We decided to get chickens, and as we started looking into the idea, the first obstacle we faced was how to build a chicken coop. Buying one outright wasn’t in our budget, so we had to get creative. We went on the hunt for materials, scouring our neighborhood for anything we could repurpose.
What we ended up with was an eclectic mix of wood and scrap materials that, with a little ingenuity, turned into the perfect chicken coop. Here’s how we built it, step by step, from start to finish.
Tools and Materials
Before we dive into the steps, here’s a list of the tools and materials I used:
Tools:
- Hammer
- Nails
- Drop Saw
- Drill
- Jig Saw
Materials:
- Old pallets (various sizes)
- Scrap wood from dumpsters (thanks to some friendly neighbors)
- Wood from a nearby renovation project
- Mesh for ventilation
- Thick garbage bags for waterproofing
- A CNC router for decorative cutouts (for the finishing touches)
Step 1: Building the Frame
The base of the chicken coop was already taken care of. I found a crate-style pallet at a mechanic’s shop down the road, and they were kind enough to let me have it. Flipping it upside down, this would serve as the sturdy foundation for our coop.
For the rest of the structure, I scavenged wood from a few places. Some was from old pallets I found in factory areas; some came from scraps in a neighbor’s garage (who was doing renovations). The majority came from a dumpster near a construction site, where I was able to salvage usable boards. These materials were a bit rough around the edges, but they were free, and with a bit of sanding and cutting, they worked perfectly.
The frame came together quickly. I joined all the pieces with two screws at every joint, ensuring a solid structure. The side extension had a lot more screws due to its larger surface area, making sure it was securely fastened to the main frame.
Step 2: Lining the Frame
With the frame in place, it was time to add the exterior cladding. As with the frame, I used scrap pallets for this part, cutting them to size and nailing them into place. When attaching the cladding, I made sure to use long nails that would go through the pallet boards and into the frame. It’s important that the nails penetrate deep enough to hold everything securely, as the overlap between the boards leaves a bit of a gap. You could also use wood glue, but I preferred the sturdier hold of nails.
I also needed to create the doors—one large main door for easy cleaning, and a smaller door for the chickens to go in and out. For the smaller chicken door, I added a latch to keep it from blowing shut in the wind. This way, the chickens had free access to come and go as they pleased without us having to constantly check on them.
Step 3: Framing the Roof and Openings
Next, I focused on the roof. I wanted to make sure the coop had plenty of light and ventilation, so I left an opening in the roof structure. This was later covered with mesh to keep pests out but allow airflow. It’s important for chickens to have fresh air, and this roof design allows just that.
The roof framing was constructed using rafters, which I nailed together using nail plates. These plates are great because they allow for quick assembly without the need for complicated roof trusses. I used plumbing clips (the kind used to secure pipes to walls) to attach the rafters to the top plate of the frame. I hammered the clips flat, then bent them at a 90-degree angle, securing one part to the frame and the other to the rafters. This method worked surprisingly well and held everything in place firmly.
For extra waterproofing, I used thick plastic garbage bags under the roof to create a barrier. The bags helped prevent any rain from soaking through the wood or getting blown underneath the roofing material, which could lead to water damage over time.
Step 4: Finishing the Roof
With the frame and roof in place, I turned my attention to finishing the roof. I continued lining it with plastic bags for waterproofing and added some additional rafters in the middle for extra support. The roofing material was made from pallet wood and some more scrap wood I had been given by a neighbor.
To finish the roof, I added some decorative barge boards, which I attached to wood blocks fixed to the rafters. These added a nice touch of character to the coop. I also cut out some triangular decorative pieces using a jigsaw, which I then screwed into the sides of the roof. The result was a roof that not only functioned well but also looked great.
Step 5: Adding the Final Touches and Painting
At this point, the structure was pretty much complete, but I still had a few finishing touches to add. I built doors for the nesting boxes, and to keep them securely shut, I added a sliding bolt on each one. This ensured that the eggs would stay safe and the chickens wouldn’t accidentally knock the doors open.
Next, I added a small canopy above the window area to help protect it from rain. This was especially important for keeping the chickens dry during storms and preventing the coop from becoming too damp inside.
And, of course, the final touch was the paint. My wife has a thing for pink, so I painted the entire chicken coop in her favorite color. I added some white for contrast to make it pop. The finishing touches included some cute chicken cutouts on the doors, and I used a CNC router to carve the word “HENS” above the door. These little details made the coop feel like it had a personality of its own.
Conclusion
Building our chicken coop was a fun and rewarding project. By repurposing materials from pallets, scrap wood, and leftover building supplies, we were able to create something functional and unique without breaking the bank. The end result is a cozy home for our chickens, and a sense of pride every time we look at it. Not only did we save money, but we also learned a lot along the way about working with what you have and making the most of available resources.
Now, whenever we head out to check on the chickens, it’s hard not to smile at the little coop that we built ourselves. It’s not just a chicken house; it’s a reminder of what we can accomplish when we put our creativity and hands to work. And as for my wife’s favorite color? Well, it certainly brightens up the backyard!
This plan is a contribution by [aespie-whitburn]. 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.
