The questions backyard chicken keepers ask us most often, organized by topic. Don't see your question? Message us and we'll answer within one business day.
Each Roost N Run coop has a stated capacity range (e.g. 8-10 hens for the Acadia). The range is based on the standard 4 sq ft of indoor coop space and 10 sq ft of attached run space per standard-breed hen. Bantams need slightly less, large breeds slightly more. If your flock free-ranges most of the day, you can stock toward the upper end. If they live mostly inside the coop, stay at the lower end.
Yes. Bantams can stock about 1.5x the rated capacity (so an 8-10 hen coop fits 12-15 bantams). Large breeds like Brahmas and Jersey Giants should stay at or below the lower end of the rated range to prevent crowding and feather-picking. Plan for the breeds you have, not the average.
Most of our coops are compatible with run extensions you can add later. Check the individual coop product page for compatible add-ons, or message us with your model and we'll confirm what fits.
The hen house is the enclosed sleeping/nesting area where chickens roost at night and lay eggs (needs ~4 sq ft per hen). The run is the wire-enclosed outdoor space where they spend the day (needs ~10 sq ft per hen). Both numbers matter — a coop with a huge run but a tiny hen house will lead to overcrowded sleeping conditions and stressed birds.
One nesting box per 3-4 laying hens. Chickens share nesting boxes more than people expect, so you don't need one per hen. If you grow your flock past what the coop's built-in boxes support, add a standalone nesting box like our Brood 8-compartment which handles 24-32 hens.
Most US orders ship within 1-2 business days from our [STATE] warehouse and arrive in 3-10 business days. East Coast and Central US: 3-7 days. West Coast: 5-10 days. See our shipping page for region-specific estimates.
Free US parcel shipping on most chicken coops. Accessories under $50 have a flat-rate calculated at checkout. Oversize commercial coops have shipping quoted at checkout. Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico have a surcharge.
Currently we ship within the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico only. If you're outside the US and want a Roost N Run coop, message us — we keep a waitlist and may open international shipping based on demand.
Take photos of the damage on the box and the damaged part, then email us with your order number. We ship replacement parts at no charge under your shipping protection, usually within 2-3 business days. Don't send the damaged coop back — keep it and we'll send what you need.
Our warehouse is in [STATE]. Coops ship flat-packed via standard parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx) so you don't need to be home to receive them.
Compact coops (2-4 hens) take 2-3 hours with one person. Mid-size coops (4-8 hens) take 3-5 hours. Large walk-in coops (10-15 hens) take 6-8 hours and benefit from two people. Commercial coops (15-25+ hens) take a full weekend with 2-3 people. See our assembly page for size-by-size breakdown.
A cordless power drill is essential. You'll also want a 10mm wrench or socket, a level, gloves for handling wire mesh, and a step stool or short ladder for the larger walk-in coops. That's it.
Most small and mid-size coops are doable solo. Large walk-in coops are easier with a second person, especially for the roof panels. Commercial coops should be two or three people. You won't be lifting anything dangerously heavy alone, but two people speeds things up significantly.
Yes. Every panel is labeled or numbered to match the assembly instructions step-by-step. Pre-drilled holes mean you never guess where a screw goes. Hardware (screws, bolts, brackets) comes in a labeled hardware kit.
No — pre-assembled coops require expensive freight delivery and can't fit through most yard gates. Flat-packed assembly keeps shipping free and lets you place the coop exactly where you want it. Assembly is straightforward with the included instructions.
Hardware cloth (welded steel mesh with ½-inch openings) is predator-resistant against raccoons, hawks, weasels, snakes, and rats. It is NOT the same as chicken wire, which is intended to keep chickens IN, not predators out. Every Roost N Run coop uses hardware cloth, not chicken wire.
Add a hardware-cloth apron extending 12 inches outward from the run perimeter and buried 4 inches deep. This stops most digging attempts. Our walk-in coops have elevated floor designs that also discourage digging. For high-risk areas with active fox or coyote populations, an electric fence around the perimeter is the gold standard.
All Roost N Run coops include a manual sliding pop-door with a latch. For hands-free dusk lockout, add our Watchman automatic coop door. It opens at sunrise and closes at sunset on a timer or light sensor — no more running outside in the dark.
No wooden or metal mesh coop is bear-proof on its own. If you live in active bear country, install an electric fence around the coop perimeter. The fence is the primary deterrent; the coop is the secondary line. Bears can crush most coops but rarely test an electric fence twice.
Yes. Roost N Run coops are rated for typical US winter conditions including snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. For extreme cold (-10°F and below), add our Ember radiant heater for extra warmth and use deep-litter bedding (6+ inches of pine shavings or hemp). Chickens themselves handle cold remarkably well — it's wet, drafty conditions that hurt them.
Chickens handle heat worse than cold. Make sure the coop has good ventilation (all our coops include adjustable vents). Place the coop where it gets afternoon shade. In sustained 95°F+ weather, add a small fan inside the coop and ensure constant access to cool water. The Continuous Waterer add-on keeps water flowing without daily refills.
For most US climates, no. The wooden walls and roof provide enough insulation when paired with good ventilation and deep-litter bedding. Adding rigid foam insulation actually causes problems in most climates because it traps moisture and creates respiratory issues. Trust the coop design and add bedding for cold weather, not insulation.
Wood coops in wet climates (Pacific Northwest, Gulf Coast, etc.) need a coat of exterior stain or paint within the first month, then a refresh every 2-3 years. With proper sealing, wooden coops last 10+ years even in wet climates. If you don't want to maintain a wooden coop, our galvanized metal walk-in runs are zero-maintenance in wet climates.
The 12-month warranty covers manufacturing defects on the frame and hardware. If a frame piece breaks, hardware fails, or a panel arrives defective within 12 months of delivery, we ship replacement parts at no charge. Normal wear and tear, damage from extreme weather, and modifications to the original design are not covered.
Email us with your order number, photos of the issue, and a short description. We typically respond within 1 business day and ship replacement parts within 2-3 business days. No back-and-forth or denial games.
Returns on assembled coops are difficult because once a coop is built, it can't be flat-packed back for shipping. If you have a quality issue, we'd much rather fix it under warranty than ask you to return the coop. Talk to us first — there's almost always a better solution than returning.
If you haven't opened the boxes yet, contact us within 7 days of delivery and we'll arrange a return. Customer pays return shipping. If you've opened or assembled the coop, see our exchange policy above — we'd rather help you make the current coop work or upgrade you to the right size with a partial credit.
If your question isn't answered above, message us directly. We read every message and reply within one business day. Most replies go out within a few hours.