My Gardening Journey

Which chicken coop is easiest to clean in UK conditions? Most keepers dread the deep clean. It usually means scraping droppings from damp wood and waiting for boards to dry. After replacing our homemade coop with the Nestera Penthouse, I was impressed. Nestera then sent me the Aspen. Here is how it performs, how it compares with the Eglu, and whether it earns its price.

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Nestera Aspen 6 Chicken Coop Quick Verdict (UK Review)

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Design and Build Quality of the Nestera Aspen Chicken Coop

The Aspen belongs to Nestera’s newer generation of plastic coops. Instead of timber, the walls and roof are formed from thick recycled plastic. This material does not rot. Nestera offers a long warranty as a result.

The Aspen has 7 mm sides but still feels robust. Our unit weighs about 30 kg. Its footprint is 109 cm by 61 cm and it stands 99 cm tall. Finished in anthracite with a sage green roof, the coop is 27 cm off the ground. It sits on plastic legs and provides a dry space underneath for feeders.

Improvements over older Nestera models

Nestera updated several details for the Aspen:

• Locking and ventilation: The rear panel now has a reinforced latch and a wider opening. Adjustable vents on the sidewalls allow you to fine tune airflow.
• Door integration: The main door can be upgraded with a Smart Auto Door. The aperture is pre cut. This makes fitting the motorised door straightforward.
• Interior layout: Two removable perches and two nest boxes are included. The nest box divider can be unclipped, and the perches slide out for cleaning.

Our experience matches the promotional material. The panel joints feel snug and there are very few crevices where muck or mites collect. Parts slot together with plastic pins. There was no noticeable smell after assembly.

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Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is where the Aspen excels and this is the feature I appreciate most. Nestera highlight that their plastic interiors are smooth and can be hosed down quickly. Our routine takes about ten minutes:

1. Unclip the rear fasteners and swing the back panel down. This gives full access to the perches and trays.
2. Slide out the droppings trays and tip bedding into the compost. The trays are lightweight and have no corners for muck to get trapped. I use droppings trays in my Nestera Penthouse and it makes cleaning much easier.
3. Hose off the trays and interior, let them drain for a minute, then replace them. Because the plastic does not absorb moisture it dries very quickly.

For comparison, we have also used wooden coops. One was bought from Amazon, the other was self built. Deep cleaning those involves prising apart joints and waiting hours for boards to dry. Nestera’s claim that the coops can be jet washed and left to dry quickly has been true for us. After months of use, our Aspen does not smell musty. There is no absorbent material for ammonia to soak into.

Mini checklist: cleaning routine

• Gloves
• Old bucket for bedding
• Hose or jet washer
• Fresh wood shavings
• Poultry safe disinfectant (if needed)

This simple kit lives by our back door. Having it ready means I actually follow through on the ten minute clean every week.

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Ventilation, Temperature and Weather Performance of the Nestera Aspen Chicken Coop

Ventilation is adjustable via slotted vents on either side of the Aspen. Some dark plastic coops can overheat in direct sun. In day to day use, we have found temperature inside stays close to ambient when vents are set correctly. ECOnourish report that Nestera’s own testing found internal temperature typically fluctuates only a couple of degrees above ambient.

The UK government’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Laying Hens offers clear guidance on environmental conditions. It recommends keeping house temperatures for adult layers between 17 and 25 °C and relative humidity in the 40 to 60 percent range. These measures help prevent stress and disease and are supported by the Aspen’s adjustable vents and insulating panels.

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Nestera Aspen Red Mite Resistance: Real World Results

Red mite is the scourge of many wooden coops. These tiny parasites hide in cracks and feed on hens at night. Nestera highlight that their coops have smooth interiors with limited joints, reducing hiding places. The ECOnourish reviewer chose Nestera specifically for its ability to keep red mite under control.

Why red mite matters: Red mites are a major concern for hen keepers. The British Hen Welfare Trust explains their impact. They hide in cracks and crevices by day, feeding on hens at night, and can cause serious welfare issues if not dealt with.

The UK Code of Practice warns that heavy infestations can cause anaemia, reduced egg production, and in extreme cases death. It advises keepers to set up a clear monitoring and treatment protocol. This is why prevention through coop design and routine cleaning matters so much.

In our own Nestera there have been no mites despite checking with a torch after dark. We credit this to three factors:

• Smooth surfaces: The recycled plastic panels meet with tight seals and no overlapping boards. There is very little for mites to shelter in.
• Quick cleaning: Because muck does not build up, there is less habitat for mites to colonise.
• Dry conditions: Plastic dries quickly so humidity levels stay lower, which discourages mites.

If a few mites ever appear, a hose and poultry safe disinfectant will remove them quickly. Nestera’s marketing notes that smooth plastic surfaces make full eradication far more achievable than on timber.

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Assembly and Daily Use of the Nestera Aspen Chicken Coop

The Aspen arrives flat packed and goes together using plastic pins. I assembled it alone in about 45 minutes, including unpacking. The pictorial instructions are straightforward, and you need minimal tools: a spanner or pliers and a screwdriver. Everything is reversible; if you move house you can take the coop apart again.

