Carolina Coops frequently asked questions – Custom Backyard Chicken Coops
At Carolina Coops, we know chicken keeping raises lots of questions. That’s why we created this FAQ page to guide you through everything—from choosing the right size coop to understanding our signature features. frequently asked questions.
1. What makes Carolina Coops different from other chicken coop companies?
First of all, we design and handcraft every coop in the USA. In addition, we use premium, rot-resistant lumber and durable hardware to ensure long-lasting strength. Furthermore, we include thoughtful features like deep-litter henhouses, walk-in runs, and predator-proof construction. Unlike mass-produced kits, a Carolina Coop not only lasts for decades but also adds beauty and value to your backyard.
2. Do you build custom chicken coops?
Yes, we do—and that’s our specialty. For example, whether you need a compact coop for a city lot or a large walk-in structure for a farm, we design around your space, style, and flock size. As a result, you get a coop that perfectly matches your needs instead of a one-size-fits-all option.
3. Can I keep ducks or other animals in your coops?
Absolutely. In fact, many of our customers raise ducks, pigeons, or even goats. Therefore, we also design custom duck coops, pigeon lofts, and goat shelters. If you keep multiple species together, we can create solutions such as duck houses inside runs or separate pens tailored for each animal.
4. How many chickens does a Carolina Coop hold?
That depends on the size of your flock. As a rule of thumb, we recommend 4 square feet per chicken inside the henhouse and 10 square feet per chicken in the run. However, flock needs vary, so we’ll also guide you through the sizing process to make sure your chickens stay comfortable and stress-free.
5. Are Carolina Coops predator-proof?
Yes, and here’s why: we use half-inch PVC-coated hardware cloth, strong Douglas fir frames, and secure latches. In addition, our coops are built with reinforced design features to stop raccoons, foxes, hawks, and other predators. As a result, you can rest easy knowing your flock stays safe both day and night.
6. How hard is it to clean a Carolina Coop?
Not hard at all. Thanks to our signature deep-litter system, you only clean the henhouse once or twice a year. Moreover, large access doors, removable roost bars, and walk-in runs make regular upkeep quick and convenient. Therefore, you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your flock.
7. Do you offer installation or delivery?
Yes, we offer both. For instance, you can choose nationwide delivery and professional installation for a turn-key setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a DIY project, we ship our coops as pre-cut, pre-drilled kits with step-by-step instructions. Either way, your coop arrives ready for your flock.
8. Can I paint or stain my coop?
Of course. In fact, we deliver our coops unfinished so you can add your own personal touch. Some customers stain for a natural look, while others paint in bold colors to make the coop stand out. Either way, you get a structure that reflects your style.
9. How long will my coop last?
With proper care, a Carolina Coop lasts for decades. Because we use rot-resistant Douglas fir, Acre™ panels, and weather-proof roofing, your coop stands strong through every season. In addition, thoughtful design and craftsmanship make it a long-term investment—not a disposable structure.
10. How do I order a Carolina Coop?
It’s simple. First, contact our team online or by phone. Next, we’ll discuss your flock size, property layout, and design preferences. Then, our craftsmen hand-build your coop with meticulous detail. Finally, we arrange delivery or installation so your flock can move in right away.
frequently asked questions
HOW DO I ORDER A CHICKEN COOP?
Our American and California Coops are now available to click and purchase on the website, shipping is included!
The best way to order our Carolina, Craftsman, Homestead, and custom chicken coops is to email us at sales@carolinacoops.com. If you don’t hear back right away, please be patient, we will get back to you. We want to help!
You can use our COOP CALCULATOR to figure out prices and options without shipping.
The total is cost without shipping or turn-key delivery and assembly options.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE COOP I NEED?
There are two important factors to consider when determining how many chickens should be in a chicken coop. The henhouse and the run area. (we refer to both these areas as the coop)
THE HENHOUSE: We like the one-foot rule, meaning one foot per chicken on the roost bars. Plenty of room and less squabbling at night. You can go 8-10 inches per bird and of course less space is needed for bantams. However, overloading the henhouse can result in other problems. Plus you always want room to grow your flock.
THE RUN:
Chickens need and prefer as much room as possible. If you cannot free range your chicken outside of the coop much or at all, the least amount of space is 10 sq.ft. per chicken. You will find you never have enough room for your chickens.
We make this recommendation for the health and well-being of your flock.
WHAT IS THE APPROXIMATE WAIT TIME TO RECEIVE MY COOP?
Our current lead time is about 4 weeks for standard American and California chicken coops to be shipped out depending on which options you choose.
For Carolina Coops, Craftsman Coops, and custom coops, the lead time is approximately 3-4 months.
We do have an expedited build schedule, available by request and subject to availability and up-charge.
For Turnkey installations, please call our sales team for an accurate lead time at 919-794-3989
DOES MY COOP COME WITH A PREDATOR APRON?
