8 Easy 4×4 Chicken Coop Plans to DIY Over the Weekend

Chickens come in all different shapes and sizes, and so do coops! Today, we will be talking about 8 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 put some order on this list. Also, to emphasize the importance of choosing the right kind of roof.

When thinking of building structures such as a coop, the roof becomes 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 looks like a triangle 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. 

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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 – Eggs are nice to have. 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.

 

4. 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.

5. Portable Coop

As we have said earlier, not every coop needs to be above the ground. It does offer some benefits, but you could do away with it if you don’t have those problems in the first place.

If you need a simple coop you can move, then our next one is for you.

Additionally, you can elevate or lower this coop as you wish!

Here are some of its best features:

• Portable– Since this coop doesn’t have any built-in legs, then you can move it from one place to another. That includes elevating or lowering it when necessary. It’s a good option if you have not yet decided how you want your land to look.
• Big Door– The entire wall is a door. Pretty good for cleaning purposes.
• Flexible– Because of its built, this coop can be a coop or a brooder as necessary.

Here are some things you might want to consider with this coop:

• Make sure you have a place to elevate this coop if it rains or snows in your area.
• Get sturdy locks!

 

6. The Modified Standard 4×4 Coop 2.0

This one is similar to the second coop we talked about earlier. The only difference is that it has a shed-style roof.

Here are some of its best features:

• Elevated– A shed-styled roof would only dispose of rain, snow, and any other debris on one side. If it snows hard, a lowered coop could cause a problem. Your chickens might get piled in!
• Big Door– Again, big doors are great if you need to clean your coop often.
• Nesting Box– A nesting box is always a good addition. If your chickens don’t have a nesting box, they could lay their eggs anywhere they wish. In that case, the eggs could roll around, and your chickens could accidentally crack the eggs. More mess!

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.
• Use sturdy materials.

 

7. 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.

Dome Roof Coop

8. Dome Coop Cage

The last coop we’re going to show you is not your usual coop.

This coop is not for everyone. We only recommend this one as a temporary coop. Also, we advise against it if you experience extreme weather in your area.

Temporary coops come in handy when you need to do some needed repairs in the main one. It is also great if you have some problem birds (e.g., egg-eaters) that need some time out.  

Here are some of its best features:

• Space– The coop cage is a better option than a cage if you want to put one or two of your chickens on time-out because it has more room.
• Roost – Again, the coop cage is a better option than a cage because it contains a perch.
• Portable– If you have problems with predators, you can move and elevate this coop to a safer location.

Here is something you might want to consider with this coop:

• Again, it is not advisable to use this coop as a permanent home for your chickens.

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, 8 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.