Daily use is simple. The main door slides up and down and can be latched shut at night. The nest box roof lifts for easy egg collection. The coop’s weight provides stability. You cannot drag it around the lawn, but that stability helps keep predators out.

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Value for Money and Alternatives

Warranty and longevity

Nestera’s recycled plastic coops carry a strong warranty. Their standard coops come with a 25 year guarantee. The Aspen range has a 10 year guarantee. Its expected lifespan is commonly quoted as around 25 years, which is far longer than most wooden coops. Compared to our old wooden house which needed repairing within a year, the difference is stark.

Aspen vs Penthouse vs Omlet Eglu

Below is a high level comparison of the Aspen 6, Penthouse (medium) and a mid sized Omlet Eglu option. Use it to match a coop to your flock and budget.

Feature	Nestera Aspen 6	Nestera Penthouse Medium	Omlet Eglu (mid size)
Capacity	4 to 6 large hens or 8 bantams (Aspen 10 can accommodate up to 10 chickens)	5 large fowl or 9 bantams	Varies by model (for example, Eglu Pro can house more than Cube)
Elevation	Ramp, raised 27 cm	Ladder, raised 45 cm	Raised plastic base with ladder; optional wheels
Cleaning	Rear panel and two trays slide out; hose down	Rear panel and roof remove; jet wash	Slide out trays and removable components; pressure wash friendly
Ventilation and insulation	Adjustable vents on each side	Adjustable and fixed vents; strong thermal insulation	Adjustable vents; insulated plastic shell
Warranty	10 year guarantee	25 year guarantee	10 year warranty (check current Omlet terms)
Price (approx.)	Mid range, typically cheaper than Penthouse	Higher due to size and elevation	Higher. Some packages can be in the £1,500 to £1,700 range depending on configuration
Pros	Quick cleaning; compact footprint; compatible with auto door	Raised height eases cleaning; excellent shelter; long warranty	Strong run ecosystem; automatic door options; family friendly accessories
Cons	Heavy to move; less headroom than Penthouse	Ladder can be tricky for heavy breeds; bigger footprint	Expensive; heavy; longer build time

If you are starting out and trying to decide on the right chickens for you, use our Chicken Selector Tool. You can also consult our guide on the Best Chickens for Beginners.

Value judgement of the Nestera Aspen Chicken Coop

If budget allows, the Aspen 6 sits in a sweet spot. It is more affordable than the Penthouse, yet it offers the same low maintenance design and recycled materials. Omlet’s Eglu Pro, by contrast, leans into a full system approach (coop, run, accessories) and can be configured for larger flocks. It also tends to be heavier, more expensive, and takes longer to assemble.

The Aspen feels sturdy and should last for years thanks to its recycled materials. The Penthouse commands a premium for its extra height and ladder entrance. It can be worth the extra cost if you struggle to bend down or you want a higher raised coop. Wooden coops are cheaper up front, but they need painting and repairs, and mite control can become a time sink.

FAQs: Nestera Aspen Coop

FAQs: Nestera Aspen Coop

Is the Aspen suitable for large breeds?

Yes. The Aspen 6 comfortably houses up to six large hens. If you keep very large breeds like Orpingtons or Brahmas, ensure generous perch space or consider the larger Aspen model.

Does the Aspen need extra insulation in winter?

Not usually. The recycled plastic shell insulates well, and in our experience the coop stays close to ambient. In prolonged freezes, add deeper dry bedding and reduce drafts while keeping vents unblocked.

How long does cleaning take?

Around 10 minutes. The rear panel unclips and the trays slide out, so you can hose, drain and re bed quickly. See product details: Nestera Aspen 6.

Can it be used with an automatic door?

Yes. The Aspen’s main door works with the Nestera Smart Auto Door.

Nestera Smart Auto Door

Is the coop fox proof?

The heavy recycled plastic and robust latches resist predators. For runs, choose options with anti dig skirting and secure anchoring. Example run option: Run for Aspen 6.

Answers based on daily use and manufacturer guidance. Always secure the run perimeter and review local predator risks. Updated: 28 Dec 2025

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Conclusion

For UK backyard keepers, the Nestera Aspen 6 is an excellent low maintenance coop. Its recycled plastic construction means you do not paint or patch rotten wood. The smooth surfaces make cleaning fast, and there is very little for red mites to hide in. The house stays comfortable in all seasons, and the 10 year guarantee reflects its durability. It is heavy and not designed to be moved regularly.

If you would rather spend ten minutes spraying out a coop than an hour scraping wood, this is a strong option. Measure your space, consider your birds’ size and mobility, then decide whether the Aspen’s low effort care suits you more than a raised Penthouse or a higher tech Eglu setup.

Ready to take the next step?

• Unsure what size coop you need? Try our Coop Size Calculator.
• Still deciding on which chickens to have in your back garden flock? Give our Chicken Breed Selector a try.
• If you are new to keeping chickens, here is our guide: Can I Keep Chickens in My Garden or Allotment?.
• Wondering what to feed chickens? Read: What to Feed Chickens.