Building a chicken coop can seem like a daunting task at first, but it doesn’t have to be. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, you can create a safe and comfortable home for your chickens that suits both your needs and theirs.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-time builder, this guide will take you through the entire process of building a chicken coop from start to finish, with all the tips and tricks you need to make your project a success.
Step 1: Design Your Chicken Coop
The first step in building any chicken coop is planning its design. This is where you’ll determine the size, materials, and layout of the coop, so it’s essential to take your time and think through your needs carefully.
Sketch Out Your Chicken Coop
Before picking up a single tool, grab a pencil and paper and sketch out a rough design of your chicken coop. The size of your coop will largely depend on the number of chickens you plan to house. A general guideline is to allocate 2 to 3 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop. This ensures your chickens will have enough room to move around and stay healthy.
For example, if you plan to keep 10 chickens, a coop of 20-30 square feet will suffice. If you’re planning to expand in the future or want more space for each bird, you can adjust the dimensions accordingly. Take into account the location of the coop as well—make sure it’s easily accessible and well-ventilated.
Calculate Materials
Once you have your design in place, it’s time to determine how much material you’ll need. You’ll need pressure-treated 2x4s for the frame, plywood for the walls and flooring, chicken wire for the enclosure, and metal roofing for protection from the elements.
For a small coop, you might need around nine 16-foot pressure-treated 2x4s and four 4×8 sheets of plywood. These quantities will change depending on the size of your design, so be sure to calculate the area of your coop and adjust accordingly.
You’ll also need chicken wire to enclose the coop, as well as metal roofing to protect your chickens from rain and the sun. I used 156 square feet of chicken wire, but this can vary based on your specific needs.
Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools
Before starting the build, make sure you have all the materials and tools you need. Having everything on hand will make the process go much more smoothly.
Tools You’ll Need
Here’s a list of essential tools you’ll need for building your chicken coop:
- Chop saw (for cutting 2x4s and plywood)
- Skill saw (for cutting door openings and other precise cuts)
- Staple gun (for attaching chicken wire)
- Power drill (with drill bits that match the screws you’re using)
If you’ve never used these tools before, don’t worry. There are plenty of instructional videos online that can guide you through the process safely. If you’re uncomfortable with power tools, consider having your wood cut at your local hardware store. Many stores, like Home Depot, offer free cuts for the first few pieces and charge a small fee for additional cuts.
Materials You’ll Need
The materials you’ll need depend on the size of your coop, but here’s a list of what I used for my project:
- Nine 16-foot pressure-treated 2x4s
- Four 4’x8’ sheets of plywood
- A 2-lb. bucket of 3-inch screws
- Four hinges for doors
- Two door handles
- 156 square feet of chicken wire
- 4’x12’ metal roofing
- Self-tapping roofing screws
- Door latches
- Paint or stain for finishing
All of this cost me about $300 at my local lumber store. Prices may vary based on location and availability, but this gives you a good ballpark figure for your budget.
Step 3. Build the Frame
Now that you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to start building. The frame is the structural backbone of your chicken coop, so it’s important to take your time with this step.
Cut the 2x4s
To build the frame, you’ll need to cut your pressure-treated 2x4s into specific lengths. For my coop, I cut:
- Four 12-foot pieces (for the long sides of the coop)
- Eight 4-foot pieces (for the shorter sides of the coop)
- Four 7-foot pieces (for the height)
- Four 3-foot pieces (for additional structure)
Assemble the Frame
Start by laying out two of the 12-foot 2x4s parallel to each other. Then, take the 4-foot 2x4s and attach them at the corners to form a rectangular frame. Use screws to fasten the pieces together, making sure the frame is square and sturdy.
Once the base is complete, attach the four 5-foot 2x4s to the corners of the frame to add height. This will form the walls of your chicken coop. Then, repeat the process to build another box on top of the first one.
At this point, you should have a solid, rectangular frame for your coop. If you want to add extra strength and durability, consider using additional cross braces between the corners.
Step 4: Build the Enclosed Chicken House
With the frame completed, it’s time to move on to the enclosed chicken house where your chickens will sleep and lay their eggs.
Cut the Plywood
Using a chop saw, cut your plywood into five 4-foot by 4-foot pieces. These will form the walls of your chicken house.
Create the Chicken and Egg Doors
Next, use your skill saw to cut out a 1-foot by 1-foot door for the chickens to enter and exit. This door should be positioned on one of the walls.
For the egg door, cut out a larger rectangular opening (about 1-foot by 2-feet) on the back wall. This is where you’ll collect eggs from your chickens. Keep the cut-out piece of plywood, as it will be used as the egg door. Attach hinges and a handle once the door is in place.
Step 5. Paint or Stain the Chicken House
To protect the wood and extend the life of your chicken coop, it’s important to paint or stain it. This will help prevent rot and decay, especially in the areas that are exposed to the elements.
You can either paint or stain your chicken house, depending on the look you want. I chose to paint mine to match the exterior of my home, but staining would work just as well. Be sure to use a non-toxic, weather-resistant finish to keep your chickens safe and comfortable.
Step 6: Enclose the Chicken Coop
Now, let’s enclose the chicken coop to keep your birds safe from predators while giving them room to roam.
Attach the Chicken Wire
Using a staple gun, attach chicken wire to the outside of your coop, making sure it’s stretched tight and secured with enough staples to prevent it from loosening over time. I used 156 square feet of chicken wire, but you can adjust the amount based on your coop size.
Attach the Metal Roofing
Finally, protect your coop from the elements by installing metal roofing. Use self-tapping roofing screws to attach the roofing to the pressure-treated 2x4s. This will ensure your chickens stay dry and comfortable, no matter the weather.
Step 7: Attach the Doors
With the structure of the coop complete, it’s time to add the finishing touches—namely, the doors.
Build the People Door
To create a door for yourself, frame a 2’9” by 5’ opening in one of the walls. Cut a plywood door to fit this opening (5’ by 2’5”). Attach the door with two hinges and a door handle, then paint it to match the rest of the coop.
Attach the Egg Door
Finally, take the piece of plywood you cut out for the egg door and attach it to the coop with two hinges and screws. Sand the edges of the door if needed to ensure a snug fit. Once it’s in place, add a latch to keep it securely closed.
Final Thoughts
Building a chicken coop doesn’t have to be difficult, and by following these steps, you can create a functional, sturdy, and comfortable home for your chickens. With the right materials, tools, and a little bit of patience, you’ll have your own backyard chicken coop ready in no time. Happy building!
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.
