Building a chicken coop doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to get creative and repurpose materials you may already have lying around. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of building a small outdoor chicken coop using recycled materials.
Not only will you be able to create a functional space for your chickens or guinea hens, but you’ll also be making an eco-friendly choice by giving new life to old items.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials for the project. For this chicken coop, you’ll need:
Tools:
- Chop saw (for cutting wood)
- Electric drill
- Extension cord
- Sledgehammer
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Chainsaw or hand saw (for cutting the posts)
- Wire cutters
- Staple gun or staple hammer
Materials:
- Recycled chicken coop door with hinges
- Four recycled fence posts
- Recycled wood (2x4s and 1x4s)
- Recycled chicken wire
- Recycled roof material
Make sure to have these items ready before you begin the construction process. Using recycled materials not only reduces waste but can also give your coop a unique and personalized touch.
Step 2: Choose Your Coop Location
The first step in building your coop is selecting the right location. You want to ensure the ground is level or slightly sloped to allow for proper drainage and avoid water pooling. Mark out the area where the coop will go and make sure it’s in a secure spot, free from predators. Once you have your location, it’s time to start laying out the structure.
Step 3: Install the Fence Posts
The next step is setting the foundation of your coop. Measure the dimensions of the roof, as this will dictate the spacing of the fence posts. Using an iron rod, mark where each post will go, making sure they’re evenly spaced and align with the roof size.
Use a sledgehammer to pound the four recycled fence posts into the ground. The posts should be sturdy and deep enough to provide stability for the entire structure.
Step 4: Add Support to the Fence Posts
After the posts are securely in the ground, it’s time to add support. Using your chop saw, cut eight 2x4s, each about four inches in length. These shorter pieces will be screwed into the fence posts to give additional support. Using a level, ensure that each of these support pieces is perfectly straight. Use three to four screws for each support piece to make sure they’re secure.
Step 5: Install the 2×4 Supports
Now that your posts have support, the next step is to install horizontal 2x4s to connect the posts. Measure the distance between each post and cut the 2x4s accordingly. Once they’re cut, use an electric screw gun to attach them to the support pieces. These horizontal supports will provide the frame for the walls and roof of your coop.
Step 6: Add More Support to the Top
To make sure the top of your chicken coop is secure, you’ll need to add more support. Cut eight more 2x4s to fit along the top of the fence posts. These pieces will provide a sturdy foundation for the roof. Just like the bottom supports, use a level to ensure they’re straight, and then screw them into place.
Step 7: Install Horizontal Top Supports
Next, you’ll repeat a similar process, but this time with the top support pieces. Measure and cut 2x4s to fit between the top supports you just installed. Using your electric screw gun, attach the 2x4s so that they connect all four posts together. This will add extra stability and will help with securing the roof later on.
Step 8: Attach the Door
Now that the main structure of your coop is complete, it’s time to add a door. Measure the dimensions of the door and cut the appropriate 2x4s to create a support frame for the door. The door should swing freely, so make sure there’s a small gap—about half an inch—between the support pieces and the door itself.
Install the hinges on one side of the door, then add a latch to the opposite side to keep it securely shut when necessary.
Step 9: Trim the Fence Posts
At this point, the posts will be taller than the rest of the structure. Using a chainsaw or hand saw, trim the top of the fence posts so that they align with the top of the 2x4s. This step requires careful attention, as cutting through the posts can be dangerous. Make sure to wear protective clothing and eyewear to avoid injury. Also, keep an eye out for any metal screws or nails in the posts, which could cause sparks during cutting.
Step 10: Add the Floor
Now that the frame is up, you can add a floor to your chicken coop. Use recycled materials such as old wire or leftover wood to create a floor that fits the bottom of the coop. If you’re using wire, make sure it’s secured tightly with a staple gun or staple hammer. The floor will not only support the weight of the chickens but also help keep the coop clean.
Alternatively, you could use chicken wire and cardboard for a simpler floor solution. Just staple the cardboard over the wire to create a solid surface.
Step 11: Add the Roof and Siding
With the floor in place, it’s time to add the roof. Since the posts already align with the dimensions of the roof, you can simply place the roof material on top. Secure it with screws to both the posts and the 2x4s.
Next, wrap chicken wire around the entire coop to protect the chickens from predators. Ensure that the wire is tightly secured with staples along the posts and 2x4s. Make sure the wire runs from the ground up to the top of the roof, ensuring no predators can crawl under or through the coop.
Step 12: Install the Ramp
The final touch for your chicken coop is the ramp. This allows your chickens to easily walk in and out of the coop. Take a scrap piece of wood and attach it securely underneath the door. The ramp should slope gently so that the chickens can walk up and down with ease. Just make sure it doesn’t block the door from opening.
Step 13: Optional Additions
While the basic structure of the chicken coop is complete, there are a few optional additions you might want to consider:
- Shade: You can add a blanket or some kind of tarp over the coop to provide shade for the chickens, especially during the summer months.
- Feeder and Water Bowl: A feeder and water bowl are essential to ensure your chickens stay well-fed and hydrated. You can make a simple feeding station from recycled materials.
Step 14: Enjoy Your Completed Coop!
Congratulations! Your chicken coop is now complete. With the hard work and creativity you’ve put in, your chickens will have a safe and secure place to call home. Whether you have a few chickens or guinea hens, this outdoor coop is an eco-friendly solution that provides comfort and protection for your feathered friends.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide, and we’d love to see your finished chicken coop! If you have any additional tips or questions, feel free to reach out. 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.
