Plastic Chicken Coop vs Wooden Coop: Pros and Cons
Table of Contents
- Plastic Chicken Coop vs Wooden Coop: The Main Differences
- Red Mite Treatment for Chicken Coops: Why Material Matters
- How to Insulate a Chicken Coop for Winter and Predator Proofing Coops
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: 25 September 2026
Plastic Chicken Coop vs Wooden Coop: The Main Differences
Choosing between a plastic chicken coop and a wooden coop comes down to three things: lifespan, upkeep, and red mite resistance. This guide from Chartley Chucks (Staffordshire), who supply poultry housing across the UK, breaks down the pros and cons of both.
Plastic coops are typically made from recycled plastic or HPL laminate, resist red mite, and need little upkeep. Wooden coops cost less upfront but need treating, can rot, and offer mites more hiding places.
Here is how the two compare:
Feature |
Plastic Coop |
Wooden Coop |
|---|---|---|
Lifespan |
10-25 years typical |
5-10 years with upkeep |
Maintenance |
Wipe clean, no treatment |
Regular (every year) re-treatment needed |
Red mite risk |
Low, no crevices |
Very high, many hiding areas |
Cost upfront |
Higher |
Lower |
Weather resistance |
High |
Depends on yearly treatment |
The Nestera Large Lodge chicken coop is built from recycled plastic with a 25-year warranty, while the Easicoop Chalet L uses HPL laminate that resists rot and insects.
Red Mite Treatment for Chicken Coops: Why Material Matters
Red mite treatment for chicken coops is easier in plastic housing because the material has fewer crevices where mites hide. Wooden coops have joints, grain, and gaps that shelter red mites, making infestations harder to clear.
A common mistake is assuming a deep clean solves a mite problem in a timber coop. It often does not, because mites retreat into the corners, roof, tongue and grooves, screw heads, knots and cracks of the wood itself. Plastic and HPL surfaces are smooth and can be washed down, removing more of the infestation in one pass.
How to Insulate a Chicken Coop for Winter and Predator Proofing Coops
Dont insulate simple!
Ventilation matters and as chicken are OK down to minus 10deg C, there is no need to do anything to a coop in winter in the UK. If they get too warm, it will increase humidity in the coop and damp, stuffy coops cause respiratory problems.
Predator proofing means checking latches lock, mesh is secure, and there are no gaps a fox could widen.
- Use a solid, elevated coop floor to block rising damp
- Keep ventilation open but screened
- Fit a locking pop-hole door
- Check mesh and fixings monthly
The Easicoop Duplex L is raised 50cm off the ground, helping with shelter and predator protection. For a smaller flock, the Nestera Aspen 10 offers optional run systems and a smart auto door. If you are still weighing up which coop suits your set-up, Chartley Chucks offer advice on keeping and care of chickens through a 30-minute chat, and can arrange UK delivery or collection once you have decided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plastic chicken coops better than wooden ones?
Plastic coops resist red mite, rot and damp far better than timber, which makes them easier to clean and longer lasting. Wooden coops can feel warmer in winter and suit traditional gardens, but they need regular treatment and are more prone to mite infestations. For most UK keepers wanting low maintenance, a plastic chicken coop is the practical choice.
Do red mites live in wooden chicken coops?
Yes. Red mites hide in the joints, cracks and cracked uneven grain of timber, making them difficult to remove once established. Plastic and HPL coops have smooth surfaces with no crevices, so mites have nowhere to shelter. This is why many keepers switch to plastic after a red mite outbreak.
How long does a wooden chicken coop last?
A well-treated wooden coop typically lasts five to ten years before rot and damp take hold, depending on the timber and how often it is re-treated. Plastic and HPL coops often come with warranties of ten to twenty-five years, so the long-term cost per year is usually lower despite a higher upfront price.
The real challenge is finding housing that resists red mite, survives British weather, and still fits your garden. Chartley Chucks stocks plastic coops from Nestera and Easicoop, with UK-wide delivery and free collection from Staffordshire. Get started with Chartley Chucks and give your flock housing built to last.
