If you are researching chicken housing for the first time, one of the first questions you will come across is whether to go wooden or plastic. 

It is one of the most debated topics in the poultry keeping world — and both sides have their passionate advocates. So which is actually better? Here is our honest assessment.

The case for wooden housing

Timber has been used for poultry housing for centuries — and for good reason. A well-built wooden hen house is naturally breathable, which means moisture and ammonia can escape rather than building up inside. This matters enormously for the health of your birds. Poor ventilation is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease in garden chickens. Industry experts consistently note that more chickens die from poorly ventilated houses than from draughts — and timber's natural breathability goes a long way toward preventing this.

Advantages of wooden housing

Naturally breathable — prevents moisture and ammonia build-up

Better temperature regulation — timber insulates well, keeping birds warmer in winter and cooler in summer

Eco-friendly and sustainable — FSC-approved timber is a natural, renewable material

Bespoke sizes available — can be built to any specification for any flock size

Aesthetically beautiful — a well-crafted wooden house is a genuine feature in any garden

Longer lifespan when properly maintained — a quality wooden house will last 15-20 years or more

Disadvantages of wooden housing

Requires annual treatment with a pet-safe timber preservative

Porous surfaces need regular cleaning to prevent bacteria build-up

Red mite can harbour in crevices — though this is manageable with a good cleaning routine

The case for plastic housing

Plastic housing has grown in popularity over the last decade, largely driven by marketing around red mite resistance and ease of cleaning. There is some truth to both claims — smooth plastic surfaces are undeniably easier to wipe down and offer fewer hiding places for mites. 

Advantages of plastic housing

Easy to clean — smooth surfaces wipe down quickly

Dries quickly after cleaning

Lower maintenance — no annual treatment required

Can be lighter and easier to move

Disadvantages of plastic housing

Poor ventilation — plastic does not breathe, which can lead to condensation and moisture build-up inside

Temperature extremes — plastic can become very cold in winter and very hot in summer 

Limited size options — plastic houses are rarely available in larger sizes, making them unsuitable for bigger flocks 

Environmental impact — plastic production carries a significant environmental cost

Less durable long term — plastic can become brittle and crack over time, particularly in UV exposure

What about red mite?

Red mite is one of the most common concerns for chicken keepers and is often cited as a reason to choose plastic over wood. The truth is that red mite can appear in any type of housing regardless of material. The real key is the keeper and the cleaning routine — not the material the house is made from.

Regular cleaning, Diatomaceous Earth in perch sockets and nest boxes, and treating the house annually with a purpose-made poultry mite product will control red mite effectively in a wooden house. A poorly maintained plastic house is no more mite-free than a well-maintained wooden one.

We are, of course, a wooden house manufacturer — so take our view with that in mind. But the reason we build in timber is because we genuinely believe it is the superior material for poultry housing. Timber breathes, insulates, lasts and looks beautiful. A well-built, properly maintained wooden house will serve your flock for many years and is, in our view, the right choice for the vast majority of keepers.