Prep + planning

Everything you need in one place, from delivery day and assembly to flock planning and finishing touches. Whether you are just getting started or want a quick refresher, you will find the answers here.

🤔 Should I Paint or Stain?

Ready from day one. Built to weather the seasons.

Every coop arrives pre-stained with two coats and ready to settle into your backyard.

There is no need to stain or paint it right away. Many customers assemble their coop, welcome their flock, and do not think twice about finishing. Others choose to add an extra layer of protection or personalize the look over time.

Think of it like any well-built outdoor structure. If it looks good and is holding up well, you are in great shape. If, down the road, it starts to look a little weathered, that is simply your cue to freshen it up.

Quick note While finishing is optional, we highly recommend it if your coop or run will experience frequent rain or strong sun.

Why Some Customers Choose to Add a Finish

While finishing is optional, some flock owners decide to add paint, stain, or a seal coat for a little extra protection and personality.

It can:

  • Add another layer of moisture protection
  • Help extend the life of the wood in demanding climates
  • Provide added UV protection in strong sun
  • Coordinate beautifully with your home, garden, or fencing

Your coop is already protected. Additional finishing is simply a way to feather your nest a bit more.

What Most Customers Choose

When customers do refinish, most choose a high-quality exterior stain. It keeps the natural wood look, blends beautifully with outdoor spaces, and makes future touch-ups simple.

Others prefer paint when they want a specific color or a more polished, solid finish.

There is no wrong choice here. It comes down to your climate, your style, and how hands-on you want to be over time.

Paint

What it does: Creates a solid, protective layer on top of the wood.

  • Strong barrier against moisture
  • Excellent UV protection
  • Wide range of color options
  • Longer lasting finish in harsh climates

Keep in mind: Can peel or chip over time, requires more prep work, and may need touch ups as it ages.

Maintenance: Typically lower maintenance between applications, but more prep work when it is time to refresh.

Stain

What it does: Penetrates the wood rather than sitting on top of it, which allows it to move more naturally with seasonal changes.

  • Enhances natural wood grain
  • Less likely to peel or chip
  • Easier touch ups over time
  • More forgiving as wood expands and contracts

Keep in mind: Stain may require more frequent reapplication depending on exposure and climate.

Maintenance: Many customers refresh stain every 1 to 3 years depending on sun and moisture exposure.

Quality matters: A higher-end exterior stain will last longer and provide better protection. Investing in a quality product up front can save time and effort later (we offer Sherwin-Williams Stain directly here).

What About Seal Coats or Clear Sealers?

Some customers choose to apply a clear seal coat or protective top layer over stain.

Seal coats can:

  • Add an additional moisture barrier
  • Protect the stain underneath
  • Increase durability in wet climates

One thing to keep in mind: Once a seal coat is applied, future stain will not absorb evenly without sanding. It adds protection now, but makes future refinishing a little less straightforward.

If you decide to seal, just plan ahead for that extra prep when it is time to refresh.

When Should I Apply Paint or Stain?

Because your coop arrives with two coats already applied, there is no rush. You can:

  • Leave it as-is and see how it performs in your climate
  • Add a coat when you notice fading or dryness
  • Finish it right away if you have a specific look in mind

If applying any finish, make sure the wood is dry and follow manufacturer cure times. Avoid extremely wet or freezing conditions.

Built for Real Weather

Different climates may benefit from different approaches.

  • Wet or humid climates: High-quality exterior stain or paint with strong moisture resistance.
  • Hot or sunny areas: UV-rated stain or lighter paint colors help reduce fading and heat absorption.
  • Cold or freeze heavy regions: Flexible, high-quality stain often handles expansion and contraction well. Paint can also work but may require more frequent touch-ups.

A Coop That Ages Gracefully

Your coop is ready to go from day one.

Finishing is not a requirement. It is simply one way to protect your investment and make it feel uniquely yours.

If it looks good, enjoy it. If it starts to look like it has weathered a few too many seasons, give it a little love.

You are not on a timer. Just treat it like any outdoor wood structure and maintain it as needed.

Coop Inspiration
Painted pink chicken coop example
Customer photo of a finished Leghorn coop
Customer photo of a Leghorn coop exterior
Customer photo of a finished Orpington coop
Customer photo of an Orpington coop in a yard
🛠️ Assembly Prep

Assembly Photos
Assembly photo: tools and setup
Assembly photo: panels laid out
Assembly photo: finished build

Putting together your coop does not need to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation, build day can be smooth, predictable, and enjoyable.

Prepping Your Assembly Space

Where to Assemble

  • Choose a flat, open area with room to spread out panels
  • Many customers assemble near the final location to avoid heavy lifting later
  • A driveway, patio, or level section of yard works well

Ground Prep Basics

  • Make sure the ground is level and well draining
  • Avoid low spots where water collects
  • Gravel, pavers, or a leveled soil base all work well
Need more info on leveling? Ground Prep Guide

Tools You'll Need

  • Power drill or screwdriver

What You Won't Need

  • Specialized construction tools
  • Carpentry experience
  • Cutting or modifying parts

Time and Help Expectations

Build time: Most customers complete assembly within 1 to 3 hours.

Help: Solo assembly is possible, but one extra set of hands is recommended, especially for roof sections.

