Raising chickens in a garage can be a practical solution for those who live in colder climates, have limited backyard space, or simply want the convenience of having their chickens nearby. However, when choosing a chicken coop for a garage, it’s important to ensure that the coop provides enough space, ventilation, and protection from predators, while still being easy to clean and maintain.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best chicken coops for a garage setting, considering factors like size, ventilation, ease of installation, and how to address the unique challenges of keeping chickens in an enclosed space.
Why You Need the Right Chicken Coop for Your Garage
Setting up a chicken coop in a garage requires some careful planning. Here’s why the right coop is crucial:
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Protection from predators: A garage may offer shelter from outdoor threats, but you’ll still need to ensure that the coop is predator-proof and secure.
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Ventilation: A garage is usually a closed environment, so good airflow is essential to reduce moisture, ammonia buildup, and prevent respiratory issues.
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Space considerations: You’ll need a coop that fits comfortably in your garage without taking up too much space, while still providing enough room for your chickens to move around.
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Comfort for chickens: Chickens need a place to roost, nest, and lay eggs, so a coop designed for the garage must meet all of their basic needs.
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Ease of maintenance: Since you’ll likely be cleaning the coop regularly, a design that’s easy to clean and maintain is essential.
Choosing the right chicken coop for your garage helps create a secure and comfortable environment for your flock, while also ensuring your garage remains clean and functional.
Key Features to Look for in a Chicken Coop for Garage Use
When selecting a chicken coop for a garage, consider the following features:
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Size: Ensure the coop fits comfortably in your garage while providing enough space for your chickens to move. For up to 6–8 chickens, you’ll need a coop that provides at least 12–16 square feet of space. For larger flocks, ensure there’s adequate space for both the coop and an outdoor run if you plan to let your chickens roam.
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Ventilation: A garage tends to be more enclosed than a backyard coop, so it’s important to choose a coop with good ventilation to keep the air fresh and reduce ammonia buildup.
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Predator Protection: Even though a garage offers shelter, you need to ensure the coop is secure enough to keep out predators. Look for coops made of sturdy materials like metal or high-quality wood with hardware cloth for added security.
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Easy Access for Cleaning: Cleaning a chicken coop in a garage can be difficult without the right access points. Choose a coop with removable trays, large access doors, or a design that allows you to easily clean the interior.
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Temperature Control: Garages tend to be cooler in winter and warmer in summer. Make sure the coop has proper insulation or is equipped with heating or cooling options if needed to keep your chickens comfortable throughout the year.
Best Chicken Coops for Garage Use
Here are some of the best chicken coops that will work well in a garage, offering security, comfort, and ease of use.
1. OverEZ Chicken Coop
Best for: Spacious design and easy maintenance.
The OverEZ Chicken Coop is a durable and spacious option for chicken keepers with a garage setup. It’s made from high-quality wood and offers plenty of room for your chickens to roost, nest, and move around. The design allows for easy access and cleaning, and the secure construction will help protect your chickens from predators.
Features:
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Room for 10–15 chickens.
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Large outdoor run for chickens to roam (if you can provide an outdoor space).
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Built-in nesting boxes and comfortable roosting bars.
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Predator-proof construction with reinforced doors and hardware cloth.
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Removable trays for easy cleaning.
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Weather-resistant wood for durability.
Pros:
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Spacious design that provides comfort for chickens.
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Easy access for cleaning and egg collection.
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Strong, predator-proof construction.
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Weather-resistant for year-round use.
Cons:
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Requires assembly.
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May be too large for smaller garages.
Recommendation: The OverEZ Chicken Coop is perfect for those who need a larger coop with easy access for cleaning and maintenance. It’s ideal for chicken keepers with 6–8 chickens in a garage space.
2. Aivituvin 75″ Wooden Chicken Coop
Best for: Insulation and durability.
The Aivituvin 75″ Wooden Chicken Coop is a great option for garage use, offering both insulation and durability. This coop is made from high-quality, weather-resistant wood, and features multiple nesting boxes and low roosting bars, making it ideal for smaller to medium-sized flocks of chickens.
Features:
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Space for up to 6–8 chickens comfortably.
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Insulated wooden construction for temperature control in colder or warmer climates.
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Elevated design for better airflow and moisture control.
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Multiple nesting boxes and comfortable roosting bars.
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Large access doors for easy cleaning and egg collection.
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Secure, predator-proof design with hardware cloth.
Pros:
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Insulated for better temperature control, perfect for garages.
