When I first decided to build a chicken coop, I wasn’t planning to document the process, but I realized it might be helpful to share my experience. Although there were no fancy blueprints or step-by-step tutorials in my approach, I learned a lot, and I’m confident you can too. This is a simple, homemade chicken coop—nothing fancy or high-end—but it serves its purpose perfectly.
Our Journey into Chicken Coop Building
To be honest, I had very little woodworking experience. My tools were basic—just a circular table saw, a Dremel, and a jigsaw I borrowed from a neighbor. The materials I used were mostly reclaimed from an old treehouse I disassembled. While I had to purchase a few extra pieces to complete the project, I mostly worked with what I had.
If you’re considering building your own chicken coop, my advice is simple: just dive in! I spent countless hours browsing the internet, trying to find the perfect design, but I never found one that felt like it would work for me. So, I decided to stop overthinking it and just get started. I was nervous about my lack of experience, but now, looking at the finished coop, I can confidently say that you can do it too. It’s not going to be perfect, and it may not win any craftsmanship awards, but it does exactly what I need it to do. Sometimes, that’s all that matters.
Step 1: Setting the Foundation
Let’s start by saying there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to chicken coops. The size of your coop will depend on how many chickens you have. In my case, I built it for five chickens. The interior area is 5’ x 5’, and the exterior space is 10’ x 5’. The total height of the structure is about 5.5’. But remember, your dimensions might differ depending on your needs.
Step 2: Framing the Coop
Framing was the next step in building the coop. I began by constructing two 5’ x 5’ frames. These would serve as the basic structure of the coop. Once the frames were ready, I mounted them onto four 4” x 4” posts that were approximately 5 feet tall. The posts were secured to the frames using 3” screws. This frame setup provided a solid foundation for the rest of the build.
For the second frame, I made sure it was flush with the top of the first one, ensuring the structure was level and stable.
Step 3: Adding the Door and Window
Once the basic framing was complete, it was time to create openings for a door and a window. Since the two frames were positioned outside the 4” x 4” posts, I added eight 2” x 4” sections to the corners to make the outside flush. For the window, I added three 2” x 4” sections on one side to create a small frame to attach the window. I used screws to secure it in place.
At the front of the structure, I built a small framed section for the door. This simple design would later allow easy access to the coop.
Next, I used two 5’ long 2” x 4” sections, which I cut diagonally down the length to form a sloped roof. These pieces were attached to the top of the frame, helping create the pitched roofline that would protect the chickens from the elements.
Step 4: Installing the Walls
With the basic structure in place, it was time to attach the walls. I cut and mounted the front and side walls to the frame, securing them with 1” nails. These walls gave the coop its enclosed shape, providing security and shelter for the chickens.
Step 5: Adding the Nesting Area and Shelf
Next, I turned my attention to the interior. I installed a shelf about halfway up the coop to provide a space for the chickens to lay their eggs. The shelf was supported on the sides and in the middle by 2” x 4” pieces, which were screwed in place for stability. I divided the shelf into five sections to create nesting boxes for each chicken.
To help the chickens access the nesting boxes, I installed a 1” dowel rod just in front of them. This rod served as a perch for the chickens to sit on or climb onto when they were ready to lay their eggs.
Step 6: Building the Doors
For the doors, I took a piece of wood large enough to cover the back of the coop, then cut it in half. This created two doors—one for egg collection and one for cleaning the coop. I added two hinges to each door to secure them in place, and I used locks on each door to keep them shut tightly.
The top door was designed for easy access to the nesting boxes, while the bottom door allowed for cleaning and maintenance. Both doors were fitted with locks on each side and one in the center to keep them tightly shut when needed.
Step 7: Sealing and Painting the Coop
Once the doors were attached, I turned my attention to sealing the coop to protect it from the weather. I used caulk to seal the edges around the window, the corners, and underneath the roof to prevent drafts and water from getting in. After sealing, I painted the entire coop with an outdoor waterproof paint from Home Depot. This layer of protection would help ensure the coop lasted for years to come.
Step 8: Installing the Outer Frame and Roof
Now, it was time to work on the outer frame. Using 2” x 4” wood, I built the frame for the exterior of the coop. I added another door to the outside, which allowed me to close the chickens in at night or during bad weather.
For the roof, I again cut four 5’ sections of 2” x 4” wood diagonally along the length, forming another slanted roof structure. I secured another metal roofing section from the old treehouse to the frame. To keep the structure watertight, I sprayed expanding foam between the two roof layers to seal any gaps.
Step 9: Adding the Ramp and Wire Mesh
With the main structure completed, it was time to add the finishing touches. I built a ramp for the chickens to easily walk down into the outside area. The ramp was made from a piece of wood flooring, which was sturdy enough to support the chickens. I then stapled chicken wire around the entire frame to keep the chickens safe from predators and ensure they couldn’t escape.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a simple, functional chicken coop. While it’s by no means a work of art, it serves its purpose well and has stood the test of time. My chickens are happy, and that’s all that matters.
If you have any questions or need clarification on any of the steps, feel free to ask. I hope my guide helps you in building your own chicken coop. The process may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and determination, you’ll get it done. Good luck!
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.
