VP Vance Installs Custom Chicken Coop at Naval Observatory

A custom chicken coop now sits at the Naval Observatory, where Vice President JD Vance and his family will raise chickens as part of their daily routine.

The coop was designed to blend seamlessly with the historic residence's architecture, respecting the heritage of the 19th-century site. A spokesperson confirmed Vance will personally care for the chickens, and his children have already named the newly arrived chicks.

The project cost taxpayers nothing. Carolina Coops, a family-owned American business, crafted the structure as a donation to the vice president's residence.

Matt DuBoise founded Carolina Coops with his wife Gnon in 2008, starting with a simple quest for fresh eggs. Eighteen years later, their handcrafted coops are recognized globally for quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

"Seeing our work become part of a historic residence like the Naval Observatory is a milestone I will never forget," DuBoise told Fox News Digital. "As a small business owner, this is a true 'American dream' moment for me and my family."

The addition feels especially fitting given Vance's previous jokes about the sheer number of eggs his children eat for breakfast each morning. The chickens will provide fresh eggs while teaching valuable lessons about responsibility and where food comes from.

The Ripple Effect

The Naval Observatory coop mirrors a nationwide trend toward sustainable living and self-sufficiency. Roughly 11 million American households now keep backyard chickens, according to a 2025 study by the American Pet Products Association.

The coop debuted at the annual "Camp VPR" event, where local 4-H students partnered with the USDA visit the residence. Young visitors got to see firsthand how even leaders can embrace simple, sustainable practices.

Carolina Coops builds walk-in, predator-proof structures featuring a deep litter system that can go a year or more without cleaning. The design makes chicken-keeping accessible even for busy families.

From a small family business to the vice president's backyard, this story shows how American craftsmanship and sustainable values are finding homes in unexpected places.