WHY OUR HUTS?
Beautiful to Behold
There are so many different types of chicken huts available; ones that look like garden sheds on stilts, ones that place functionality above athestics (to put it kindly), and ones that although once loved, are now rotting, peeling and falling apart.
Our challenge was to design a hut that would not only look good enough to become a picture perfect part of a beautiful garden, but that also was a decent size for a growing flock, had incredible functionality, longevity and was mindful of sustainability.
The Shepherd Hut Hen House was designed by a long time chicken keeper and designer Emma in collaboration with her husband Steve who just happens to be a Shepherd's Hut Master Craftsman. Bringing together aesthetics, functionality and performance they designed the Shepherd Hut Hen Hut.
​
The traditional Shepherd Hut design incorporates solid steel wheels, routered plastic board (for a traditional look), and a galvanised curved correguated metal roof with black plastisol covering for longevity. Whilst the materials used are mite resistant, easy to clean and incorporate some clever ideas to improve the efficiency and ease of owning chickens.
​
The whole hut is on solid steel wheels so it can easily be manouvered into position as and when is needed, and the fact that it is raised reduces the places rodents can hide, and the chew resistant plastic prevents them accessing the hut.
Our uniquely designed Eggtopia Nest Box is reversible and so can be fitted by us for outside egg collection, or can be fitted internally for a sleeker outside look and inside egg collection.
​
Our nest box incorporates features such as rollaway egg collection, to prevent broody hens and pecked or dirty eggs, and a lift up and down bar to prevent overnight soiling of nest boxes should this be an issue in your flock. We also have introduced the innovative 'community nest box' to reduce overcrowding and encourage efficient egg laying.
​
Our 'swing perch system' is a clever solution to allow easy cleaning of the hut.
​
Our designs are based upon years of experience, our own, and that of chicken keepers around the world who we have met online in forums and discussion groups, whose knowledge and passion for their chickens has aided us in creating the perfect hut.
Built to Last
Our intelligently designed chassis and main structure uses thick gauge steel to ensure a build quality second to none. The frame is then powder coated in your choice of beautiful colours, which not only look great, but extends the life time expectancy, for a hut that will last.
The roof structure is created from traditional curved galvanised corrugated steel, with a black plastisol covering, which not only gives protection from the elements but also a beautiful finish.
We use 100% recycled plastic boarding which is given a traditional feel with routered grooves.
​
The solid steel wheels mean the whole hut is manoeuvrable and can be easily repositioned as and when needed.
Red Mite Resistant
Red mites are an ever increasing problem for chickens and humans alike, and with warmer UK weather set to give them a significant advantage as they thrive in warm, humid conditions. They can easily kill chickens, and although they don’t live on humans, they can cause a range of skin conditions, so mitigating them is essential.
​
They can be a tricky problem to deal with as they live in your coop in the daytime in cracks and crevices, and feed off the blood of your chickens at night. If you have red mites you may notice a drop in egg production, a pale comb and wattles or anaemia on the chicken that sadly can lead to the chickens death.
​
All types of chicken coops can get red mite, however wooden coops tend to suffer from infestations the most, as mites love moist wooden surfaces, and there are hundreds of places to hide.
​
Using plastic and metal instead of wood, we have not only minimised the places mites can hide, but our hut can be washed with a hose or jet wash countless times with no ill effects and it dries in minutes. Plastic huts also do not need to be treated with insecticides like wooden coops.
​
Our huts can also be completely disassembled in under 20 minutes and every component can be pressure washed if you so wished (although this would not normally be necessary), ensuring you completely remove any trace of the mites.
​
No company can claim to completely remove the threat of mites, but we have taken huge strides to prevent and effectively deal with them.
No Assembly Required
Most of our competitors deliver wooden or plastic hen houses that come in multiple boxes, with long sets of instructions, and which need quite the range of tools in order to construct, not to mention the skill and time!
Just check the reviews to find construction times of 2-3 days for some of the most well know plastic chicken houses. We don’t believe in providing you with half of a service.
The Shepherd Hut Hen House come completely assembled, and ready to roll. They are light enough to be rolled into position, and can be ready for your happy hens almost immediately.
Each hut can be pre-fitted with an automatic door opener, and our own uniquely designed Eggtopia Nest Box Elite. Your bespoke and fully assembled hut is only a click away!
Sustainability
Our huts are built to last thanks to the use of high-quality recyclable steel, aluminium and 100% recycled plastic boarding and are designed with the environment in mind.
Steel is one of the most sustainable materials, not only environmentally conscious but economically strategic in its inherent longevity and durability, being highly recyclable without losing its strength or quality, more steel is recycled each year than aluminum, paper, glass and plastic combined.
​
Aluminium is one of the most recycled and recyclable materials in the world today as an example every year around 9.5 billion aluminium drink cans are produced in the UK, 75% of which are recycled.
The 100% recycled boarding is chew resistant and non-toxic, it is rot proof, waterproof, won't dent and won't become brittle or fade when exposed to sunlight, in fact it absorbs UV rays and can act as an insulator. It is maintenance free and can be washed down repeatedly with no adverse effects. It is recyclable after use and is made from high quality recycled products such as plastic bottles, carrier bags, film and packaging, discarded material that would otherwise be sent to landfill or export.
We pride ourselves on providing a sustainable product with incredible longevity, and one of the most environmentally friendly chicken huts on the market.
Easy to Clean
Our Shepherd Hut Hen House has been designed with simple and easy cleaning at the top of the list.
Each hut comes with our unique ‘swing perch system’ meaning the whole of the floor space can be accessed easily and quickly.
​
The side entry door is large enough to simply sweep out the soiled bedding, and you could even climb in to access if you wished! There is no lip over the threshold making cleaning effortless.
The hut can also be completely disassembled in under 20 minutes with less than 20 screws and bolts, and every component pressure washed if you so wished (although this is not normally necessary).
The floor is made from smooth, waterproof, easy to clean, rot free 100% recycled plastic ensuring great hygiene and longevity.
In fact all of the structure is waterproof which means you can jet wash it easily if required, and it dries in minutes.
We believe this is the easiest hut in the market to clean!
Two Year Warranty
Our warranty provides you with peace of mind. Your hut is covered from the day it reaches you, and you never need to do a thing to receive the cover, we have your back.
​
If in the unlikely event you have an issue, email us with the details and photos which help us to identify the issue and propose a resolution. This way we can ensure you have happy hens again as quickly as possible.
​
Take a look at our Terms and Conditions for all the details.
​
​