Dig These Crazy Chicken Coops!

Coops of distinction blend style, function

No one loves their chickens like a new chicken keeper, and coops have ceased to be purely functional. Today, even jaded, experienced poultry people are following the lead of designers by making coops more fun too view and be in.

Chicken coops have now become a place to show your style.

Don’t scoff at this idea—Many of us spend countless hours with our animals, making it your “me time.” Other than scratch or goodies, the chickens don’t have many demands and are always excited to see you.

So why not create a space that you can enjoy with them?

A feisty flock focal point

Lana Stenner and her husband have raised chickens for more than 15 years “We live on a small farm in Kansas City where we raise goats, sheep, honey bees, and a feisty flock of chickens, ducks and turkeys.”

Their inventive and gorgeous coop is not only a show stopper, but has whimsical touches that were thoughtfully added.

“Our coop was a DIY project built from two different kid's play house sets put together. I have always loved the french black and white awnings, so I knew I wanted to incorporate that look into our design.,” Lana tells us.

Lighting with warmth and style

One of the favorite functional additions is the gorgeous heat lamp chandelier. “We made our coop chandelier from a basic farm heat lamp and a hanging crystals candle holder. I love it because it's functional heat and will keep our ladies laying eggs when the cold below zero temps hit in the winter. We take the heat bulb out in the spring and summer months”

Lana’s cleaning tips even add practicality to beauty. “A damp coop can invite sickness and pests. I love to add an essential oil spray and sprigs of rosemary when cleaning the coop. It repels mites and freshens the she-shed coop.”

Wallpaper whimsy

Erin Schaefgen, owner of Three Little Blackbirds organic farm, bakery, and design in Texas, has a full-but-exciting plate.

“From Graphic Designer to Pastry Chef to Chicken Farmer, my career path has been quite the squiggly line.” says Erin. Their family’s journey is a must-read story on their website, but what drew us in was her interior coop renovations and additions that are so practical yet beautiful.

In order to make cleanup a little easier on their roosts, Erin found a contact paper that doubled as “wall paper.” This super simple and cheap DIY saves so much time but also adds a touch of whimsy.

When hens are broody, a quiet space for them to hatch is ideal, so we fell in love with the faux curtains that Erin added to their nesting boxes.

Psst! It’s about you, not your birds

Not all design elements have to be functional: add silly signs, pretty outdoor lighting, wood shiplap, and or bright colors. Bring your coop to life.

So, the question is not why to add decor, it’s why not add decor? Extend the haven you’ve made for yourself inside your home to your outdoor spaces as well?

Adding a little bit of brightness and fun helps establish an atmosphere you truly will want to be in and a part of.