Chickens come in all different shapes and sizes, and so do coops! Today, we will be talking about eight 4×4 chicken coop plans.
Do you have limited space? We’ve got you covered. A small yard or land should not stop you on your chicken-raising journey. These 4×4 chicken coops will be great for your little flock.
So, without further ado, let’s go ahead and explore your options.
4×4 Chicken Coops
As we have said, chicken coops come in all shapes and sizes. We will be grouping the chicken coops on this list based on their roof shape.
This grouping is to organize this list. Also, to emphasize the importance of choosing the right kind of roof.
Often, when thinking of building structures such as a coop, the roof is considered one of the last concerns. Sometimes, it becomes a toss-up between what style would look good. As you will see in a bit, it should be one of your first concerns. It is not just a matter of aesthetics.
Gable Roof Coops
Maybe you’re not aware of its name, but you already know this roof. If you ever drew houses as a kid, you have probably drawn a gable roof before. As you might have guessed, it’s the roof style that forms a triangle shape at the front.
It’s a simple design but undoubtedly charming.
Advantages of a Gable Roof for Coops
Looks are not all this kind of roof has to offer.
- It is also a good choice for hot places. This type of roof allows for better ventilation. It will lessen your worries when it comes to heat stress.
- It is also great for rain or snow. This type of roof doesn’t allow things to pile on it. You can expect fewer leaks with this roof, and it won’t easily crumble due to excessive weight on top. Overall, fewer repairs!
- Lastly, it’s a great choice if you’re not that great with DIYs. It’s easy to make and install.
DIY Functional Chicken Coop
Building your own chicken coop is an awesome project! With the right materials and tools, you’ll create a sturdy, weather-resistant home for your chickens. From cutting plywood to adding a custom roof, you can make the coop exactly how you want. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to tackle, even if you’re a beginner. Your chickens will thank you for it!
A Cozy, Well-Thought-Out Coop
This chicken coop is designed for four heavy egg layers, built to withstand the cold winters of the Pacific Northwest without extra heating. Made with cedar and insulated walls, it keeps the chickens warm while being easy to clean with a removable roof.
The construction has a few custom changes, but stays true to the original plan. Small details, like the top-hinged nesting box and added roof overhangs for rain protection, make it a great home for chickens.
Budget Friendly Chicken Coop
This plan involved basic carpentry skills and tools like a table saw, making it accessible for beginners. After constructing the structure and adding windows, a bi-fold door, and some paint, the coop was ready. The run was a bit tricky to install but turned out functional, completing the entire
Homemade Chicken Coop
Building a chicken coop doesn’t need to be complicated. With basic tools and a little creativity, this DIY project turned out great! The structure isn’t perfect, but it works. Starting with reclaimed wood, the process involved framing, adding a roof, windows, and doors, followed by sealing and painting. The final result includes nesting boxes and a ramp for the chickens to use. This project proves you don’t need fancy skills or tools to get things done!
Pink Chicken Coop
This DIY chicken coop is a fantastic example of building something practical without breaking the bank. Using mostly free materials, the builder put together a solid, functional coop with thoughtful details like ventilation, a large door for cleaning, and a small chicken door. The roof is well-constructed, and the pink paint adds a fun, personal touch. It’s a straightforward project for anyone on a budget who wants a reliable and low-cost solution for keeping chickens.
Simple Pallet Chicken Coop
Old pallets were transformed into a practical chicken coop with the help of family. The process was kept simple: pallets were disassembled, walls were built, and reclaimed wood was used for a rustic roof and siding. The project didn’t require complex tools, just patience and basic supplies, making it a doable DIY project for anyone.
Automated Chicken Coop (with Drawer)
If you’ve ever thought about getting chickens but were worried about the cost and effort involved, this upcycled coop could change the game. The design is customizable for different breeds and sizes of chickens, with a focus on smart, sustainable features like an automated watering system and moisture-reducing ventilation. Perfect for beginners looking for an easy and affordable way to raise chickens.
DIY From Dog House to Chicken Coop (Under $20)
This DIY project shows how a couple converted an old dog house into a functional, elevated chicken coop for less than $20. By using basic materials like plywood, wood screws, and 2x4s, they crafted a solid structure that offers plenty of room for 2-3 chickens. The process was simple and hands-on, with the added bonus of repurposing unused materials. A perfect example of low-cost, eco-friendly upcycling!
Outdoor Chicken Coop
This DIY guide shows how to build a small chicken coop using recycled materials like wood, chicken wire, and old fence posts. With tools like a saw, drill, and sledgehammer, you’ll create a sturdy structure step-by-step—complete with a door, roof, and even a ramp. Ideal for backyard farming, it’s a great project for anyone looking to go green while housing their chickens.
The Standard 4×4 Coop
If you only want a 4×4 coop, then this one is for you. It is a simple structure, but it will do what you want it to do. It will shelter your chickens.
Here are some of its best features:
- Elevated– A good solution for problems such as flooding. It will also prevent your chickens from being snowed in and the inevitable snowmelt. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about underground predators!
