54 Free DIY Chicken Coop Plans & Ideas That Are Easy to Build
Backyard chickens need a proper coop to stay happy, comfortable, and healthy. If you’re planning to upgrade, renovate, or build but don’t know where to start, you’ll find the most comprehensive chicken coop ideas right here.
We’ve researched and compiled a list of the best chicken coop plans available online! From small to large chicken coops of all shapes and sizes, this list has you covered.
54 Beautiful DIY Chicken Coop Plans You Can Actually Build
From hen houses with nesting boxes to an easy-to-build small chicken coop, you can finally have a pen made exactly for your backyard and, of course, for your chickens.
To make it easier to choose from our expansive list of 54 free DIY chicken coop plans, we’ve included the chicken coop type, the size, the number of chickens it can accommodate, and the building difficulty.
If for any reason these plans overwhelm you, do yourself a favor and buy a chicken coop kit online instead.
1. Home Depot’s Coop Plans
Home Depot’s free and simple chicken coop plan is suitable for beginners with 2-3 chickens. It is also one of the easiest chicken coop plans to follow because they have put together a 2 part video series. You’ll even get a list of cutting materials and tools required! Of course, you’ll have no trouble buying all the gear from home Depot – maybe you could even print off their list and bring it with you?
Want to know how to build it?
Here is video part 1:
And here is video part 2:
Is this coop right for you?
- Type of coop – Elevated
- Size (feet) – 4 x 3
- Capacity – 2-3 chickens
- Build level – Easy
2. Tangles Nest’s Urban Chicken Coop
If you’re going to build a coop, build it right! At least, that was the motto that the folks over at tanglednest.com adopted for this great coop design. It houses four hens and is the perfect coop for a small urban setting.
You can get check the infographic guide here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevated
- Size (feet) – 6 x 3
- Capacity – 5 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
3. Instructables’ ‘Our Urban Chicken Coop’ Plan
If you’re in an urban setting and you want to put up an attractive and affordable (we’re talking $40!) coop for your hens to live in, this is where you want to be! Inspired by Kansas barns’ looks, this coop is easy to build and is the perfect size for a small brood.
You can check out this affordable and free chicken coop here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevated
- Size (feet) – 2 x 4
- Capacity – 3 to 5 laying hens
- Build Level – Intermediate
4. Home Garden Design Plans’ Chicken Coop Plans
When a site’s motto is “The Palace for Your Pets,” you know you’re going to be getting some high-quality coop plans. This design is gorgeous and, although it looks complicated at first glance, they’ve got you covered with intricately detailed pictures and videos that will have you building with confidence in no time.
Want to try this DIY chicken coop? You can check the layout and instructions here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 5 x 5
- Capacity – 3-5 hens
- Build Level – Hard
5. Natalie’s Chicken Coop Plan
If you’re looking for a snazzy coop AND visual instructions that take you through every step of the way, look no further. This coop’s design is so well-thought out that Home Depot even shared it on their blog.
This DIY chicken coop plan is available for $19.99, and we think it’s worth the extra investment. You can check a detailed overview of the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 8 x 3.5
- Capacity – 7 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
6. The South City Coop
While looks are important, sometimes function can be even more so, especially when you’re in a tight space. That’s where the South City Coop comes into play. This DIY chicken coop is beautiful and is as narrow as they come and opens like a wardrobe. Once you set it up neatly against an exterior wall, you’ll hardly even know it’s there!
You can view the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 6 x 3
- Capacity – 5 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
7. Barn Geek’s Chicken Coop Plan
If you’re looking for a $2000 coop for, well, not $2000, these plans can deliver. With easy access to the interior, this coop streamlines the process of feeding and gathering eggs. It’s a beautiful design, too, so you can be sure the neighbors will be happy!
Also, this functional and simple chicken coop is free too. You can download it here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 6 x 4
- Capacity – 6 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
8. Trictle’s Chicken Coop
If you’re severely limited on space, this chicken coop plan is as small as they get! Constructed with lightweight 2x3s, the structure looks more like a kid’s playhouse than a chicken coop. Its sturdy design means you still get quality (and therefore safety for your layers) while simultaneously keeping your home’s curb appeal as high as ever.
