Building Your Own Chicken Coop: The Perfect Nest for Happy Hens!
Welcome to the wonderful world of backyard chicken keeping! If you're considering starting your own flock, one of the most delightful aspects is building your very own chicken coop. Not only does it bring out your inner DIY enthusiast, but it also offers a range of benefits that will have you clucking with joy. Let's explore the many advantages of building your own chicken coop, get ready to embark on an egg-citing adventure!
1. Customization: A Coop as Unique as Your Flock:
When you build your own chicken coop, you have the freedom to customize it to your heart's content. From the size and shape to the layout and design, the possibilities are endless. A custom chicken coop, personalized poultry paradise, or unique backyard hen house are all doable! Let your creativity soar as you create a one-of-a-kind home for your feathered companions.
2. Cost Savings: Keeping Your Wallet Happy:
Another feather in the cap of building your own chicken coop is the cost savings. By sourcing materials wisely and repurposing items you may already have, you can create a budget-friendly coop without compromising on quality.
3. Bonding and Learning: A DIY Adventure with Feathers:
Building your own chicken coop is not just about the end result; it's also about the journey. It's a great bonding experience - why not challenge yourself with a fun DIY chicken coop project? You'll be building memories and gaining skills and knowledge.
4. Quality and Comfort: A Cozy Home for Happy Hens:
When you build your own chicken coop, you have control over the quality of materials used, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for your feathered friends. We all want happy and healthy chickens with a comfortable coop design that's just right for your needs and space.
5. Sustainability and Green Living: Doing Good for the Earth:
Backyard chickens are a green living must - but what about the coop? Choose a sustainable coop that is environmentally friendly from the start by using local or reclaimed materials. Also, building local means less shipping waste! If you are committed to a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle, building your own coop is a must.
Building your own chicken coop is an egg-cellent choice. With customization options, cost savings, bonding experiences, quality construction, and eco-friendly practices, a DIY coop is a nest like no other. So grab your tools, unleash your creativity, and embark on a cluck-tastic adventure of building a chicken coop that will have your hens chirping with delight.
We've complied two dozen amazing chicken coop plans to get you started.
Happy coop building!
1. Simple Shed Roof Coop
Image Credit: Ana White Reader Submitted Photo
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Hammer, Safety Glasses, Circular Saw, Miter Saw, Jigsaw, Drill, Brad Nailer, Pocket Hole Jig, Drill Bits |
| Materials: | 2x4s, Plywood, t1-11 Siding, 1x Trim, 1x12, Roofing, Hardware and Shed Windows |
This shed style coop includes windows, a door and a nesting box! The shed roof design allows ample head room to walk in collect eggs, and clean! A chicken run is added out the side for more room to roam.
2. Narrow Modern Chicken Coop from One Sheet of Tin Roofing
Image Credit: Ana White Plans
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape measure, Pocket Hole Jig, Miter Saw, Circular Saw, Drill, Staple Gun |
| Materials: | 2x4s, 2x2s, Metal Roofing Panel, Plywood, Cedar Fence Pickets, Door Hinges, Pocket Hole Screws, Self Tapping Screws, Staples, Chicken Wire |
Designed for small modern outdoor spaces, this narrow and stylish chicken coop holds 2-4 chickens and includes a run, nesting box, and easy clean out. The top tin panel fits without cutting. Free plans from Ana-White.com
3. A Frame Chicken Coop - Updated
Image Credit: Fruit of Refuge
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape measure, square, drill, circular saw, miter saw, drill bits |
| Materials: | 2x4s, 2x6, Cedar Fence Pikcets, t1-11 siding panels, hinges, chicken wire, staples, self tapping screws, 1x trim boards |
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4. Simple Chicken Coop Run
Image Credit: Whitney Build via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Circular Saw, Tape measure, Pocket Hole Jig, Drill, Staple Gun |
| Materials: | 2x4s, 2x6, Chicken Wire, Staples, Pocket Hole Screws, Hinges |
If you don't have the option to let the hens free range, a run is a great option! Give the girls more space, and add a run to any coop, easily and affordably. This plan is beginner friendly and easy to modify for any size!
