Though, there are several designs for building a hen house, the basic design aspect remain the same. The different designs of hen houses are influenced by two schools of thought. The first one says that hens do not like confined places, that are shady with poor ventilation. While, the other states that hens cannot tolerate the outdoor conditions. Extreme weather conditions make them feel sick.

Backyard Coop
This design is mostly popular in rural areas. It consists of a small chicken coop that is mobile and surrounded with fences. It is a form of a yard, where the hens are allowed to roam freely. The hens can peck and hunt insects within the confinement of the coop. The open structure facilitates proper ventilation and the hens do not feel confined inside it. This is the design that is closest to their natural habitat.