We decided to build a chicken coop using materials we already had access to—pallets. This project became a perfect mix of sustainability and practicality. Here’s a breakdown of how we built our pallet chicken coop, from gathering materials to dealing with predators.
Step 1: Locating Materials
The first step in any homesteading project is finding the right materials. We were fortunate to have a friend who owned a store and had pallets stacked up in the back. Pallets are incredibly versatile and can often be found for free or at a low cost. In fact, many hardware stores sell them for just a few dollars each. I had used pallets for various projects in the past, such as building a wood-fired hot tub (check out our other instructables for that!), but I had always wanted to use them for something larger.
I researched which pallets would be best for the chicken coop. Many articles online highlight the importance of selecting pallets that are free from chemicals or hazardous substances. Since we were going to use the pallets as the primary material for a structure that would house animals, we took extra care to choose safe ones. Most standard pallets measure 40” x 48”, which was perfect for our needs.
For this project, we used:
- 8 pallets
- 2 (4×4, 8 ft long) wooden posts
- A few 2x4s
- 1.5 sheets of weatherproof plywood
- A roll of tar paper
- 3 bundles of cedar shakes
- 2 rolls of chicken wire
The cost of these materials was minimal, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Location and Preparing the Base
Location is key when building any structure on your property. We decided to place the coop in a heavily overgrown area of our land that we didn’t often use. It had thick brush and was somewhat difficult to access, but with the right preparation, it turned into the perfect spot.
To clear the area, we spent a month driving our four-wheeler over it, breaking up the bushes and flattening them to make room for the coop. After clearing a spot, we used cinder blocks to create a 38 x 70 rectangle on the ground. To ensure the blocks were level, we used a 2×4 and a bubble level, adjusting the blocks as we went, checking them in multiple directions for accuracy.
Step 3: Building the Floor and Walls
With the foundation in place, it was time to build the floor and walls. The floor is relatively simple to create. We laid out two pallets side by side, forming a 48 x 80 rectangle. These pallets sat centered on the 4x4s that rested on the cinder blocks, forming the base for the rest of the coop.
For the structure’s walls, we used two more pallets for each of the four sides. To make the roof, we decided on a single-pitched design to simplify construction. We used one of the pallets to form the front, leaving it open for a hinged door for easy access when cleaning the coop.
To strengthen the structure, we added a center beam to help support the weight of the hanging doors, which would open to allow us to clean the coop easily.
Step 4: Sheathing the Walls
After the basic shape of the coop was in place, we focused on closing the gaps and making the structure more secure. First, we filled in any gaps in the pallets with extra boards, which helped to seal the coop and create a more solid wall.
Next, we wrapped the entire coop in tar paper, which provided a basic weatherproofing layer. To add extra insulation and prevent breaches from critters, we stuffed the hollow spaces in the pallets with bagged hay. This way, if a predator managed to make its way inside, they’d encounter hay rather than fiberglass or other harmful materials.
As the final layer of protection, we added Styrofoam. However, we recommend using Styrofoam only if you’re planning to cover it with another layer, as it’s not durable enough on its own.
Step 5: Adding Accessories
With the basic structure of the coop in place, we added some essential accessories. First, we cut out an entrance door to give ourselves access to the inside of the coop. We also built a simple nesting box at the back for the hens to lay their eggs.
Step 6: Installing Cedar Shakes for Weatherproofing
Now that the main construction was done, it was time to weatherproof the roof. We chose to use cedar shakes for their natural rot resistance and aesthetic appeal. A layer of cedar shingles is an excellent choice for protecting the coop from the elements, and they are relatively inexpensive. The economy bundles we bought cost under $20, and we ended up using about three bundles for the roof.
For the roof base, we used weatherproof plywood, which we wrapped in tar paper for extra waterproofing. To keep the tar paper in place, we secured it with strips of wood. To top it all off, we covered the roof with an old tarp as an additional weather barrier, ensuring the chickens would stay dry during rain or snow.
Step 7: Building the Fencing
No chicken coop is complete without a secure fence to protect the birds. We built a small, fully enclosed fence directly attached to the coop, as well as a larger perimeter fence around the entire area, extending out approximately 50 feet. This second layer of defense helped keep predators from getting too close to the coop.
Step 8: Final Notes and Lessons Learned
In the final stages of the project, we added a small shed to store food and hay, and we set up a water source for our ducks. However, one of the biggest challenges we faced was dealing with predators. The first year, a skunk found its way into the coop, which was a surprise to us. Skunks aren’t just scavengers—they can be predators too. The following year, a raccoon started grabbing our chickens, and we learned that we needed to bury the bottom of the fence to prevent animals from digging under it.
We also made some additional adjustments to help the chickens stay comfortable during cold weather. Here in the Northeast, temperatures can drop well below freezing, as low as 9°F during winter months. To keep the chickens warm, we use heat lamps and a heated water bowl. On particularly cold days, we bring their food and water to the entrance of the coop, as the chickens tend to stay in one spot to conserve heat.
Summery
Building a chicken coop from pallets may seem like a challenging task at first, but it’s a rewarding project that can help you become more self-sufficient.
By using recycled materials and focusing on practicality, we’ve been able to create a safe, comfortable home for our chickens—and we’ve learned a lot along the way. Whether you’re raising chickens, ducks, or any other type of livestock, this DIY project will help you build a sturdy structure without breaking the bank. Happy homesteading!
This article is a contribution by [cbissett]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
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.