5. Small Chicken Coop with Planter and Run
Image Credit: Lady Goats via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, square, hammer, pocket hole jig, circular saw, jigsaw, miter saw, brad nailer, stapler, sander |
| Materials: | 4x4, 2x4, 2x8. 2x4, 2x2, 3/4" plyoowd, 1x3, chicken wire, exterior hinges and latches, roofing, roofing nails |
A coop that is compact and cute, but still functional! This coop design includes a clean out tray and nesting box. We added even more function with the garden box! Plant some fresh greens for your girls to snack on.
6. Single Nesting Box
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, square, drill, circular saw, sander, drill bit set |
| Materials: | 1x12, cedar fence pickets, 1x2, exterior screws |
The hens need a place to lay, build a nesting box and enjoy fresh eggs! This is a great plan if you just have a run.
I modified the original plan because when I built my nesting box, I was pulling from my scraps. You can do the same, but if you are buying new boards, I wanted to minimize the number of new boards. This is an easy plan to modifify and make longer or add a divider.
7. Countertop Fresh Egg Storage
Image Credit: Ana White Plan
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, square, drill, circular saw, drill bits |
| Materials: | 1x6 or 1x4, self tapping screws |
Where to store all those eggs? Build one or multiple egg storage stands. This countertop storage option is a beautiful way to display and store farm fresh eggs! An easy DIY project, that includes plans for a taller narrower version too.
8. Chick Brooding Cabinet
Image Credit: Ana White Plan
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, square, pocket hole jig, drill, circular saw, jigsaw, sander, staple gun |
| Materials: | 3/4" plywood, 1x2, 1x3, 2x2, 1x8, hardware clot, hinges, staples, knobs and latches, pocket hole screws, brad nails |
Chicks need a nice place to develop, stay warm and grow! I designed this little brooding cabinet for easy clean up and access to the chicks. Use it for other furry friends when the chicks grow out of it!
9. Chicken Coop with Fold Down Door from Home Depot
Image Credit: Home Depot
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Miter saw, drill, jigsaw, pocket hole jig, clamps, speed square, tape measure, level |
| Materials: | Plywood, 1x2, 1x4, 2x2, 2x4, exteiror screws, bolts, hooks and eyes, tee hinges, metal roofing panel, soffit bents, pavers, paint |
This small chicken coop will work well for 3-4 chickens. We love the door folds down to make the chicken ladder.
You will need to add some elements to keep the free ranging chickens safe from predators.
10. Large Barn Style Chicken Coop
Image Credit: The Creative Mom
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Miter saw, drill, staple gun, jigsaw, circular saw or table saw to cut plywood, tape measure, eye glasses |
| Materials: | 4x4, 2x4, tin roofing, t1-11 siding, screws, hinges, 1x trim, plywood, hardwre |
This is a large chicken coop that can hold up to 18 chickens! It has a convenient drop down side, so you can easily clean it.
11. Custom Chicken Coop
Image Credit: HGTV
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tools Needed |
| Materials: | 2x4, hardware cloth, siding, roofing panels, plywood, square dowel, 1x4, 1x2, lattice moulding, hardware and fasteners |
An HGTV plan this custom coop is super cute and with the little window planter box and modern style. The run is incorporated right into the design, also the exterior hatch allows for easy retrieval of eggs!
12. Small Coop with Farmhouse Charm
Image Credit: The Inspired Workshop
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, staple gun, drill, circular saw, pocket hole jig, miter saw, |
| Materials: | 2x4, 2x2, 1x4, Cedar fence pickets, roofing panels, fasteners, hardware cloth, hinges, latches, roof brackets |
We love this beautiful chicken coop!
As chicken owners things are always changing. From the time they are chicks, to ending up with a rooster or 2... Sometimes you have to be flexible about housing. This small coop can be that, at every stage, for your flock!
13. Large Chicken Coop with Run
Image Credit: The Inspired Workshop
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape measure, drill, miter saw, circular saw, pocket hole jig, paint sprayer, staple gun |
| Materials: | 2x4, 1/2" plywood, roofing panels, roofing ridge cap, 1x6, 1x2, 1x4, roofing screws, exterior construction screws, pocket hole screws, brad nails, simpson strong tie roof brackets, hardware cloth, paint, hinges and latches |
Perfect for a larger yard and oh so pretty! Another fantastic plan by The Inspired Workshop! I adore the split door and shutters to add the right amount of charm. This is everything you need in one fell swoop!
