In my search for cool coop designs I’ve focused not on the biggest or most well built, but those that express something about the folks that made them to house their flock. Sometimes that has meant using upcycled materials or fumbling along with no previous experience to create something they’re proud of.
When I came across Tina’s coop I realized she was in a class of her own. Although not an experienced builder she has put an inordinate amount of time, energy and thought into providing a refuge for both her flock as well as herself. Coops can be practical, if a bit Plain Jane, or in this case over-the-top whimsical that stand out above the crowd.
I live in Tennessee. I got my first two chicks in June 2022 and now have 64 Silkies and Satins (53 hens and 11 roosters).
I have eight coops. Two are 8’x10′ sheds and the others are prefab coops I’ve modified. Cluckers’ Clinic is a hospital coop that I’m still working on. Henny-Moon Cabins are breeding coops that are in a 10’x25′ run separated by a gate. Cockpit Condos are TSC Producer Pride coops dedicated to roosters. My two favourite boys are housed in a tiny coop on my back porch. Eggo-Park is an 8’x10’ Lego-themed coop with 25 hens and three roosters.
Six roosters are in with the hens. The remaining roosters freerange behind the coops and runs. I have gates in between each run to keep them contained. I have roosting bars and tree stumps set up behind each run and they just run the whole length of them all day long. There’s a small 3’x8’ run I keep tarped for them to get protection if needed.
This is my first building project. Growing up, Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory wasn’t just my favourite movie it was my mental escape when I was scared, sad or lonely. I spent a lot of time there, so when I decided I was going to breed chocolate birds, I thought it would be cool to turn my safe place into my happy place. Aside from the roof, I completed everything by myself, which took about a year and cost $4000.
I’m completely aware that my coops are extremely unconventional. They will probably trigger many with the preconceived notion that coops must be brown with a dirt floor and only have roosting bars and nesting boxes. I put a lot of work into them to bring my vision to life and am pretty proud of how they turned out. They’re not going to be the majorities’ cup of tea, but maybe a few will appreciate their uniqueness.
I’m 100% aware that my birds have zero appreciation for the masterpieces I have created for them, but they do utilize my ideas so that’s appreciation enough for me.
This is Eggo-Park, my Lego-themed coop.
Coop: 8’x10′
Run: 10’x25’
Features
- 2 Run-Chicken auto doors
- Lighting
- Roost bars and stools
- Nest boxes
- Exhaust fans
Plans for the future
I’m in the process of adding a 10’x32’ run on the other side. There’s a coop door already there for them to choose which side they want that is sectioned into three parts with a shaded section, covered section for protection, and full sun section. It contains roosting bars, a roosting pole, dust bath pool, 4×4 fodder box, and a swing.
Thanks to Tina Kaczmarek for sharing her story and photos, used with permission.
Bitchin' Chickens 
Thank you for sharing what you have created. I absolutely love it! Your houses and runs are utterly joyous- and we all need much more of that in this day and age! Well done!! And thank you, for making my day so much happier, and for inspiring me to create more joy around my pets, my flocks, my home, and my life. Have a blessed day, M.
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