Raising a flock of 8 chickens requires a chicken coop that offers enough space, comfort, and security. The right coop ensures your chickens have a healthy environment for roosting, laying eggs, and spending their time outdoors. With 8 chickens, you need a balance of space, ventilation, predator protection, and ease of maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best chicken coops for 8 chickens, focusing on key features that will help your flock thrive.
Why You Need the Right Chicken Coop for 8 Chickens
Chickens need a proper living space that promotes their well-being. Here’s why it’s essential to choose the right chicken coop for 8 chickens:
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Enough space: For 8 chickens, you need a minimum of 16–24 square feet inside the coop. Adequate space ensures that your chickens are not overcrowded, reducing stress and promoting healthy behavior.
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Good ventilation: Proper airflow prevents ammonia buildup from chicken waste and reduces the risk of respiratory diseases.
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Security: A secure coop protects your chickens from predators like raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
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Comfortable roosting and nesting: Chickens need safe, comfortable places to lay eggs and sleep. Each chicken should have at least 6–8 inches of roosting space and access to private nesting boxes.
With the right features, your chickens will be comfortable, secure, and productive.
Key Features to Look for in a Chicken Coop for 8 Chickens
When choosing the best chicken coop for 8 chickens, consider these essential features:
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Space: A minimum of 16–24 square feet inside the coop and 64–80 square feet of outdoor run space. More space is always better, so look for coops that offer some extra room.
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Ventilation: Look for coops with adjustable vents or windows that allow fresh air to circulate while keeping out drafts.
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Nesting Boxes: You’ll need at least 2–3 nesting boxes for 8 chickens. Make sure the boxes are easy for chickens to access and collect eggs from.
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Roosting Bars: Provide enough roosting space for all 8 chickens. Ideally, each chicken should have 6–8 inches of roosting space.
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Predator Protection: The coop should be secure with hardware cloth, not chicken wire, to prevent predators from getting in.
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Ease of Cleaning: Look for coops with removable trays, large doors, or a design that makes cleaning and maintaining the space easier.
Best Chicken Coops for 8 Chickens
Here are some of the best chicken coops for 8 chickens, each offering ample space, comfort, and security.
1. OverEZ Chicken Coop
Best for: Spacious design, ease of maintenance, and durability.
The OverEZ Chicken Coop is a top choice for chicken keepers with flocks of 8 chickens. This large, well-built coop provides plenty of room for your chickens to roost, nest, and lay eggs. Made of weather-resistant materials, the OverEZ Chicken Coop is also designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Features:
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Room for 8–12 chickens.
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Large, secure outdoor run for chickens to roam.
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Predator-proof construction with reinforced doors and hardware cloth.
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Built-in nesting boxes and comfortable roosting bars.
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Removable trays for easy cleaning.
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Weather-resistant wood that ensures durability in all climates.
Pros:
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Spacious, providing ample room for 8 chickens.
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Easy access for egg collection and cleaning.
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Strong construction to keep predators out.
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Weather-resistant for all-season use.
Cons:
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Higher price point compared to smaller coops.
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Requires some assembly.
Recommendation: The OverEZ Chicken Coop is perfect for chicken keepers who need a spacious, durable, and easy-to-maintain coop for up to 12 chickens. It’s ideal for those who want a quality investment in their flock’s living space.
2. Aivituvin 75″ Wooden Chicken Coop
Best for: Insulation, durability, and easy access.
The Aivituvin 75″ Wooden Chicken Coop is a great option for 8 chickens, offering both comfort and security. This coop is made from high-quality, weather-resistant wood, and it’s designed to provide insulation for year-round use. The coop has large doors for easy access to your chickens and their eggs, and it also features built-in nesting boxes and roosting bars.
Features:
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Space for 8 chickens.
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Insulated wooden construction for temperature control.
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Elevated design for better airflow and moisture control.
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Built-in nesting boxes and roosting bars for comfort.
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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 year-round use.
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Spacious with easy access for cleaning.
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Durable and weather-resistant.
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Secure and predator-proof.
Cons:
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Requires assembly.
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Can be bulky, so make sure it fits in your space.
Recommendation: The Aivituvin Wooden Coop is ideal for those who need an insulated, durable, and spacious coop that’s easy to maintain. It’s perfect for providing a comfortable, secure environment for your 8 chickens.
3. Merry Products Chicken Coop with Run
Best for: Affordable, simple design, and secure.
The Merry Products Chicken Coop with Run is a budget-friendly option for those with 8 chickens. This coop is compact yet spacious enough to house your flock comfortably. It features a secure, enclosed outdoor run that provides plenty of room for chickens to roam and forage.
Features:
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Room for up to 8 chickens.
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Large, secure outdoor run for free-range activity.
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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 simple to assemble.
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Provides a secure run for chickens to roam.
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Easy to clean with accessible doors.
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Suitable for small to medium-sized flocks.
Cons:
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Might not offer as much space as some larger coops.
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Requires regular maintenance to prevent wear and tear.
Recommendation: The Merry Products Coop is perfect for chicken keepers who need an affordable, simple design for up to 8 chickens. It offers a secure and comfortable environment for your flock at a great price.
4. Snap Lock Formex Chicken Coop
Best for: Low-maintenance, weatherproof, and durable design.
The Snap Lock Formex Chicken Coop is a durable, weatherproof option made from UV-resistant plastic. It’s designed to be easy to clean and maintain, with smooth surfaces that can be wiped down quickly. This coop is a great choice for 8 chickens, providing plenty of space for roosting, nesting, and egg-laying.
Features:
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Room for 8 chickens comfortably.
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UV-resistant plastic construction for durability.
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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 year-round use.
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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 ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance, weatherproof coop. It’s perfect for chicken keepers who want a durable and easy-to-clean space for 8 chickens.
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 8 chickens. This coop is made from durable materials and includes a secure outdoor run for your chickens to roam. It’s a great choice for beginners or those looking for an easy-to-assemble, functional coop.
Features:
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Room for up to 8 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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May not be large enough for flocks larger than 8.
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Basic design with limited additional features.
Recommendation: The Little Giant Coop and Run Combo is an affordable, functional option for chicken keepers with 8 chickens. It’s a great choice for those who need a simple and secure coop that’s easy to assemble and maintain.
How to Choose the Best Chicken Coop for 8 Chickens
When selecting the best chicken coop for 8 chickens, keep these factors in mind:
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Space: Ensure the coop provides enough room for all your chickens to move, roost, and lay eggs comfortably.
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Ventilation: Look for a coop with proper ventilation to reduce ammonia buildup and keep the air fresh.
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Security: Ensure the coop is predator-proof, with strong construction and secure doors and windows.
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Ease of cleaning: Choose a coop with removable trays or easy access for cleaning.
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Budget: Consider your budget and select a coop that provides the necessary features at a price point you’re comfortable with.
Conclusion: The Best Chicken Coop for 8 Chickens
The best chicken coop for 8 chickens will provide enough space, security, and comfort to keep your flock healthy and productive. Whether you choose the OverEZ Chicken Coop for its spacious design or the Merry Products Coop for its affordability, make sure the coop offers sufficient space, good ventilation, and proper security. With the right coop, your chickens will have a comfortable, secure environment to thrive in.
For additional help with coop design and setup, visit Chickencoopcalculator.com to get expert advice and tools for creating the perfect living space for your chickens.