PRODUCT INFO

We use Chinese fir timber. It is a native conifer grown in commercial plantations in China. Certain sections are also made of plywood.

We only use FSC certified timber that is responsibly and sustainably sourced.

We generally use galvanised, square welded mesh with 10mm holes. This mesh is strong but light and will keep rats, mice, snakes and other small pests out.

Most enclosures and kennels have asphalt roofs.

Please note they are made from a natural product that may have some minor flaws or marks. These are outdoor products and not intended to have a perfect finish.

We do not use treated timber in our products because the chemicals used are harmful to animals.

Our hutches and coops are made from naturally rot-resistant timber and are stained with water based non-toxic stain. 

This is a hard question to answer, it depends on the location and how well it is looked after. If you place it in a dry, airy place it will be far less likely to rot than if it is under a tree in a shady, damp spot.

It is a good idea to set the enclosure on a dry surface such as pavers or bricks to keep the bottom dry.

The owners of Coops and Cages have one of our larger model chicken coops at home. It has been outside in the weather for over 5 years now and still looks good. The only sign of age is that some of the stain has faded.

Re-staining, oiling or painting your coop every year or so will help give the wood a longer life, as with any wooden products that are outdoors. 

Assemble on a flat/level surface to ensure all the doors etc., line up correctly.

We do not recommend moving the larger enclosures while still assembled as this can make the whole structure twist and crack. It is better to take apart and re-assemble if you need to move the enclosure.

Yes, our products are designed to be kept outside and in the weather.

We have never heard of a fox getting through the mesh or breaking the timber but a couple of customers have told us that foxes have tried to dig their way in.

If you are worried about foxes we recommend that you buy chicken wire and set the hutch/coop on it so the foxes can’t dig their way in. Chicken wire will also stop rabbits from burrowing.

DO NOT use a termite treatment on your kennel, coop or hutch, as this can be poisonous to humans and your animals.

The wood is manufactured under high temperature, meaning the humidity levels have created the wood to be less appealing to termites. We cannot guarantee they are termite proof but we have never ran into an issue with termites damaging any products.

No, all of our products are flat packed and require assembly. The wire mesh is already attached onto the frames.

We provide easy to use instructions and all required screws. For of our timber products you will need a battery powered screwdriver or drill with a Phillips head bit. A small number of these products also require a shifting spanner. For our metal products (excluding crates), assembly requires an allen key, which is supplied with the item.

Most products take about one hour to assemble. Larger enclosures such as the Castle and Homestead, will take longer.

Large panels are pre-assembled so there is no complicated woodwork.

The first panel will have a guide hole, to show you were the screw goes. The second panel will not have a hole. You will need to use a battery powered screwdriver or drill to break into the wood.

If you are having problems with assembly, feel free to contact us for help.

Our flatpack enclosures must be assembled on a completely flat surface. If the ground is uneven or sloped, the panels may not line up correctly.

You can build your enclosure directly onto the grass or dirt.

You can also assemble it onto concrete, bricks, pavers or a timber frame. These can help flatten your surface, anchor the enclosure onto the ground, stop predators digging in and prevent wood rot.

Our kennels, coops & hutches come coated in non-toxic water based stain. You can paint straight over it without needing to sand it back.

The safety of your pets is the most important thing. We recommend you use waterproof and non-poisonous paint.

We do not recommend attempting to swap the sides of doors and nest boxes, or assembling without using the intended stands, as not following the correct instructions can sometimes lead to issues with the products.

However, this has been successfully completed by various ‘handy’ customers. If you require clarification regarding a specific enclosure and whether such modifications are possible, please contact us.

If you are planning on leaving any of our kennels, coops & hutches in elements of weather, we suggest that twice a year you should apply a coat of deck oil or deck sealer. This will increase longevity of your purchases.

Many of our enclosures have a slide out metal tray inside. If this tray stays wet too often, it will eventually rust through.

To keep your tray dry and increase the longevity of the product, we recommend lining the tray with an absorbent material. . It is best to place a layer of contact as your base and then newspaper with an additional layer of bedding material, such as wood shavings or shredded paper on top. Please ensure you change this lining regularly.

If your tray has rusted, email us for advice on how to repair it.

The Resort, Connie, Majestic, Castle and Homestead models feature stainless steel trays, which provide additional durability and rust resistance.

It’s important to make sure that your chickens have enough space to lead happy, healthy and balanced lives.

See our handy Chicken Coop Sizing Guide below to see which coop is the right size for your flock:

• 1 – 3 Chickens
• 3 – 4 Chickens
• 4 – 5 Chickens
• 6+ Chickens

See also our comparison table for coops dimension, chicken runs and nesting boxes.

Our product descriptions include a recommendation on how many animals can fit inside each enclosure.

These are only a suggestion as animals are not all the same size, shape or energy levels, so please measure your animals and evaluate the products, before you purchase.

Some products do have extension runs available. Others do not.

The Resort Run fits onto the Resort Enclosure.
The Large Run fits onto the Homestead and Castle.
The Greta Run fits onto the Greta Cat House.
The Castle Run fits onto the Majestic, Homestead and Castle.

Please make sure that you check the dimensions before ordering.