This DIY chicken coop is available here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 4 x 4
- Capacity – 4 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
9. MOP’s Chicken Coop
It’s in the name. If you’re looking for an easy coop to put up, look no further. Between the pictures and the video, these coop instructions are simple, straightforward, and easy to follow. There are also pictures of finished coops too, so you can see actual coops being built by real people, not just the shiny floor models.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 6 x 4
- Capacity – 6 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
10. Littlefeat’s The Feather Factory Chicken Coop
If you have more room, this DIY chicken coop is a great option. As with any high-end DIY chicken coop plans, they’ve made sure to take into consideration things like security, aesthetics, drainage, and ventilation before starting construction. But don’t just take our word for it. The results speak for themselves!
This chicken coop plan is free and is viewable here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 4 x 5 for the shelter, 10 x 5 in total
- Capacity – 5 chickens
- Build Level – Hard
11. Downeast Thunder Farm’s Chicken Coop
Another great chicken coop option if you’re limited (but not too limited) on space, the Thunder Farm Chicken Coop is built “like Fort Knox.” The creators had predators like hawks, coyotes, and even bears in mind when designing it, and it shows. Sturdy as hell, this long, thin, and tall model will help you (and your chickens) sleep well at night.
You can check this chicken coop plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 8 x 4 for the coop, 8 x 12 for the run
- Capacity – 8 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
12. Fox Log Cabin Chicken Coop
If you’re the kind of chicken owner who is attracted to the unique, this design stands out as one of the coolest of the bunch. Literally built like a log cabin, it’ll feel like you brought a little piece of the woodlands right to your backyard.
Plus, this DIY chicken coop is absolutely free. You can view the instructions here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 6 x 6
- Capacity – 9 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
13. Simply Easy DIY’s Small Chicken Coop Plans (backyard coop)
Consider this one a “travel coop.” It’s for those extreme scenarios where you just don’t have any space to spare. Designed to be tiny, easy to clean, and easy to take down, it’s even able to double as a portable chicken coop. It is the perfect answer to a tight or temporary space.
You can get this free chicken coop plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 3 x 2 for the shelter
- Capacity – 2 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
14. Weed ’em and Reap’s The Crib Coop
Do you have a crib? Then you have a coop. This design is a great solution for both clearing out that old crib in your storage and finding a safe and secure home for your free-range chickens at night. You get an affordable coop and recycle old stuff at the same time. It’s a win-win!
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Elevate
- Size (feet) – 2.5 x 4
- Capacity – 2 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
15. Harvey Ussery’s A-Frame Pasture Shelter
This design is suitable for anyone with a little space to move their coop around in. By utilizing just a few basic building materials like wood, wheels, and metal sheeting, you can build a chicken tractor that is both strong as a tank and easy to move.
You’ll find the material list and the instructions here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – A-Frame
- Size (feet) – 8 x 9
- Capacity – 10 to 18 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
16. Ana White’s A-Frame Pasture Shelter
If you’re debating whether you can handle building a chicken coop or not, this A-frame design is small, easy to build, and costs less than $100. The plan even includes a gallery of the finished coop built by regular people, demonstrating the original plan’s diversity and how easy it is to follow.
This is one of the easiest and simplest chicken coop ideas that you can do in your backyard. You’ll find this DIY chicken coop plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – A-Frame
- Size (feet) – 8 x 5, the shelter on the top is 10 sqft
- Capacity – 3 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
17. My6Chick’s Chicken Coop
Another excellent option for an A-frame coop is My6Chick’s Chicken Coop. Not only is it easy to clean, but it is one of the few chicken coop plans that offer great ventilation. It’s also tall at its peak and has a door, making it easy for an adult to get inside to gather eggs, replenish food and water, and so on.
This free DIY chicken coop is available here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – A-Frame
- Size (feet) – 8 x 4
- Capacity – 8 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
18. Coop and Home’s Red, White, and Blue Chicken Coop
This patriotic design is a sturdy adaptation of the popular Ana White A-Frame coop design. With a fully wooden front, heavy-duty hardware cloth, and lots of curb appeal, this slightly more expensive option spruces up an otherwise simple design. And if you’re not feeling patriotic (or you’re not American), you can paint it whatever colors you want!