Common Prep Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping ground leveling can cause alignment issues later
  • Starting assembly without checking all boxes first

Designed for Homeowners

Our coops are designed for real people. No advanced skills required. Just patience, a few basic tools, and a little prep.

🐓 Flock Planning

Whether you are brand new to chickens or expanding an existing flock, a little planning goes a long way. The goal is not perfection. It is creating a setup that fits your space, your lifestyle, and the kind of chicken keeping experience you want.

Choosing the Right Breeds

A thoughtful start makes everything easier.

  • Climate: Cold hardy vs heat tolerant breeds based on where you live.
  • Egg goals: Think about production levels and egg color preferences. Are you after steady brown layers, colorful egg baskets, or both?
  • Temperament: Some breeds are calm and friendly. Others are more independent and active.
  • Experience: Certain breeds are especially beginner-friendly, while others may require a bit more hands-on management.
Not sure where to start? Explore our Breed Selector!

Space Planning

Matching your flock size to your coop and run capacity is one of the most important decisions you will make.

  • Plan for adequate indoor roosting space
  • Make sure outdoor run space supports natural behaviors
  • Remember that more space typically means a cleaner, lower-stress flock

Daily Care Basics

Consistency matters more than complexity.

  • Bedding: Keep it dry and refresh as needed
  • Feeding: Balanced feed plus fresh water daily
  • Cleaning rhythm: Spot clean plus full clean outs on a schedule

Planning for Growth

There is a well-known phenomenon in the backyard chicken world called Chicken Math.

It works like this: You start with four hens. You see a breed you love. Suddenly you have eight.

Then a friend mentions blue eggs. Now you have twelve.

It happens. A lot.

With Chicken Math in mind, it is wise to leave a little room to grow.

  • Choose a coop that allows for expansion
  • Plan run space generously from the beginning
  • Think through how you will introduce new birds properly

Also remember that seasons change care needs. Winter and summer bring different ventilation, bedding, and shade considerations, especially as your flock grows.

A little extra planning now prevents a coop that feels overcrowded later.

A Note for First Time Chicken Owners

If you are new to chickens, you are not alone.

There is no perfect setup. Every flock owner adjusts along the way. The goal is to make informed choices, stay flexible, and learn what works best for you and your birds.

Chickens are remarkably adaptable. And so are their owners.

📦 Delivery Expectations

It is common for boxes to arrive on different days and for tracking emails to come through separately, especially on larger orders.

Sometimes carriers scan and move boxes at different speeds, so do not be alarmed if part of your order arrives first. The remaining boxes are usually close behind.

To help you plan ahead, here is a general breakdown of how our coops and runs ship. Box counts can vary slightly based on configuration.

Box Counts by Product

Leghorn Coop

  • Coop: 2 boxes
  • Run Extension: 1 box
  • 3 ft Run Extension Connector: 1 box
  • Run Roof: 1 box

Orpington Coop

  • Coop: 2 boxes
  • Run: 1 box
  • Walk-In Run: 3 boxes
  • Walk-In Run Roof: 1 box
  • Brahma Run: 4 boxes

Rhode Island Coop

  • Coop: 4 boxes
  • Run: 1 box
  • Run Roof & Trim: 2 boxes
  • Walk-In Run: 3 boxes
  • Walk-In Run Roof: 1 box
  • Brahma Run: 4 boxes

Brahma Coop

  • Coop: 3 boxes
  • Walk-In Run: 3 boxes
  • Walk-In Run Roof: 1 box
  • Brahma Run: 4 boxes

If Something Arrives Damaged or Missing

We know shipping investments like these can feel stressful. The good news is that we stock replacement parts and have a straightforward spare parts process.

If a box arrives damaged or something does not look right:

  • Take a few clear photos of the box and the affected part
  • Reach out to our support team as soon as possible
  • We will review and ship replacement parts quickly

There is no need to worry or try to solve it on your own. We are here to make it right.

Sometimes a part may look cosmetic on the outside but be perfectly usable. If you are unsure, just send us photos. We are happy to take a look and guide you.

You can contact our support team here.

Our goal is simple. We want your coop set up smoothly and your experience to match the quality of the product.

Shipping Methods and Transit Times

FedEx Delivery

  • Transit time: About 3 to 4 business days
  • Delivered to driveway, garage area, or curb
  • No signature required

Freight Delivery for Brahma Coops

  • Transit time: About 5 to 8 business days
  • Signature required
  • The freight carrier will call to schedule delivery
📋 After Build Help

It is completely normal to have questions after assembly, even if everything went smoothly. This section helps you double check details and answer common questions.

Common Post Assembly Questions

  • Is this normal? Small gaps, snug fits, or panels settling can be part of the process.
  • Did I miss something? Often it just means double checking a step.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

  • Re read the previous step in the instructions
  • Make sure the coop is sitting on level ground
  • Confirm panels are facing the correct direction
  • Check that hardware is snug, but not over tightened
When to reach out If a part appears damaged or missing, something does not look right after troubleshooting, or you are unsure about next steps, contact us. We would rather take a look than have you feel stuck.

You are not expected to get everything perfect on the first try. We are here to help make sure your coop is set up safely and correctly.