head space without requiring a wide structure. Chickens have lots of room to move vertically.

Good Ventilation – The high ceilings also allow hot air to rise up and exit through vents while cooler air circulates at chicken level.

Easy Access – Most a-frame coops have doors on one or both end walls. This makes it easy to reach into all areas of the coop to clean or collect eggs.

Cute Design – The classic sloped roof shape gives an attractive look. A-frames can be customized with paint, hardware, trim and other embellishments.

Cost Effective – Simple a-frame roofs require less lumber and materials to construct than more elaborate coop designs.

Durable – A-frames hold up well to rain, snow, and wind when properly built and maintained.

If you want a practical, good-looking, and affordable chicken coop, an a-frame is an excellent choice to consider.

What Size A-Frame Coop Do I Need?

A-frame chicken coops come in sizes to suit any size flock. Consider these factors when deciding:

• Number of chickens – On average provide 2-4 square feet of coop floor space per chicken. Larger breeds need more space.

• Future growth – Plan for possibly expanding your flock later. Get a coop larger than your current needs.

• Nesting boxes – Provide one box for every 2-3 hens. A 12 hen flock needs at least 4 boxes.

• Head room – Make sure chickens have at least 18-24 inches of height to roost and move about.

• Access – Bigger coops may need a walk-in door for easy cleaning and maintenance.

• Portability – Smaller coops can be moved around your yard to give chickens fresh foraging areas.

Some common a-frame chicken coop sizes include:

• 3×3 coops – For 2-5 small chickens
• 4×4 coops – For 5-10 medium chickens
• 4×6 coops – For 10-15 medium chickens
• 6×6 coops – For 15-25 medium chickens
• 6×10 coops – For 25-35 medium chickens
• 8×10 coops – For 35-45 large chickens

If you have a very large flock, some manufacturers offer a-frames up to 12×24 feet able to house over 100 chickens.

Buy the largest coop within your budget that reasonably meets your needs. Your chickens will thank you for the extra space!

Important A-Frame Chicken Coop Features

While each manufacturer puts their own spin on a-frame coop designs, look for these important features:

Materials – Coops are commonly made of wood, metal, or plastic. Wood offers insulation. Metal and plastic resist rot and pests. Make sure all materials are non-toxic and durable.

Sloped Roof – A minimum slope of 40 degrees allows the roof to shed water, snow, and debris. Steeper slopes provide even better runoff.

Ventilation – Vents, windows, and doors allow airflow. Proper ventilation reduces humidity, ammonia levels, and respiratory issues.

Nesting Boxes – Chickens need a semi-private place to lay eggs with bedding material like straw or wood shavings. Provide one 12×12 inch box for every 2-3 hens.

Roosting Bars – Chickens perch on bars 12-18 inches off the ground to sleep. Allow 6-10 inches of roost space per hen.

Insulation – Insulate walls and ceiling to reduce temperature extremes. Exposure to drafts and moisture can make chickens ill.

Predator Protection – Secure any openings with hardware cloth to prevent predators from entering. Provide additional features like lockable doors, run covers, and dig barriers as needed.

Taking the time to find an a-frame coop with all of the essential amenities will give your chickens the best possible housing.

Where Can I Buy an A-Frame Chicken Coop?

You can purchase prefabricated a-frame chicken coops from several sources:

Farm Stores – Many farm and ranch supply stores have coops or can special order them. Support local businesses if possible.

Online Retailers – Websites like Amazon and other large retailers sell coops that ship directly to you. Look for free shipping offers.

Poultry Suppliers – Companies that specialize in poultry supplies like McMurray Hatchery offer excellent coop options.

Specialty Coop Shops – Small businesses only sell chicken coops and accessories. They often have the widest selection and customization options.

Local Craftsmen – Check places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for carpenters and other skilled workers who build and sell coops in your area.

Big Box Stores – Home improvement stores may carry a limited variety of mass-produced coops at affordable prices.

Where you purchase depends on your budget, how soon you need the coop, any customization desires, and more. Do some comparison shopping to find the a-frame chicken coop retailer that best fits your needs.

How Much Does an A-Frame Chicken Coop Cost?

A-frame coop prices vary based on:

• Size – The bigger the coop, the more it costs to build and ship.

• Materials – Wood is generally cheaper than metal or plastic. Cedar and redwood cost more than pine.

• Added features – Insulation, hardware cloth, electrical, luxury add-ons all increase price.

-Prefab vs. DIY – Prefabricated coops cost more than building your own.

• Accessories – Any roosts, nesting boxes, feeders purchased separately add cost.

• Shipping fees – Coops bought online may have shipping charges if not free.

To give you a general idea, here are typical price ranges:

• Small 2-5 chicken coops – $200-$800
• Medium 10-25 chicken coops – $500-$1500
• Large 25-45+ chicken coops – $1000-$2500
• Extra large 100+ chicken coops – $3000-$5000+

With so many variables, it’s hard to determine an exact price. Expect to spend $100-$500 on a starter coop, and upwards of $1000 or more for a large deluxe chicken mansion!

Key Considerations When Buying an A-Frame Coop

To find the perfect a-frame chicken coop for your needs, keep these key tips in mind:

• Consider long-term plans for flock size before selecting a coop size. It’s cheaper to buy one big coop than upgrade later.

• Prioritize quality over price alone. A well-built coop will last for years and keep your chickens healthy and secure.

• Look for coops that offer customization options like paint colors, accessories, add-ons, etc. to get exactly what you want.

• Calculate any additional costs for shipping, delivery, accessories, site preparation, permits, etc. for your budget.

• Check what is included – some coops come with roosts, nests, ramps, while others require purchasing separately.

• Read reviews and inspect construction quality before purchasing any pre-made coop.

• Make sure the seller or manufacturer has a good reputation and responsive customer service.

• Consider your climate. Look for well-insulated coops with good ventilation if you live in areas with extreme cold or heat.

Putting in the effort upfront to find the perfect a-frame chicken coop will pay off for years down the road. Do your homework to make the best choice!

Setting Up Your A-Frame Chicken Coop

Once you finally purchase your new a-frame coop, follow these tips for getting set up:

• Assemble any parts and follow all included instructions carefully.

• Position the coop in the desired spot with the doorway facing away from prevailing winds.

• Level and secure the coop to the ground if it will be stationary.

• Add clean bedding material like straw or wood shavings several inches deep.

• Install the roosting bars and nesting boxes in the desired layout.

• Hang any feeders and waterers at a comfortable chicken height.

• Make sure all access doors are latching securely to keep predators out.

• Fill any gaps with hardware cloth and seal openings like doors and windows for weather protection.

• Consider optional additions like electricity, insulation, automatic coop doors, etc.

When your a-frame chicken coop is ready, populate it with chickens and enjoy your new hobby! Spend time sitting in the coop observing your flock – they will quickly make themselves at home.

From small backyard coops to large hen houses holding over 100 chickens, a-frame designs are a practical and stylish option. Take the time to carefully consider size, features, options, and your specific needs when shopping. Look for a high-quality coop built to last. Providing your flock with a secure a-frame home where they can thrive will bring you years of enjoyment as a chicken keeper.