- Space – This coop allows the chickens to use the space below. With chickens, more room is always good news. Also, the fencing below is a great touch to let the chickens explore that area safely.
- Flexibility– This coop has a simple structure that allows for customization and modification. If you ever decide to add something, it would be easy to add parts to this coop.
Here are some things you might want to consider with this coop:
- If you are taking care of egg-laying breeds, adding a nesting box to this coop might be a good idea.
- You might want to make a larger door to prevent accidentally scratching yourself. On the other hand, you can sand down the edges to avoid hurting yourself when reaching inside the coop.
The Modified Standard 4×4 Coop
If you’re looking for a simple coop that has the necessities, then our second coop is for you. It’s a great place to start if you’re not yet sure what exactly it is that you want. It’s simple, but it has all the additions that would make your chicken-raising journey easier.
Here are some of its best features:
- Elevated– Again, an elevated coop is good for several things. In addition to the ones stated above, it is also good if you usually have predators flying around. Your chickens can use the space below as a shelter against those kinds of predators.
- Big Door– One drawback for little coops is that sometimes you need to clean them more often. The big door will allow general coop cleaning to be a breeze.
- Nesting Box– Your chickens don’t need a nesting box to lay their eggs. They could just lay their eggs where and when they want. If you’re okay with that, then you could do without a nesting box, but it’s always a nice thing to have if you want some eggs and a clean coop and run.
Here are some things you might want to consider with this coop:
- You might want to fence the area below so your chickens could use that area safely.
- You could put some cement on the legs of your coop instead of burying them. This way, you can move it with ease if you need to.
4×4 Coop with a Run
As you might have seen with the first coop, it is connected to the run. You could say that our third coop is a combination of the first two coops. If you want a simple coop that is near your run, then this would be for you.
Here are some of its best features:
- Elevated– Not all coops need to be above the ground. Usually, it is just a good feature for chicken coops. In addition to those stated above, the space below is also great for storage space.
- Big Door– Again, not all 4×4 coops need a big door, but it is always nice to have. It makes cleaning and repairs easier.
- Nesting Box – Having a nesting box is ideal so you could easily collect the eggs of your hens.
- Run– What better else to add to a mini-coop but a mini-run? This whole structure already has all the basic things you would need for your chickens.
Here are some things you might want to consider with this coop:
- Extending the run beneath the coop. You can do this by fencing the area below it.
- If you plan on expanding one day, you might want to reconsider connecting the run to the coop.
The Pretty 4×4 Coop
If you’re looking for something a little more charming, then our fourth coop is for you. This coop looks and acts the part. It gives off a cozy vibe, and it also provides the chickens with a snug home.
Here are some of its best features:
- Aesthetics– Practicality and efficiency are top priorities, of course. However, who would say no to pretty things if you could also have them?
- Elevated– We’ve been saying that big doors help with cleaning. An elevated coop is also good to have when it comes to cleaning! For one, you won’t have to do much bending.
- Windows– The windows would provide better ventilation. It won’t be so stuffy inside.
- Nesting Box– Again, it makes egg collection simple and easy.
Here is something you might want to consider with this coop:
- This coop has many openings. Make sure you get sturdy materials. Keep the predators out!
Shed Roof Coops
Our next set of coops have a shed roof. This type of roof is not as common as gable roofs, but it is still quite known. It is like half of a gable roof. You could say it is like a right triangle, except it is not always as steep.
Advantages of a Shed Roof for Coops
- Because of its shape, rain or snow doesn’t pile up on this roof either.
- There are DIY projects for chicken coops that use solar panels (e.g., automatic coop doors). This type of roof is ideal if you’re looking forward to those kinds of projects.
- The shed-style roof is a good choice if you’re trying to save space. Because of its shape, this structure could be placed by a corner.
4×4 Coop with a Run 2.0
As you might have already guessed, this coop is similar to our third coop. This coop is best if your flock is mostly bantams.
Here are some of its best features:
- Elevated – With the structure of this coop, the space below would be great for storage.
- Run– It’s always nice to have your chicken places near each other. With this one, the coop and run turn into one structure!
- Extra Floor– If you need more space, why not go up instead of sideways? Just make sure your chickens can still roost!
Here are some things you might want to consider with this coop:
- You might want to extend the run below the coop. You can do this by fencing the area below it. No use in wasting space!
- You might want to skip the run if you have somewhere else to create a larger one. Bigger spaces are great for chickens, after all.
4×4 Chicken Coop Considerations
It is important to note that a 4×4 coop is not for everyone. It could only house around four to six chickens.
Don’t overcrowd your coop. Chickens need their space, and they could get stressed if they don’t get enough room.
A stressed chicken poses many problems, from something as simple as noise to something more serious, like death.
It is ideal to allow your chickens to go out often if you have limited room in the coop.
Summary
There you have it, eight easy 4×4 chicken coop plans!
Space is one of the limiting factors some face when getting into chicken raising. It doesn’t have to be! Even with a small yard or land, you can now start raising your very own chickens.
Today, we have also shown you that you don’t have to settle for just whatever would fit. You can still choose and customize a coop that will answer your needs.
Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.