Only turnkey and custom coops come with a predator apron. We do have a handy video and all the information you need to attach a predator apron to your coop here.
WILL YOU SHIP TO ME? ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS TO PICK UP MY CHICKEN COOP?
We ship any place in the world where freight can be received.
Visit the shipping page on our website for a comprehensive overview.
You can opt for terminal pickup, which is less expensive then shipping to residence. You will be given an idea of where the terminal is when you place your order with our sales team.
You can also arrange to pick up your coop in our shop in Creedmoor, NC.
For both options, you must have a truck or trailer with at least a 6-foot bed and be able to haul 1,000+ lbs. load.
WILL MY SHIPPED COOP BE DELIVERED TO WHERE I WANT ON MY PROPERTY?
No, the freight will be dropped curbside. You must be able to accept a large freight truck delivery on your street. (We're not talking UPS or Amazon, but a huge truck)
This means the truck will have to be able to turnaround on your block, that there is no truck restrictions, and no obstructions that would prohibit a truck from delivering your coop.
Please contact your local highway department to see if your residence can accept deliveries of this size.
It is your responsibility to ensure the delivery can be made curbside.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR MY COOP?
The most important preparation for your new chicken coop is making sure the ground is level where you plan to place it. If it isn’t level, the doors won’t close properly and you can run into problems with assembly.
It’s not necessary to build a base for your coop as the bottom lumber is pressure treated. However, it’s not a bad idea to do so, especially if you need to make the ground area level to build a base.
You also need to ensure there is proper drainage and the chicken coop won’t be placed in a low lying area. You don’t want to have a flooding issue with your chicken coop.
Also, check for tree clearance and any other objects that may be in the way of where you are placing your coop. This is especially true for turn-key or roll off delivery services.
Another thing to consider when you are figuring out where to place your chicken coop is to take into account the egg hutch when measuring, which makes the overall width 16.5 inches wider*. (*for a coop with a single egg hutch, egg hutches on both sides it will be 33 inches wider)
Lastly, please check on any town, city, or county ordinances where you live when it comes to your new chicken coop. Some places have restrictions on how many chickens you can have (which may play into which coop you get or need), some have set- back requirements from either the house, the street, or both, and some places require permits for chicken coops.
CAN I PUT TOGETHER THE COOP MYSELF?
Our chicken coops are shipped out in panels and all the parts are labeled. You are given all the screws and hardware you will need to assemble it. The pocket screw holes will already be there.
The instructions are in the package with the hardware. You will need two people when placing the walls. The time it will take depends on your skills. For many DIYers it takes a weekend to build and a weekend to paint. Some people take weeks to complete it, depending on their schedule, or available help.
Some people find it helpful to paint or stain the coop after the main structure is together, but before you attach the hardware cloth, hinges, latches, and roofing. Some others lay down all the pieces to check which is which from the manual and then paint and stain them. Be aware the pieces are labeled so it's important to know what's what before painting this way. You can usually hide the part numbers during assembly process.
If you have any issues during your build process or you find anything wrong or missing, please contact us (919-794-3989) immediately and ask for build support. Someone should get back to you as soon as possible.
DO YOU BUILD COOPS IN MY STATE?
We deliver turnkey coops and build coops in every state in the U.S. We are proud to say we have coops in every state of the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
We ship our coops worldwide and have coops in Ireland, Italy, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, and Japan!
HOW DO I ORDER A CUSTOM COOP OR CUSTOM OPTIONS NOT SHOWN ON THE WEBSITE?
You can email us at sales@carolinacoops.comand detail what you are looking for. Just let us know if you want a custom coop built or if you’re just looking for options that you don’t see available for the coop you want.
If you want a certain duck coop, rabbit coop, or a goat house, we can do that too!
HOW DO I PROTECT THE WOOD ON MY CHICKEN COOP?
Protecting your coop from weather will also ensure your coops longevity and functionality. All exterior structures need to be protected from weather including sun, rain and snow. The best way to achieve this protection is to use the following:
–Caulk or clear silicone to seal all seams susceptible to consistent or standing water or snow. Be sure to consider what paint, stain or oil finish you choose to ensure it will be compatible with the chosen caulk or silicone.
–You can paint your coop, (if you do so before assembly, make sure you can still see the labels on the parts), we suggest a good exterior paint. We use Sherwin Williams Marshmallow for our white coops, for example.
–You can also stain it with wood stain. Or if you want to keep it natural, we suggest linseed oil. Double boiled or polymerized linseed oil is a great option to protect your coop. It beautifies any wood, and once cured, it protects the wood from sun and water damage. This also dries significantly quicker than straight linseed oil, plus oil processed this way makes it safe as a food contact surface.
–For painting or staining Acre parts :
- Your paint/stain choice must be water-based.
- Your chosen paint/stain color must have a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 55 or greater. For any color with an LRV below 55 or if you are not sure, contact us for help and approval for use.
- Your paint/stain type and color must be an approved coating and color found on Modern Mill website
