When we first decided to raise chickens, we were in need of a temporary shelter for our new feathered friends. Luckily, we had an old rabbit hutch that was just the right size for five chickens. The hutch was originally built for our old rabbit, and after a little reworking, it became a cozy chicken coop for the winter.
While the hutch worked well for the time being, we knew we would need to build a more permanent, purpose-built chicken coop. However, for now, this temporary solution served its purpose, and I plan to reuse the hutch when we expand our flock (after, of course, convincing my wife to let me get more chickens!).
Here’s a detailed look at how we built our chicken coop from scratch, step by step, using a blend of researched plans and hands-on experience.
Step 1: Determining Suitable Dimensions and Getting the Materials
The first step in building our chicken coop was deciding on the appropriate size. We researched online to determine the ideal amount of space for each chicken. From what I found, chickens tend to huddle together regardless of how much space you give them, so I learned that a little extra room doesn’t hurt, but they end up using only part of it. I aimed for enough space to keep them comfortable, but not too large that it would be difficult to keep them secure and warm during the winter months.
Next, I visited our local timber merchant to check out the available wood sizes. I wanted to ensure that the coop’s design would make use of the materials in the sizes they came in, minimizing waste. This meant selecting wood with dimensions that matched those available from the supplier. I chose primarily planned timber and medium-thickness shiplap for the outer shell of the coop, which would offer durability and insulation.
Step 2: Building the Frame for the Gable Ends
Once we had all the materials and brass screws ready, it was time to start assembling the basic structure. I began with the gable ends, which would form the front and rear walls of the coop. One end would feature the entrance for the chickens, and the other would house the nesting boxes.
At this stage, it was essential to make sure both gable ends were identical in size. I used a bevel to ensure the angles were perfect and consistent, which helped keep the framework symmetrical and solid.
Step 3: Completing the Gable Ends
After assembling the frames for the gable ends, I covered them with the shiplap, taking into account the space for the entrance and nesting box. I spent a significant amount of time here ensuring that I used the wood efficiently, aiming for minimal waste. The shiplap provided a sturdy exterior while also adding a bit of style to the coop’s design.
The entrance and nesting box areas were left open for now, as we would be adding doors and other elements later on. Once the gable ends were done, the structure was starting to take shape.
Step 4: Building the Floor
The next step was to join the two gable ends together and build the floor. At this point, the coop was beginning to look like something that could actually house our chickens! I used external shuttering plywood for the floor, which was durable and easy to clean.
Since we were planning to keep the chickens in the coop for long periods, I decided to varnish the underside of the floor to prevent it from getting damaged by moisture and to make cleaning easier once the chickens moved in.
Throughout this process, I also took care to coat every piece of wood, even those not exposed to the elements, with a high-quality wood preserver. This would ensure the coop’s longevity and resistance to rot and pests.
Step 5: Shiplating the Side and Building a Side Door
Next, I worked on the sides of the coop. One side was sealed with shiplap, while the other side only had shiplap installed at the top and bottom. The reason for this was that I wanted to create a removable side door that would allow easy access for cleaning. The door would be secured using a gravity system, which has held up well over time—even during some particularly windy days.
Step 6: Adding the Top to the Roof
With the sides in place, I added a thick piece of timber to the top to create the roof. I routered the edges to smooth them out and sealed everything with mastic to ensure that no rain or snow could get inside. Afterward, I tested the roof by spraying it with a jet cleaner to make sure it was fully sealed. We had some heavy snow shortly after finishing, and I was pleased to find that nothing leaked into the coop.
Step 7: Door and Platform
Now that the basic structure was in place, it was time to add the door and the platform. I used the same timber as the rest of the coop for these pieces, and they were relatively quick to finish. I designed the door to slide up and down smoothly along rails, ensuring that it wouldn’t fall off track. Additionally, I added a pulley system so the door could be easily opened and closed every morning and night, making it convenient for daily access.
Step 8: Nesting Box
The nesting box was a crucial feature of the coop, as it provided a comfortable, private space for the hens to lay their eggs. I built the box from the same timber as the frame, and I divided it into two sections to allow two birds to nest at the same time. The exterior of the nesting box was covered in plywood and shiplap for durability.
I also added a small door at the back of the box, so I could easily collect the eggs without disturbing the hens. To protect the nesting box from the elements, I covered the roof with a rubber matting sheet that I had left over from another building project. This gave the nesting box an extra layer of weather protection.
Step 9: Painting and Ready to Dry Out
Once everything was built, I painted the outside of the coop with three coats of high-quality wood preserver, ensuring that the structure would hold up to the elements. The inside was painted twice, then varnished for easy cleaning. After painting, I allowed the coop to dry out for a few days before moving the chickens in. I also made sure to test everything thoroughly to ensure no strong chemical smells remained.
Step 10: Perch Stand
The final step was adding perches for the chickens to roost on. I initially built three perches, but after the chickens moved in, I realized they weren’t quite right. Either they were too high, or the chickens didn’t like them. So, I ended up building a removable perch stand that the chickens now use. The stand can be taken out easily for cleaning, which makes maintenance much simpler.
The chickens have been living in the coop for several months now, and I’m happy to report that it’s been a great success. The coop provides them with warmth, security, and a comfortable space to lay their eggs. It was a satisfying project, and I look forward to expanding our flock in the future.
Conclusion
Building our chicken coop was a rewarding project that taught me a lot about design, construction, and the needs of our chickens. We now have a safe, functional, and weatherproof coop that will serve our chickens well for many years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, creating a custom chicken coop can be an enjoyable and practical way to ensure your chickens are happy and healthy.
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.
