Building a chicken coop doesn’t need to break the bank. In fact, with some creativity and a little elbow grease, you can create a functional and durable coop at a very low cost.
When we decided to build our own coop, we knew we needed a solution that would be both affordable and efficient. So, we turned to pallets—reclaimed, versatile, and inexpensive. This guide will walk you through the process of turning our vision into reality, all with minimal tools and a lot of hard work.
Step 1: Disassembling the Pallets
The foundation of our chicken coop came from disassembling pallets. This part of the process was crucial, and while it seemed straightforward, it took some patience and care. Not all pallets are created equal. Some pallets are easier to take apart than others, and stripping the wood without splitting it was one of the biggest challenges we faced.
We started by carefully prying the nails out of each pallet, ensuring that we didn’t damage the wood in the process. To make this easier, we used a crowbar and hammer, and in some cases, we even used a reciprocating saw to cut through stubborn nails. The key here was to work slowly and methodically. By doing this, we were able to salvage the most amount of usable wood for our project.
Once the pallets were disassembled, we ended up with a pile of boards ready for the next step. These would serve as the building blocks for the walls, floors, and roof of the coop. The reclaimed wood also gave the structure a rustic, traditional look, which was exactly what we wanted.
Step 2: Constructing the Walls and Floors
Building the walls and floors was the next critical step. By using the precut pallet boards, we were able to create the basic structure of the coop with minimal effort. The boards were already cut to a manageable size, which made the whole process much faster. There was no need for additional cutting, which saved both time and materials.
We began by laying down the floorboards, securing them tightly together with wood screws. Once the floor was in place, we began assembling the walls. We used 2x4s as framing for the walls, which helped provide structure and stability. The pallet boards were then attached to the 2×4 frames to create the outer walls.
When building the walls, we made sure to leave space for the windows and door, but other than that, the process was straightforward. Using a level and measuring tape, we made sure everything was square and aligned properly. The entire structure was built on the ground and later lifted into place, ensuring it was level and sturdy.
Step 3: Installing the Siding and Roof
Once the walls and floors were complete, we turned our attention to the siding and roof. For the siding, we again used the reclaimed pallet boards. These boards added a rustic, barn-like feel to the coop, which was exactly the aesthetic we were aiming for.
For the roof, we reused the precut pallet rafters, which only required a few additional cuts to fit properly. We created a simple A-frame design for the roof, which helped with drainage and snow runoff during the winter months. Once the rafters were in place, we covered the roof with more pallet boards, securing them with wood screws.
While the roof structure was simple, it was also incredibly effective. The A-frame design provided the necessary slope for water runoff, and the reclaimed wood added both character and insulation properties. We also made sure to leave space for ventilation, which is important for keeping the chickens comfortable in hot weather.
Step 4: Building the Door
The door was a relatively simple addition to the chicken coop. To create the door, we started by siding directly over the door opening. This helped provide a clean, solid base. We then attached trim boards to the edges of the opening to create a frame.
Once the trim was in place, we used a circular saw to cut out the door from the rest of the siding. The door was then mounted on hinges and secured with a latch for easy access. Although it was a basic door design, it was sturdy, functional, and fit perfectly within the overall structure of the coop.
Step 5: Constructing the Hen Boxes
The hen boxes were another key feature of the coop. We used some leftover particle board from previous projects to create the boxes, which helped save on costs. These boxes were built directly onto the wall of the coop, with no need for a full frame.
To ensure the hen boxes were stable, we used 2x2s as backing. The particle board was attached to the 2x2s with wood screws. Once the boxes were assembled, we sided over them with pallet boards to maintain the barn-like appearance we had established throughout the rest of the coop.
The boxes were designed with simplicity in mind. Each box was just big enough for a hen to comfortably lay eggs, and they were placed in a convenient location within the coop. We made sure to place the boxes at a height that was easy for the chickens to access while also being easy for us to collect eggs.
Final Touches
Once the main structure was complete, we added some finishing touches to make the coop even more functional. We installed small windows for ventilation, and we used additional pallet boards to create a small ramp leading up to the door. This allowed the chickens to enter and exit the coop easily.
We also added a small area for food and water containers, which were positioned just inside the door. This setup made it simple to refill food and water without entering the coop too often, reducing the chances of disturbing the chickens.
This plan is a contribution by [jbland2]. 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.