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Spacious and easy to clean.
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Durable construction and predator-proof.
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Good ventilation for airflow.
Cons:
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Requires assembly.
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Limited space for larger flocks.
Recommendation: The Aivituvin 75″ Wooden Coop is perfect for chicken keepers with 6–8 chickens who need an insulated and spacious coop that’s easy to maintain in a garage environment.
3. Merry Products Chicken Coop with Run
Best for: Budget-friendly and compact design.
The Merry Products Chicken Coop with Run offers an affordable solution for keeping chickens in a garage. It’s easy to assemble and includes both the coop and a secure outdoor run. While the coop is compact, it provides enough room for 6–8 chickens, making it perfect for smaller garage spaces.
Features:
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Room for 6–8 chickens.
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Secure, enclosed outdoor run for free-ranging.
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Built-in nesting boxes for egg-laying.
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Easy-to-access doors for cleaning and egg collection.
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Weather-resistant wood for durability.
Pros:
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Affordable and easy to assemble.
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Secure outdoor run for chickens to roam.
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Simple design with enough space for smaller flocks.
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Easy access for cleaning.
Cons:
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Limited space for larger flocks.
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Requires regular maintenance.
Recommendation: The Merry Products Chicken Coop is a great budget-friendly option for chicken keepers who need a simple, secure coop for a small to medium-sized flock of chickens in a garage.
4. Snap Lock Formex Chicken Coop
Best for: Low-maintenance, weatherproof design.
The Snap Lock Formex Chicken Coop is a weatherproof, low-maintenance option that is perfect for a garage environment. Made from UV-resistant plastic, this coop is easy to clean and durable for year-round use. It is ideal for 6–8 chickens and provides a secure, comfortable space for your flock.
Features:
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Room for up to 8 chickens.
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UV-resistant plastic for durability and long-term use.
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Removable trays for easy cleaning.
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Predator-proof design with reinforced walls and secure doors.
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Good ventilation to maintain fresh air and reduce moisture.
Pros:
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Low-maintenance and easy to clean.
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Durable and weather-resistant for all seasons.
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Quick assembly with no tools required.
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Secure and safe for your chickens.
Cons:
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Higher price point compared to wood coops.
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Plastic design may not appeal to everyone.
Recommendation: The Snap Lock Formex Coop is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, weatherproof coop for their chickens in the garage. It’s ideal for chicken keepers who want a durable and easy-to-clean space.
5. Little Giant Coop and Run Combo
Best for: Simple, affordable, and secure design.
The Little Giant Coop and Run Combo offers a simple, budget-friendly solution for housing chickens in a garage. This coop is made from durable materials and includes a secure outdoor run for your chickens to roam. The coop is easy to assemble and provides a functional, secure space for your flock.
Features:
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Space for up to 10 chickens.
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Secure outdoor run for chickens to roam.
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Nesting boxes and roosting bars for comfort.
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Durable, weather-resistant construction.
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Easy-to-assemble design with clear instructions.
Pros:
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Affordable and easy to set up.
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Secure and durable construction.
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Suitable for small to medium-sized flocks.
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Easy access for cleaning and egg collection.
Cons:
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Basic design with limited additional features.
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Not as large as some other options for larger flocks.
Recommendation: The Little Giant Coop and Run Combo is a great option for chicken keepers who need a simple and affordable coop for their chickens in the garage. It’s an excellent choice for those with smaller to medium-sized flocks.
How to Choose the Best Chicken Coop for Your Garage
When selecting the best chicken coop for your garage, consider the following:
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Size: Ensure the coop fits comfortably in your garage while providing enough space for your chickens.
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Ventilation: Look for a coop that allows good airflow to reduce moisture and ammonia buildup.
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Security: Ensure the coop is predator-proof to protect your chickens from potential threats.
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Ease of cleaning: A coop that’s easy to clean will save you time and effort in maintaining a hygienic environment.
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Temperature control: Depending on your climate, you may need a coop with insulation or temperature-regulating features.
Conclusion: Best Chicken Coop for Your Garage
The best chicken coop for your garage will provide enough space, security, and comfort for your flock. Whether you choose the OverEZ Chicken Coop for its spacious design or the Snap Lock Formex Coop for its low-maintenance features, make sure the coop meets the specific needs of your chickens. With the right coop, your chickens will thrive in a safe and comfortable environment within your garage.
For more tips on choosing and setting up the perfect chicken coop in your garage, visit Chickencoopcalculator.com to get expert advice and tools tailored to your needs.