Chicken coop questions, answered straight
The questions we get most, answered by a family that builds coops and keeps its own flock. Still not sure about something? Ask us.
Cost, deposit & scheduling
How much does a chicken coop cost?
A custom, built-on-site coop and run starts around $4,950 for a small flock, $6,650 for 9 to 10 hens, and up to $10,800 for our largest standard build at 17 to 20. See full pricing.
Do you require a deposit, and how can I pay?
A 50% deposit starts the build. We accept check, credit card, or cash. We don't offer financing.
Do you charge for travel or delivery?
Site visits within 15 miles are free. Beyond our local area, travel is a $250 minimum or $6 per mile.
How long is the lead time?
About 2 weeks is typical. From March through June it can stretch to 6 weeks, so if you want a coop for spring, order in the fall to skip the rush.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes, always. On-site visits are free within 15 miles.
How we build
What are your coops made of?
Metal roof paneling, ½" PVC-coated hardware cloth, stainless steel and aluminum hardware, kiln-dried lumber (pressure-treated only where it meets the ground), a painted LP-board floor, and top-tier paints with low-VOC stains. More on how we build.
Do you build on-site or deliver?
About 80% happens in our shop, then we assemble the pieces on your property like a modular home. On-site work is usually one day, two for larger builds.
Do I need level ground, and who preps the site?
Yes, a level foundation is key. The homeowner preps the site, and we work with local contractors who can level or grade uneven ground.
Do you pull permits?
The homeowner pulls all permits and confirms zoning. See NJ permit rules.
Can you match my house or barn?
Absolutely. We can get any Sherwin-Williams color or match a structure already on your property. Most people pick a neutral black or gray roof.
Do you build things besides chicken coops?
Yes: duck coops, rabbit hutches, goat and livestock run-ins, sheds, and custom builds. If you have a vision and some examples, we can bring it to life.
Do you fix or replace existing coops?
It's case-by-case. We generally recommend against adding onto a structure we didn't build, since we don't carry professional engineering certifications. We do remove failed store-bought coops and replace them with one of ours.
Are you insured?
Yes, Triano Farms is insured.
Predators & protection
Do you predator-proof your coops?
Yes. We use ½" hardware cloth on every window and the run, and lay a dig-proof skirt around the entire structure. How we do it.
Are bears a problem in NJ?
Yes, bears are strong and cause damage, but they go for the garbage can before the chickens. A well-built coop makes predators think twice and look for easier food.
Do you guarantee a coop is predator-proof?
No. We build the strongest protection we can, but wildlife is unpredictable, so we won't promise the impossible. The goal is to make your coop a much harder target than everything around it.
Raising chickens
Do chickens need a heated coop in winter?
No. Their feathers and body heat keep them warm; what they need is ventilation, since trapped moisture causes frostbite and illness. Why heat is the wrong instinct.
What's the best breed for beginners?
Buff Orpingtons: docile, hardy in summer and winter, and steady layers. See our breed picks.
When can chicks move outside to the coop?
Once they're fully feathered, usually around 5 to 6 weeks. How to tell they're ready.
How do you ventilate a coop without creating drafts?
Leave a couple of windows open year-round, and trim the inside framing so the door overlaps the frame when closed. That gives airflow without gaps that draft on the roost.
Can chickens share a space with other animals?
Yes. Chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, and pigs can all share space, and there's a benefit to having them work the ecosystem together. See the Homestead Package.
Do you keep your own chickens?
Yes. We tend our own flock every day: 15 to 20 chickens, around 10 rabbits, and about 20 quail. The guidance you get comes from real experience.
Ready to keep your flock safe?
Tell us about your animals and your land. We'll design a coop built to last, on-site, just for you.