Chicken Coops — Safe, Comfortable Homes for Your Chooks

About Our Chicken Coop Range

Keeping backyard chickens is one of Australia's great gardening traditions — and a good chicken coop is the foundation of a happy, healthy flock. Whether you're setting up your first chook house or upgrading an older pen, Garden Yard stocks a range of chicken coops designed to keep your birds safe, comfortable, and protected from Australian predators and weather.

Our chicken coops are built from durable, weather-resistant materials suited to the Australian climate — from galvanised steel and powder-coated frames to UV-stable covers that hold up through long, hot summers. Steel chicken coops are stronger and longer lasting than traditional materials like wood, plastic, or mesh wire — they won't rot, rust, or deteriorate over time, making them a smart long-term investment for any backyard.

A well-designed chook pen does more than just house your chickens — it protects them from foxes, rodents, and other predators while giving them space to move, roost, and lay comfortably. Many of our coops can also double as aviaries or small animal enclosures, making them a versatile addition to any outdoor space. Shop our range of chicken coops at Garden Yard
and give your flock the home they deserve — with fast delivery to all states and territories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chickens can I keep in my backyard in Australia?
This varies by state and local council. In Queensland, properties under 800m² can keep a maximum of six chickens and a free permit is required from Brisbane City Council. In NSW, most councils allow up to ten chickens, with roosters banned in residential zones. Rules also cover coop placement, setbacks from fences, and minimum coop sizes. Always check with your specific local council before purchasing your coop and flock.

Can I keep a rooster in my backyard? In most Australian residential areas, roosters are not permitted due to noise regulations. Roosters are banned in residential areas in Queensland and NSW, and are generally only allowed on larger rural properties. Check your local council's guidelines to confirm what applies to your property.

How big should a chicken coop be? As a general rule, allow a minimum of 0.3–0.4 square metres of coop space per chicken, plus additional run space for daily exercise. Coops must be big enough for chickens to live comfortably, allowing room to flap their wings and move around freely. A larger coop is always better — overcrowding leads to stress, reduced egg production, and increased health issues in your flock.

How do I protect my chickens from foxes and other predators? Choose a coop with a secure, fully enclosed run made from heavy-gauge wire or steel mesh - not lightweight chicken wire, which foxes can tear through. Look for features like a lockable door, a solid floor or apron wire to prevent digging, and a covered roof on the run. Our steel chicken coops
are designed with predator protection in mind, providing a secure environment for your flock night and day.

Do chicken coops require council approval? Most standard backyard chicken coops are classified as exempt development and don't require formal approval, but coop placement rules -such as minimum distances from fences and neighbouring dwellings - do apply. In NSW, for example, many councils specify that coops must be a set distance from boundaries and
residences. Check your local Development Control Plan (DCP) for specific requirements in your area.

How do I keep a chicken coop clean and odour-free?
Regular cleaning is the key. Remove droppings and soiled bedding at least once a week, and do a full coop cleanout monthly. Use a thick layer of straw or wood shavings as bedding — it absorbs moisture and can be composted once spent. Keeping feeders and drinkers clean and storing feed in pest-proof containers also helps minimise odours and deter rodents.