There are two types of chicken coops, permanent with attached fencing or portable. Portable coops have wheels on one end & wheelbarrow-like handles on the other. The floor is wire. The coop is wheeled around to different areas so the chickens have a fresh area daily to peck at. These are summer only temporary coops as they are not designed to be used in the winter.
The first and most important factor in choosing a coop is how many birds will you have? Plan on at least 1’ - 2’ per bird interior size. The floor should be easy to clean concrete or wood. Roosts for the birds to sleep on go on one wall & nest boxes to lay eggs in on a different wall. Their feed & water should be located in the center of the coop to give each chicken access from all sides & room to move around. Chickens scratch in the bedding & will get it into their food & water unless the feeders are raised on a block or hung from the ceiling. Windows are essential for light & fresh air. Insulate the walls & floor if possible to help your birds stay warm.
Roosts should be placed 12” -36” off the floor & 12” away from the wall. Each bird needs about 12” of space. Nest boxes are an average of 12’ - 15” square. You don’t need one per bird as chickens tend to use the same next box & take turns laying their eggs. One next box for every 5 birds is fine.
Make sure that your coop is easy for you to change feed & clean. Portable coops should have hinged roofs to allow access inside & walk in entrance doors are a must for permanent coops & chicken yards. Electricity for lights, heaters and heat lamps are essentials for permanent coops.