Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance have welcomed chickens to their Washington D.C. residence with the installation of a custom-designed, Victorian-style chicken coop. Carolina Coops, a North Carolina-based company specializing in handcrafted coops, donated and built the structure, valued at approximately $120,000. The project was completed in June under a tight deadline, with the construction team working in challenging weather conditions.
Usha Vance described the family's experience with the new coop as enjoyable, noting that their children have particularly taken to caring for the chickens. "Our family has loved having a chicken coop on the property," she stated. "Our children have especially enjoyed caring for the chickens as part of their daily routine. The beautifully designed coop fits seamlessly with the Naval Observatory and makes looking after the chickens so easy."
The custom coop's design was inspired by the architecture of the Vice President's residence, incorporating a turret feature that complements the historic building. Matt DuBoise, founder and CEO of Carolina Coops, recounted the design process, explaining that the team aimed to create a structure that harmonized with its surroundings.
DuBoise also noted the Vances' genuine interest in raising chickens. "The second family is into it. They didn't just get chickens to be hip," he said, adding that the Vice President asked numerous questions about chicken care. The Vance children have been involved in painting books on bricks for the coop as part of an initiative related to childhood literacy, with Usha Vance mentioning that her children enjoy reading to the chickens.
Carolina Coops has observed a significant increase in interest in backyard chickens and homesteading, a trend that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the American Pet Products Association, the number of U.S. households keeping chickens nearly doubled from 5.8 million in 2018 to an estimated 11 million in 2025. DuBoise attributes this growth to a broader societal "awakening" regarding food sources and a desire for healthier, home-grown options.
DuBoise emphasized the benefits of backyard chickens, including the health advantages of fresh eggs and the educational opportunities for children. He also highlighted that modern coop designs can accommodate owners' travel needs. Carolina Coops has also engaged in community outreach, recently donating a coop to a school in Harlem.