Like many of the DIY chicken coop plans listed in our article, this A-frame chicken coop is absolutely free. View it here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – A-Frame
- Size (feet) – 8 x 6
- Capacity – 4 hens
- Build Level – Easy
19. Ana White’s Shed Chicken Coop
Another excellent addition to the list from Ana White, this coop is the epitome of repurposing, salvaging, and recycling. Built-in a sloping roof shed style, the coop isn’t just simple and easy to build; it’s also done with 2x3s (think affordable) and doubles as a beautiful accent piece to your yard!
Similar to other free chicken coop plans from Ana White, this model has an easy building level. You can view it here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Repurposed Shed
- Size (feet) – 8 x 4
- Capacity – 8 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
20. Construct 101’s Garden Shed Large Chicken Coop Plans
This garden shed-style plan is a perfect option if you have some vertical space and want something easy to get into (think cleaning, watering, feeding, or collecting eggs). The design’s boxy nature means it’s easy to build and is as sturdy a coop as they come!
If you are handy with tools and have building experience, this free chicken coop may be the plan that you’ve been looking for. This garden shed coop’s plan is here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Repurposed Shed
- Size (feet) – 8 x 8
- Capacity – 16 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
21. Anthony Liekens’ Geodesic Dome Chicken House
Are you a fan of sci-fi? Because if you are, you need to check out this coop. It screams “futuristic!” This dome-design maximizes space, is light, and stands on its own. It’s also just really cool and can stand in your yard like a modern work of art …or a moon lander.
This attention-grabbing and unique free chicken coop plan is available here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Curved Roof
- Size – 1.5 square meters
- Capacity – 3 to 4 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
22. Another Ana White Coop
This incredible Ana White design combines an efficient use of space with all the benefits of owning chickens… and then adds a planter/rooftop garden to boot! The structure takes up minimal space and will dependably house your sources of eggs and salads for as long as you need them. There’s even a nesting box.
Ana White’s extensive free chicken coop plans are available directly on her website. For this beautiful coop, you can view it here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Planted Green Living Roof
- Size (feet) – 5 x 2.5
- Capacity – 3 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
23. Grit’s Free and Easy Pallet Coop
If uber practical designs get your heart pumping, this is the one for you. Made from old pallets, this coop is as rustic as they come, which can be quite stylish, too! Seriously, if recycling, affordability, and practical solutions are your thing, you might want to check this one out.
This free chicken coop plan is available here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Recycled Pallet
- Size – 4 square feet
- Capacity – 4 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
24. Green Living Chicken Coop
If you’re looking for a practical housing solution for your chickens, steering towards a more rustic look may be the answer. This coop design from greenliving.lovetoknow.com is an excellent way to reuse old materials and at the same time build a veritable fortress to keep your chickens safe day and night.
The blueprint of this free chicken coop is available here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Recycled Pallet
- Size (feet) – 10 x 5
- Capacity – 5 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
25. Justin Rhodes’ Chicken Tractor
Consider this one the “industrial box” chicken tractor. It’s a simple, practical, and affordable design that will allow your chickens to “free-range” while in their home. With easy access to the inside, this one is the perfect answer to a mobile coop.
Find the plan of this free chicken coop plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Portable
- Size – 43 in x 8 ft
- Capacity – max 12 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
26. Pampered Chicken Mama’s DIY Tractor
If your idea of a chicken tractor is literally a house for your chickens, then this one is worth a look. This option looks like a shed or a small house, which means it once again has that almighty curb appeal! These coop plans are perfect if you’re looking for an affordable option that looks good.
Plus, you can easily build a chicken coop exactly like this, thanks to Pampered Chicken Mama’s detailed instructions. Get the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Portable
- Size (feet) – 2 x 4
- Capacity – 3 hens
- Build Level – Easy
27. The Kerr Center Chicken Tractor
If you’re looking for a larger tractor that you can still move around, this spacious design literally works like a trailer! With wheels in the back and a spot in the front to hook it up to a hitch, you can move the whole thing around without breaking a sweat!
You can check the PDF guide of this free chicken coop here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Portable
- Size (feet) – 5 x 2.5 for the shelter, 10 x 5 in total
- Capacity – 3 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
28. Fresh Eggs Daily’s Chicken Tractor
When we say PVC, you say tractor! This design is a lightweight option that uses wood on the bottom and PVC arches right over the top to build the frame. Cover that with wiring and a tarp, and you’re all set. Your chickens will have a safe home, and you won’t break your back moving it around!
