Rhode Island Homestead Hen House with Run Extension — Predator-Proof Assembly Kit
A coop is only as good as its weakest latch. Every backyard flock keeper eventually deals with a raccoon testing a door, a hawk circling overhead, or a predator digging at the base of the run — and the Rhode Island Homestead Hen House was engineered with exactly those scenarios in mind. Built for flocks up to 10 hens, this kit ships completely free via FedEx directly to your door — no hidden fees, no freight surprises, and no handling charges — while still delivering the heavy-gauge protection larger, pricier coops rely on.
Not sure how many birds this setup can realistically support? Our chicken math sizing guide breaks down how breed size, roosting space, and free-ranging habits affect real-world capacity.
Predator-Proofing Built Into Every Panel
We've found that most coop failures don't come from bad materials outright — they come from a single overlooked weak point that a predator eventually finds and exploits. The Rhode Island Homestead is built to close those gaps from the start, using hardware and construction choices based on what actually fails under real predator pressure rather than what looks adequate on a spec sheet.
For a full breakdown of predator behavior and how to layer protection across your entire setup — coop, run, and perimeter — see our predator-proofing guide.
Double-Thickness Wire Mesh with Tight Spacing
Wire mesh throughout the coop and run is twice the gauge of standard options, with hole spacing tight enough to keep raccoons and other small predators from reaching through. This mesh is the primary line of defense between your flock and nighttime threats, not just a visual barrier.
Stainless Steel Hardware and Ajustlock Bolt Latches
Hardware throughout is heavy-duty stainless steel, including Ajustlock bolt latches that stay securely closed under pressure. Standard slide latches are notoriously easy for raccoons to work open with their hands — the Ajustlock system is specifically designed to resist that kind of manipulation, and stainless steel means the latches won't corrode or loosen after repeated exposure to weather.
Structural Support Beneath the Nesting Boxes
The run extends underneath each nesting box, which does more than add floor space. This underrun extension provides critical structural support — without it, nesting boxes sag and deteriorate quickly, opening gaps at the base of the structure that predators can exploit. Access doors beneath each nesting box let you inspect and maintain that area without ever compromising the seal.
Hen House Dimensions and Interior Features
The hen house measures 65.5 inches wide by 66.5 inches tall by 41.75 inches long, with an interior floor space of 41 by 65 inches. Inside you'll find 6 nesting boxes, 3 lower interior roosting bars, and 2 raised interior roosting bars — most comparable coops include only one raised bar. There's 16 inches of clearance beneath the structure for airflow and access. Total assembled weight is 175 pounds, which adds to the coop's overall stability against digging and tipping.
Since chickens share nesting boxes and roost side by side, actual capacity depends on breed size and how much time your flock spends free ranging versus confined. Our sizing guide can help you land on the right configuration before you order.
Run Extension Options for Added Protection and Space
Three run configurations are available to suit different space needs and predator-exposure levels. The Original Run measures 39.5 inches wide by 50.5 inches tall by 101 inches long, with two 37.5-inch roosting rods and one 36-inch rod. The Walk-In Run shares the same footprint at 71.75 inches tall for full stand-up access. The XL Walk-In Run expands to 74.5 inches wide by 71.75 inches tall by 101 inches long for maximum coverage. A larger, fully enclosed run reduces the amount of time birds spend exposed during free-range hours — additional run extensions and hen houses are sold separately if you want to expand coverage further.
Construction Quality Built to Last Outdoors
Weatherproofing That Protects the Structure Long-Term
Roof panels include a hard plastic liner as a moisture barrier, and flashing above the nesting box lids prevents water intrusion during rain. Acrylic sliding windows replace wood, which swells and shrinks seasonally and can jam shut or warp open — either of which creates an entry point over time. Every panel is reinforced with diagonal wooden supports for added rigidity against both weather and predator pressure.
Finishing the Coop After Assembly
The factory base coat is not intended for long-term weather protection. We strongly recommend staining, painting, or lacquering the exterior after assembly, and touching up any minor shipping scuffs before sealing. A properly finished coop resists warping and swelling — both of which can compromise latches and seams over time. We also recommend anchoring the structure with ground stakes on each side of the hen house and run once placed.
Assembly Kit — What to Expect
The Rhode Island Homestead ships flat-packed with pre-labeled components and pre-drilled pilot holes. The manufacturer provides detailed step-by-step assembly videos covering every stage of the build, and most customers complete assembly over a weekend with standard tools. Because this kit ships via FedEx, there's no delivery coordination or scheduling required.
Free Shipping via FedEx — No Hidden Charges
This kit ships free anywhere in the contiguous United States via FedEx, arriving in three boxes with components individually packaged in bubble wrap and foam inside heavy-duty cardboard. Every piece is labeled and pilot holes are pre-drilled so you're never left guessing during the build.
Product FAQ
How predator-resistant is this coop out of the box?
It's built to close the most common predator entry points from the factory: double-thickness wire mesh with tight spacing, stainless steel Ajustlock bolt latches that resist raccoon manipulation, and full structural support beneath the nesting boxes to eliminate ground-level gaps. For region-specific threats like bears or persistent diggers, we recommend the optional predator-proof kit and a review of our predator-proofing guide.
How many chickens can this coop realistically house?
It's rated for up to 10 hens, but the right number depends on breed size, free-ranging habits, and how much time birds spend confined. Use our sizing guide to match capacity to your flock.
Why do the latches matter so much for predator-proofing?
Standard slide latches are easy for raccoons to open. The Ajustlock bolt latches and stainless steel hardware are specifically chosen to resist tampering and to hold up to weather without corroding or loosening over time.
Why does the run extend underneath the nesting boxes?
This underrun support prevents the nesting boxes from sagging and eliminates a structural gap at the base of the coop that ground predators could otherwise exploit.
Is this delivered assembled or as a kit?
It's a flat-packed assembly kit shipped via FedEx in three boxes, with pre-labeled components, pre-drilled pilot holes, and step-by-step instructional videos. No delivery coordination is needed.
Does it ship for free?
Yes, free via FedEx to addresses in the contiguous United States, with no handling fees or surprise surcharges.
Do I need to treat the wood after assembly?
Yes. The factory base coat isn't meant for long-term outdoor protection. Staining, painting, or lacquering after assembly significantly extends the coop's lifespan and helps prevent the warping that can compromise latches and seams.
What run options are available?
The Original Run, the 6-foot Walk-In Run, and the XL Walk-In Run, each offering different levels of coverage and stand-up access. Additional run extensions and hen houses are sold separately for further expansion.
What else can I do to predator-proof the setup after assembly?
Anchor the structure with ground stakes on each side, check all latches regularly, and consider the optional predator-proof kit for added security. In areas with bears or large predators, an electric perimeter fence is advisable — details are in our predator-proofing guide.
What accessories pair well with this coop?
A dedicated chicken waterer, a safe coop heater for winter warmth, and the predator-proof kit for added peace of mind.
