Keeping your chickens safe and happy doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Learn how to build a small chicken coop using budget-friendly materials and customizable amenities! Follow my step-by-step guide and discover some handy tips along the way.
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What to Know Before You Build a DIY Small Chicken Coop
Before you get carried away with building your chicken coop, there are a few things to consider. We don't want you to end up with a poorly designed coop that won't protect your chickens or cause any potential issues!
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when building small chicken coops:
Know Your Local Regulations
Different cities and towns have different regulations for keeping chickens and building coops. Some may require permits or have certain specifications for the size of your coop. There can also be rules on how many chickens you can keep on your property.
Always research and familiarize yourself with the local regulations before you begin building to avoid any legal issues!
Assess Your Space
Before you start designing your chicken coop, take a good look at the available space in your backyard. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, drainage, and proximity to your house…and neighbors. Chickens can be noisy and stinky; your neighbors don't need to deal with that.
Choose a suitable location that will accommodate the size of your coop and keep everyone happy.
Plan the Size of Your Coop
How many chickens do you plan on keeping? The answer to this question will determine the size of your coop. Chickens need enough space to move around comfortably and lay their eggs.
My rule of thumb is around 4 square feet per bird plus 10 square feet of outdoor run space.
Pick the Right Materials for You
There's no right or wrong material when building your coop, but there are pros and cons. I prefer unfinished plywood because it's affordable, easy to work with, and provides good insulation. But you can also use stone or plastic sheets or repurpose old materials such as pallets or crates.
One factor that can influence your decision is the climate in your area. If you live in a colder region, you'll want to choose materials that will provide proper insulation during the winter months. And if you live in a hotter area, you'll want to avoid materials like plastic, which can trap heat.
Consider Predators
Unfortunately, many animals would love to get their hands (or paws) on your chickens. Some common predators include raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and snakes.
When planning your chicken coop, adding a sturdy and secure fence around the perimeter can help keep predators out. Locks and latches on the doors/windows are also a good idea.
Make it Easy to Clean
Chickens may be cute and fluffy, but they can also be messy. That's why it's important to make your coop easy to clean. Consider adding a hinged roof or side panels for easier access and using materials that can be hosed down or wiped clean. I've seen other chicken owners cover wood floors with linoleum to make cleaning even easier.
Think of The Sun
Sunlight is super important for your chickens' health and well-being. When designing your coop, consider the position of the sun and how much natural light will enter the coop throughout the day.
However, if you live somewhere that gets extremely hot, it's a good idea to provide shade during the hottest part of the day.
Don't Forget About Ventilation
Just like humans, chickens need fresh air to stay healthy. Make sure your coop has proper ventilation to allow for air circulation and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria!
Add Personal Touches
Lastly, don't be afraid to add personal touches to your chicken coop! Maybe you want to paint it a fun color or add some cute signs or decorations. Not only will it make your coop stand out, but it'll also make it feel like a special space for you and your flock.
There's no right or wrong way to design a chicken coop, so long as it meets the basic needs of your chickens. If you're unsure what your DIY small chicken coop needs, keep reading to discover my must-haves for any coop.
Small Chicken Coop Plans
There are so many creative ways to design and build a chicken coop. I'm going to tell you how I built my coop, but here are some other small chicken coop ideas to get your wheels turning:
An A-Frame Coop
Who said chicken coops have to be square-shaped? An A-frame coop is a great space saver and also uses fewer supplies, as it only has three sides: Just build an angled roof and secure it to a sturdy base. Attach a small run to the front of the coop, and you'll be all set!
A Mobile Coop (Chicken Tractor)
If you have a small yard or want to move your chickens easily, consider building a mobile chicken coop. You can attach wheels to the bottom of a coop or create a structure with handles for easy transport.
Salvage an Old Shed or Playhouse
If you have an old shed or playhouse in your backyard, consider converting it into a chicken coop! With some minor modifications and additions, you can repurpose this existing structure into a cozy home for your chickens.
Use Recycled Materials
Not only is using recycled materials for your coop environmentally friendly, but it can also save you money. Look for old pallets, scraps of wood, and other reusable materials to create a unique and sustainable chicken coop. Always sand down any rough edges and make sure the materials aren't coated in any toxic substances.
