Mary Chicken House and Run Review

A compact and sustainable coop for small flocks

If you’re starting out with chickens or looking for a secure, low-maintenance home for a very small flock, the Mary Chicken House and Run from Home to Roost is a solid British-made option worth considering. Advertised as accommodating up to 4 hens, real-world use suggests it is best suited for just 1–2 standard hens or 2–3 bantams, especially if they have access to free-ranging. This compact coop and run kit combines ease of use with features that help simplify daily care, while keeping your birds comfortable, safe and sheltered year-round.

Realistic flock size and limitations

With inside coop dimensions of 550mm high, 870mm wide and 580mm deep, the Mary Chicken House and Run is realistically suitable for 2 standard hens or possibly 3 small hens or bantams if they have access to regular free-ranging. Although the manufacturer advertises it for 2–4 hens, multiple customer reviews highlight that it is too small for larger hybrids, especially when used with the included nesting box. The attached run, while helpful, is narrow and limited in space for full-time use.

That said, it is often praised as a broody coop or temporary housing for chicks and a mother hen. If used for these purposes or for a small flock with regular access to additional space, it performs well.

Built with British craftsmanship

One of the standout qualities of the Mary Chicken House and Run is its construction. It is made in the UK using sustainably sourced timber and crafted under a >98% Live Knot Grading Process. This helps ensure strength and durability in the wood. The unit is finished with TIMBAC® protective coating to provide resilience against the ever-changing British weather. This coating helps extend the life of the timber with minimal maintenance, which is a major plus for busy keepers.

Simple to set up and use

This starter kit has been thoughtfully designed with ease of use in mind. Assembly is straightforward, with pre-drilled parts and clear instructions. Most customers report completing the build within 30 to 60 minutes, often single-handedly. For those newer to chicken keeping, this is a welcome change from some flat-pack coops that arrive with unclear instructions or too many fiddly fixings.

Once in use, daily maintenance is also made simple. The coop features a pull-out tray system for easy waste collection. This keeps the cleaning process quick and hygienic. The insulated INSOFLUTE roof lifts up for easy access and temperature regulation. It allows you to reach inside without needing to crawl around or dismantle parts of the structure.

Keeps your hens sheltered in all seasons

The Mary Chicken House and Run has been designed with British weather in mind. The combination of insulated roof and TIMBAC®-treated timber offers good weatherproofing. It helps keep your hens warm in the winter and well-ventilated in summer. That said, while the insulation is a bonus, the small internal space can make heat build-up a concern in warmer weather. Shade or run covers are a good idea in sunny months.

Suitable for bantams and smaller breeds

This coop is particularly popular with keepers of bantams, silkies and other smaller breeds. Access ladders are designed with smaller birds in mind. The enclosed run offers safe outdoor time for hens without the risk of predator intrusion. For anyone keeping chickens in a more urban setting or with limited garden space, the compact footprint makes this a practical choice.

Security and predator protection

The Mary Chicken House and Run includes a built-in run with mesh panels that help protect your hens from common predators such as foxes and rats. While the timber frame is relatively lightweight, the secure mesh structure and lockable access points provide a reasonable level of safety. For those in rural areas or with persistent predators, reinforcing the base or using hardware cloth might add extra peace of mind.

Easy cleaning and egg collection

Maintenance is made simple with the pull-out tray beneath the roosting bars. This feature allows for quick waste removal without the need to open or dismantle the coop. It helps to maintain hygiene and reduce odours. The insulated INSOFLUTE roof opens fully, giving keepers excellent access to the inside of the coop. Whether you’re topping up bedding, checking on birds or collecting eggs, the hinged roof makes daily tasks far more convenient.

User feedback and practical experience

Verified customer feedback for the Mary Chicken House and Run is generally very positive, especially among those who understand its limitations. Many buyers praise its attractive appearance, ease of assembly and suitability for broody hens or small flocks. However, some do mention limitations that are worth noting:

• Nesting box size: Several reviews state that the nesting boxes are quite small. Some users choose to leave out the divider or not use the nesting box section at all for standard hens.
• Size limitations: Owners of larger hybrids mention that the space is a bit cramped, particularly if hens are housed full-time without additional run space.
• Material strength: A small number of users reported minor issues with screw length or roof durability. These appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Despite these points, overall satisfaction remains high. This is especially true for those using it as a temporary coop, broody house, or for bantams.

Peace of mind included

The Mary Chicken House and Run comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty. These features offer buyers some valuable reassurance. It also ships with tracking, so you’ll know exactly when it’s due to arrive. The brand’s customer service receives frequent praise, adding confidence in case you need post-purchase support.

Final verdict

The Mary Chicken House and Run is a well-designed, sustainable and attractive option for smaller flocks. It shines as a starter coop, a broody hen home, or a solution for keepers with limited outdoor space. While it may not suit large or full-time flocks of big hens, its features, build quality, and ease of use make it a great choice for beginners or those expanding their setup. Just be sure to match the coop to the right flock size, and consider giving your birds additional space to roam when possible.

For more information please visit the Home and Roost website.

For more help choosing the right coop, read our Advice on Housing Chickens guide.

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