Keeping backyard chickens requires a well-designed coop that offers protection, comfort, and ease of maintenance. Inspired by Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, this small coop is designed to house four heavy egg layers while ensuring they stay warm year-round without supplemental heating.
Built to withstand the wet and cold conditions of the Cascade Mountain foothills in the Pacific Northwest, this coop offers practical solutions for insulation, ventilation, and durability.
Why This Plan Works
- Optimized Space: Provides 32 square feet of confined space, with a secure covered pen.
- All-Season Comfort: Built with R-13 batt insulation (compressed to about R-11) for thermal efficiency.
- Modular Construction: The roof, house, and base can be separated for deep cleaning.
- Durable Materials: Includes 4×4 cedar legs for rot resistance and OSB sheathing for strength.
- Efficient Ventilation: Features gable vents and window openings for fresh air circulation.
- Protection from Elements: Designed with a 10:12 pitch roof and extended overhangs to handle heavy rainfall.
What You Will Need
- Framing Materials: 2×3 and 2×4 lumber for walls, floor joists, and ridge beams
- Base Support: 4×4 cedar posts for stability and rot resistance
- Insulation: R-13 batt insulation (compresses to R-11)
- Sheathing: OSB panels for interior and exterior
- Weatherproofing: Tar paper house wrap and asphalt shingles
- Ventilation: Gable vents and operable windows
- Hardware: Joist hangers, screws, nails, hinges, and metal drip edge
- Paint and Sealant: Exterior-grade paint and caulk to minimize pest hiding spots
How to Build the Chicken Coop
Step 1: Frame the Walls
Using 2×3 lumber, construct the four walls according to the framing plans. The north wall features the nesting box, requiring additional support. The south wall includes a reinforced window frame for a flower box.
Step 2: Assemble the Base Platform
The 4×4 cedar legs support the 2×4 joists, which are fastened with joist hangers. Ensure stability by adding angled braces at each leg. Cut a hole in the floor for a ramp, allowing the chickens to access the lower pen.
Step 3: Attach the Walls
Secure the framed walls to the base platform. Ensure everything is square and level before fastening. The gable ends need extra support, as they will help hold up the removable roof.
Step 4: Install the Roof Frame
The roof follows a 10:12 pitch for effective runoff. Fly rafters extend the eaves to prevent water from splashing onto the coop. If your climate is drier, you may adjust or shorten these overhangs.
Step 5: Add Insulation and Sheathing
- Install R-13 batt insulation between the framing members.
- Cover with 4-mil plastic as a vapor barrier.
- Apply 3/8-inch plywood inside and OSB panels outside for structural integrity.
Step 6: Weatherproof the Exterior
- Cover the coop with tar paper as a cost-effective moisture barrier.
- Apply exterior siding panels and seal all cracks with caulk.
- Prime and paint the coop for added durability.
Step 7: Install the Roof
- Lay roofing felt for additional waterproofing.
- Attach asphalt shingles, leaving at least a ¾-inch overhang.
- Seal nail heads with roofing tar to prevent leaks.
Step 8: Add Doors, Windows, and Nesting Boxes
- Attach a drop-down access door made of tongue-and-groove cedar.
- Secure the nesting box lid with a top-hinged mechanism for easy egg collection.
- Install shutters and framed windows to allow ventilation while keeping out predators.
Notes:
- Ensure all openings are covered with hardware cloth to prevent predators from entering.
- Secure all seams and joints with weatherproof caulk to prevent drafts and moisture intrusion.
- Use hinges on the clean-out door for easy maintenance.
Additional Details for Reference
- Framing Overview: The coop maintains the structural integrity of the original plan while allowing for customization in exterior aesthetics.
- Ventilation Considerations: A store-bought gable vent from Home Depot was used, but modifications can be made to fit alternative vent styles.
- Roof and Overhangs: Extended overhangs protect against heavy rainfall common in the Pacific Northwest.
- Removable Roof Limitation: While the roof was initially designed to be removable, it turned out to be impractically heavy.
- Gutter Installation: Adding gutters will help reduce ground splashing and moisture buildup.
Summary
This small chicken coop provides a well-insulated, predator-proof, and easy-to-maintain home for four heavy egg layers. Designed for year-round comfort without supplemental heating, it is well-suited for the wet, cold conditions of the Pacific Northwest.
Built with cedar, OSB sheathing, and tar paper, it ensures durability while maintaining a modular design for deep cleaning and long-term maintenance.
By following this guide, you can build a functional and efficient coop while making adjustments to fit your specific climate and space requirements. Happy chicken keeping!
This plan is a contribution by [Emilio Ballard]
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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.