Consider a Raised Coop
Raising your coop off the ground has multiple benefits. It can help protect your chickens from predators, keep unwanted moisture out, and provide more space for the chickens to roam underneath. You can either build a raised platform or attach legs to your coop structure.
Chicken Coop Small Must Haves
It doesn't matter what small chicken coop plans you use if they don't have these features:
- Ventilation: Either by a window or small vents, chickens need good air flow to keep them healthy.
- Nesting Boxes: These are where your chickens will lay their eggs. Plan on one nesting box per three to four hens.
- Roosting Bars: Chickens like to roost at night, and they need a sturdy perch to do so. It can be as simple as attaching a wooden dowel to the walls.
- Feeders and Waterers: Your chooks need somewhere to eat and drink! Don't forget to add Chicken Grit to their diet!
- Dust Bath: Chickens like to dust bathe to keep their feathers clean and healthy. This doesn't have to be in the coop, but providing a designated area with loose soil or sand will make your chickens happy.
- Predator Protection: Make your coop sturdy and predator-proof to protect your chickens from potential threats. All doors and windows should have latches or locks, and the bottom of the coop run should be lined with hardware cloth or wire mesh.
- Space for Exercise: Even if your coop is small, it's important to include space for your chickens to move around and stretch their legs. Add ramps, perches, and other structures that encourage your chickens to climb and explore.
- Temperature Control: Depending on where you live, temperature control may be necessary for your coop. Consider adding insulation or additional ventilation options to help regulate the temperature inside the coop.
How to Build a Small Chicken Coop
Here's my beginner-friendly guide to building a small, functional chicken coop for your backyard. You'll need to measure the exact dimensions of your coop based on the number of chickens you plan to keep, but these basic steps will help you get started.
Materials Needed:
- 2x4 Unfinished Plywood
- Wooden boards (or pallets)
- Roofing Materials (I used corrugated metal, but shingles would work)
- Hardwire cloth
- Hinges and latches
- Nesting box materials (I used wooden crates)
- Saw
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Screws and nails
- Insulation (optional)
How to Build:
- Create a square-shaped frame using 2x4 unfinished plywood for the base of your coop. Assemble with screws.
- Add a triangle-shaped frame on top of the square base, creating a sloped roof.
- Measure a space on the wooden boards for the door, any windows, and nesting boxes. Then, using a saw, cut out the openings.
- Frame the walls and floor using the wooden boards, ensuring the door and windows are in their designated spaces.
- Secure the walls to the base with screws. Add insulation if desired.
- Add a perch inside the coop for your chickens to roost on at night. An old curtain rod or wooden dowel works well for this.
- Install the roof using the chosen roofing material and secure it with nails. It's always a good idea to leave a little overhang on the sides to protect from rain.
- Attach hard wire cloth over any openings, such as windows or vents, to keep out predators.
- Install hinges and a latch for the door.
- Build and install nesting boxes using your chosen materials (wooden crates work well). Add a hinged lid for easy access to collect eggs.
- Add any additional features, such as a ramp for the chickens to enter and exit, window covers, or a run area outside the coop.
- If adding a run area, use hardwire cloth to ensure its security from predators. Create an additional frame and attach it to the coop, then cover it with the wire cloth.
- Fill the coop with bedding material, such as straw or wood shavings, and add water and food containers for your chickens.
Small Chicken Coop Amenities
This DIY small chicken coop has a few customizable amenities, such as:
- Nesting boxes for your hens to lay eggs
- A perch for roosting at night
- A secure door with a latch for easy access and safety from predators
- Sloped roof for rain protection
- Hardwire cloth protection
- Ventilation options, such as windows, for air circulation
- A run area outside the coop for your chickens to roam and forage
- It can be made any size to accommodate a small flock of chickens
Average Cost of Small Chicken Coops
How much you spend on your small chicken coop might differ from mine. It completely depends on where you buy your materials and how big your coop will be. This DIY small chicken coop idea will cost (on average) between $100 and $400, depending on how many supplies you already have at home.
Buying new materials can add up quickly, but if you're resourceful and use what you have, it can be a budget-friendly project!
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