Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding and sustainable way to provide fresh eggs and connect with nature. However, ensuring your flock has a safe, well-ventilated, and sturdy coop is essential. This guide walks you through building a chicken coop from start to finish, covering materials, tools, and step-by-step instructions to create a secure and functional home for your birds.
Why This Plan Works
- Sturdy Construction: The design uses pressure-treated lumber and durable plywood to ensure longevity.
- Efficient Ventilation: Incorporates windows and hardware cloth for proper airflow to keep chickens healthy.
- Weather Resistance: The roofing design and use of tar paper protect against the elements.
- Ease of Access: Features a well-designed door and nesting box for easy egg collection and cleaning.
- Customizable: Adjustments can be made based on available materials or personal preferences.
What You Will Need
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Bevel Gauge (important for minor angle adjustments)
- Circular Saw
- Jig Saw
- Drill/Driver
- Miter Saw (or hand miter box)
- Hammer
- Optional: Table Saw and Pneumatic Nail Guns (Brad or Finish Nail Gun for efficiency)
Materials
- 1 Sheet of ½” OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
- 5 Sheets of 3/8” Exterior-Grade Plywood
- 1 8’ Pressure-Treated 4×4
- 2 8’ Pressure-Treated 2×4’s
- 1 8’ 2×4 for Ridge Framing
- Pine 2x2s (8’ long) – Can be ripped from 2x3s for cost savings
- 40 1x3x8’ Cedar Boards – Option to rip 1×6 Cedar Fence Boards
- 3 Packs of Cedar Under-Coarse Shingles (cheaper than traditional cedar shakes)
- Tar Paper for Roofing
- Screws, Finish Nails, and Staples (variety of screw lengths needed, especially 1” drywall or deck screws)
- Hinges (two per window, pop door, nest box, and main door)
- Hardware Cloth (½”x ½” holes) for ventilation openings
- Small Diameter Rope and Pulley for pop door
- Paint (optional, but best to paint before assembly)
Note: Keep all scrap materials until the coop is completely finished. Due to the unusual angles of this design, some scraps may be necessary for final assembly.
How to Build a Chicken Coop
Step 1: Cutting the Plywood Panels
- Lay a 3/8” plywood sheet flat on the floor with scrap wood underneath to protect it.
- Set your circular saw to a depth slightly greater than 3/8” and cut the sheet in half, leaving two 4’x4’ panels.
- Stack the two panels, align three factory edges, and secure them together with three screws.
Step 2: Cutting the Gable Ends
1. Measure 4” up from the bottom left corner and draw a diagonal line to the right-hand corner. Cut along this line with a circular saw.
2. Measure 32” up from the bottom edge and mark the center at 24”. Draw lines to form the gable peak and cut along these lines. Flip one panel so it “leans” in the opposite direction.
Step 3: Constructing the Base
1. Use a full sheet of OSB for the bottom panel. Measure and cut 8” from the upper right-hand corner to the lower right-hand corner.
2. Frame the perimeter of this panel with 2x2s.
3. Attach the pressure-treated 4×4 legs using 2 ½” screws.
4. Secure the base with pressure-treated 2x4s along the perimeter.
Step 4: Attaching the Side Panels
1. Attach scraps to the base to hold the side panels temporarily.
2. Secure the gable ends first, making sure they are centered.
3. Use additional screws to reinforce the framing.
Step 5: Framing the Roof
- Install the ridge beam by securing two 2x4s across the gable peaks.
- Use a flexible batten to mark smooth curves for the roofline.
- Cut with a circular saw or jigsaw.
Step 6: Installing the Roof Panels
1. Use two layers of 3/8” plywood to allow for bending. Secure the first layer to the ridge and edges. Apply glue and install the second layer.
2. Trim overhangs to 1 ½” at the gable ends and 3 ½” at the eaves.
Step 7: Adding Trim and Roofing
1. Attach cedar trim to the gable ends and eaves.
2. Secure tar paper with staples.
3. Install cedar shingles with a 6” reveal, overlapping layers.
4. Cap the roof with a final shingle layer.
Step 8: Installing Doors and Windows
1. Cut three 14” x 14” openings. Cover with hardware cloth using staples and additional trim.
2. Attach shingled window panels with hinges.
Step 9: Nesting Box Construction
- Frame a 16” deep rectangular box.
- Attach a slanted roof with cedar shingles.
- Secure with a hinged lid.
Step 10: Installing the Pop Door Mechanism
- Drill holes for a rope-and-pulley system.
- Guide the rope through the inside pulley and to an external cleat.
- Secure the rope to prevent unwanted movement.
Step 11: Building the Chicken Ladder
- Attach cedar rungs at an angle for better grip.
- Secure to the coop entrance with a deck.
Step 12: Adding the Litter Dam
- Install a 6” plywood barrier at the coop entrance.
- Secure with screws and 2×2 framing.
Step 13: Finishing Touches
- Secure loose panels with additional screws.
- Apply weatherproof paint (if desired).
- Test all doors and mechanisms.
- Check for ventilation and sealing.
Tips and Tricks
- Pre-painting: Painting before assembly makes the process easier.
- Hardware Cloth: Secure with wooden strips to prevent predators from pulling it off.
- Leveling: Ensure the coop is level before final assembly.
- Ventilation: Leave enough airflow openings to prevent moisture buildup.
- Cleaning Access: Make sure you can easily access all areas for maintenance.
Summary
Building your own chicken coop is a fulfilling project that provides your flock with a safe, functional home. By following these step-by-step instructions, using quality materials, and paying attention to ventilation and security, you’ll have a coop that lasts for years while keeping your chickens comfortable and healthy.
This plan is a contribution by [AtholCoop]
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.