14. Modern Coop
Image Credit: Rogue Engineer
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Drill, miter saw, circular saw, jig saw, brad nailer, hammer, coil nailer, tin snips, stapler, safety glasses |
| Materials: | 2x6, 2x2, 2x4, 1x8, OSB, fence brackets, angle brackets, connector brackets, roofing staples, drip edge, roofing felt, roofing, siding, exterior hinges, hardware cloth, wood screws, connector nails, connector screws |
Wow, this is one stylish coop! The covered run is ideal for raining or snowy areas, while having the enclosure for sleeping and laying. The modern clean lines on this chicken coop will look great in any yard!
15. Chicken Condo
Image Credit: Jessie Thomas Designs
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape measure, square, circular saw, drill, ladder |
| Materials: | 2x4, cedar tongue and groove boards, hardware cloth, plywood, fasteners and hardware, paint and stain, roofing |
Who else loves the idea of a "chicken condo"?! Such a stellar design for a side yard and it looks beautiful too!
16. Low Profile Chicken Coop
Image Credit: The Carpenter's Daughter
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Miter saw, tape measure, square, nail gun, drill, drill bits, tape measure, hand saw, utility knife, router, flush trim router bit, clamps, safety, hammer |
| Materials: | Framing Lumber, tongue and groove siding, plywood, wood screws, roofing felt, knob, hinges, handle, panel pins, nails, hardware cloth, staples |
This sloped coop design works well for a few chickens. Keep in mind not all chickens are the same. Some are smaller in size, so something like this may be ideal for your set up. Another benefit is that it can be moved around the yard.
17. Quick Meat Chicken Enclosure
Image Credit: Scott Family Homestead
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape measure, circular saw, drill, stapler |
| Materials: | Hardware cloth, staples, screws, 1x4, 2x2, 1x3, plywood |
For meat chickens that are not a permanent fixture in the yard, this set up is genius. It is light enough to move around to fresh grass as needed and provides some shade and shelter for changing weather.
18. Brooder Box
Image Credit: Green Willow Homestead
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Circular saw, drill, tape measure, staple gun, safety glasses |
| Materials: | 5/8" plywood, deck screws, 2x4, hinges and hasps, hardware cloth, staples |
Broody hens need a place of their own for a while while they sit. This simple plan is a great addition for your set up if you plan to hatch baby chicks!
19. Insulated Chicken Coop
Image Credit: How to Specialist
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | tape measure, square, drill, handsaw, nailer, stapler, circular saw |
| Materials: | 2x4, plywood, exterior screws, foam insulation, nails, 1" wood dowel trim, tongue and groove siding, chicken wire, staples |
Can chickens survive in cold climates? YES! It might mean that some extra work may be involved in building a coop. Check out this insulated coop and be sure to research for your region for what is needed to keep your flock safe and warm.
20. Pretty Coop with Steps and Shingles
Image Credit: Joiner & Design Co
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, miter saw, circular saw, drill, framing nailer, staple gun, brad nailer |
| Materials: | 4x4, 2x3, 1/2" plywood, nails, glue, roofing, trim, hardware cloth, hinges and clasps, staples |
A huge part of having chickens is enjoying them. Having a gorgeous coop will make your visits with the girls even better!
21. Medium Farmhouse Coop with Run
Image Credit: Lehman Lane
| Skill Level: | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, miter saw, circular saw, jigsaw, drill, framing nailer, stapler, tin snips |
| Materials: | 2x4s, Framing Nails, OSB, t1-11 siding, hardware cloth, handles, hinges, screws, nails, shed windows, roofing, 1x trim, paint |
Sized for 6-8 chickens, If you're looking for a medium sized plan for a farmhouse style coop, this is it.
22. Barn Style Coop with Storage
Image Credit: Woodshop Mike
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, circular saw, router, drill, pocket hole jig |
| Materials: | 2x4, 4x4, plywood, shingles, hinges, door latch, hardware cloth, fasteners, paint |
A beautiful, classic barn style chicken coop with tons of room - 10 feet tall, 14 feet wide and 6 feet deep! With five nesting boxes, a dutch door and storage, this one has it all!
23. Ultimate Chicken Coop
Image Credit: Twelve on Main
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape measure, saw, drill, framing nailer, stapler |
| Materials: | 2x4, plywood, tongue and groove, 1x trim boards and flooring, roofing, fasteners and hardware, chicken wire/hardware cloth, |
This large, walk in coop features a huge run. If you are committed to chickens and want the ultimate long term solution, this is a must check out plan.
