Building a chicken coop from scratch is a rewarding and cost-effective way to provide a safe, comfortable home for your flock. We embarked on this DIY project with the goal of keeping expenses low while ensuring a functional and durable design. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our entire coop-building journey, complete with a materials list, step-by-step instructions, and key insights we learned along the way.
Why This Plan Works
- Budget-Friendly: By sourcing materials from various places, including free reclaimed wood, we significantly reduced costs.
- Spacious Design: The external nesting boxes free up floor space inside the coop, reducing crowding.
- Easy Maintenance: A cleanout door and wire mesh under the roosting area simplify cleaning and waste management.
- Weather-Resistant: An overhanging roof and insulated walls help protect against harsh winter conditions.
- Predator-Proof: Elevating the coop discourages rodents, and additional fencing ensures safety from larger predators.
What You Will Need
Here’s a breakdown of the materials used for this project:
- 1.5 2x6x16 reclaimed boards (free)
- 8 2x4x8 ($16 total)
- 10 2x6x8 (culled wood, $15, ripped to 3×3 wall studs)
- 7 sheets OSB plywood ($40)
- 1 box strip nails (for pneumatic nailer, $32)
- 1 box coated nails ($3)
- 16 hurricane straps ($4)
- 3 10′ drip edges ($9)
- Shingles and felt paper (reused from extra storage, free)
- Vinyl flooring and glue ($37)
- Hinges, latches, screws, and miscellaneous hardware ($15)
- Random scrap wood for nesting boxes and perches
Total cost: $171 (far more affordable than store-bought coops ranging from $500-$1,000!)
How to Build a DIY Chicken Coop
Step 1: Constructing the Base
We started with a 4×8 platform elevated 18 inches off the ground. This provides shade for the chickens and prevents rodents from burrowing underneath.
Step 2: Framing the Walls
We framed the walls using ripped-down 2×6 boards for added strength. The front wall stands 4 feet tall, while the rear is 3 feet tall, creating a 1:4 roof slope for water runoff. An additional 6-inch roof overhang on all sides ensures the walls stay dry.
Step 3: Adding Nesting Boxes
We built six external nesting boxes to maximize floor space inside the coop. These boxes feature an exterior access door, making egg collection quick and easy.
Step 4: Moving the Frame to the Run
With the frame complete, we relocated the structure to the chicken run, secured the walls, and installed interior sheeting to enhance durability.
Step 5: Installing the Cleanout Door
To make cleaning hassle-free, we added a large cleanout door beneath the roosting area. A wire mesh barrier prevents chickens from getting underneath while allowing droppings to fall into a designated tray.
Step 6: Framing the Roof
We framed the roof to overhang the nesting boxes, ensuring they stay dry. While not professionally square, we reminded ourselves: “It’s a chicken coop, not a clock!”
Step 7: Roofing and Plywood Installation
We secured plywood panels for the interior and exterior walls before nailing the roofing plywood in place. We also cut out spaces for windows and the cleanout door.
Step 8: Securing the Run Area
To separate our chickens from the dogs, we installed a chain-link fence that partitions one-third of the run, creating a safe environment for our flock.
Step 9: Painting and Flooring
With the structure complete, we painted the exterior for weather protection. Inside, we installed vinyl flooring using glue and staples, making the coop easier to clean.
Step 10: Constructing the Roosting Area
We built a three-tier roost with a cleanout tray beneath. A wire barrier ensures the chickens don’t enter the tray, keeping the coop cleaner.
Step 11: Final Touches and Move-In Day
Once the perches and nesting boxes were finished, it was time to introduce the chickens! It took them a few hours to figure out the ramp, but they quickly adapted to their new home.
Step 12: Insulation and Exterior Finishing
A few months later, we insulated the walls and installed additional exterior sheeting to prepare for winter. The final step was trimming and painting the coop for added durability.
Note: The nesting boxes are spacious enough for most chickens, though some needed time to adjust to the setup.
Additional Features
- Cleanout Door: Easy access for removing waste.
- Roost Perches: Multiple levels for comfort.
- External Nesting Boxes: Maximizes interior space.
- Vinyl Flooring: Enhances durability and simplifies cleaning.
- Predator Protection: Elevated design and separate run sections.
- Weather Resistance: Insulated walls and overhanging roof.
Summary
This DIY chicken coop is an affordable and practical solution for backyard poultry keepers. By using reclaimed materials and smart design choices, we built a spacious, easy-to-clean, and predator-proof coop for just $171.
Our flock quickly adapted, and the added features ensure a comfortable environment year-round. Whether you’re starting your first coop or upgrading an existing setup, this budget-friendly approach proves that a well-designed chicken coop doesn’t have to break the bank!
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.