This chicken coop looks amazing too! View the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Portable
- Size (feet) – 2 x 3
- Capacity – 4 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
29. The Choo Choo Coop
This coop is hands-down one of the most inventive designs out there! It’s incredible to look at, has an adult level entry door, is safe, recycles tons of materials in its construction, and doesn’t just look mobile, it is mobile! The Choo Choo Coop gets five stars for being fun, practical, and eco-friendly. We heartily approve!
View the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Portable
- Size (feet) – 4 x 4
- Capacity – 3 to 4 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
30. The Wee Kirk Coop
Right on theme with the Choo Choo Coop, the Wee Kirk Coop is both functional and adorable. Built to resemble a miniature church – and looking like it came right off of a miniature golf course – this coop can roll around the yard or rest on its “home base” with ease.
Access the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Portable
- Size – 10 square meters
- Capacity – 2 to 3 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
31. Joel Salatin’s Pastured Poultry Pen
If you’re looking at having a larger flock, this coop is designed with capacity in mind. Simple and basic, it might not be aesthetically pleasing, but this tough, industrial-looking box can be summed up in five words: It gets the job done.
Check the blueprint here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Pastured Poultry Pens
- Size (feet) – 12 x 10
- Capacity – 50 to 85 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
32. PVC Chicken Coop
If you like the idea of light, simple, and mobile, but also want something big, these plans from pvcplans.com provide a tremendously practical and affordable solution. You can even choose between three options depending on how adventurous you’re feeling: big and simple, big and complex, and small and complex.
Get the layout and material list here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Pastured Poultry Pens
- Size (feet) – 4 x 4 for the shelter, 10 x 9 in total
- Capacity – 4 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
33. Justin Rhodes’ Chick Shaw
This model brings some thigh-slapping fun to the idea of a mobile chicken tractor. Designed to look very much like an actual rickshaw, moving this coop is as easy as pie. Just lift and walk! Accessing the chickens and their eggs is also made very easy with the hinged top, making it a great solution for a mobile coop!
The step by step plan is free and downloadable here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Rickshaw
- Size (feet) – 6 x 6
- Capacity – 12 to 36 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
34. BuildEazy Chicken Coop
Sometimes the best bet is just to go old school. After all, nothing quite beats a nice, old-fashioned wooden coop. These plans from buildeazy.com will take you step by step to build a strong and sturdy traditional coop. If you’re looking for dependable, this is the way to go.
You can view the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Classic Wooden
- Size (feet) – 6 x 6
- Capacity – 9 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
35. Harriet’s House
Another tried and true style, this coop design is a great solution for creating a small, cozy home for a handful of chickens. It’s solid, narrow, has a built-in run, and the nesting boxes are located outside the coop, making them easy to access.
Find the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Classic Wooden
- Size (feet) – 12 x 3
- Capacity – 9 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
36. The Happy Chicken Coop’s Annabelle
If you’re looking for a very small coop for a small space, this one is worth consideration. It’s another design that’s built to look like a small house. The best part, though, is the ultra-detailed, color-coded instructions that take you one step at a time through every piece and every aspect of the construction process.
You can get a PDF file copy of the plan and the material list here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Classic Wooden
- Size – 6 square feet
- Capacity – 2 to 3 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
37. Little Things’ From Playhouse to Hen House
There are many ways to recycle things when building chicken coops, but one of the most inventive (and colorful) ones out there is the playhouse to hen house option. If you’ve got an extra kid’s playhouse lying around gathering dust, here’s how you can use it to create a lovely new home for your chickens!
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Postmodern Plastic
- Size (feet) – 5 x 4
- Capacity – 5 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
38. The Rustic/Whimsical Coop
This coop holds to its name, providing a rustic yet put-together feel that can add that perfect dash of whimsy to your backyard. It’s simple as all get out, and its front doors provide easy access for cleaning, feeding, watering, and cleaning.
View the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Small Chicken Coop
- Size(feet) -4 x 4
- Capacity – 4 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
39. Old Dog House Chicken Coop
Similar to the recycled playhouse, the old doghouse chicken coop is a perfect way to reuse a doghouse that would otherwise be thrown away. The design is simple, easy, and should leave everyone satisfied and happy… except the dispossessed dogs, of course.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Small Chicken Coop
- Size -12 square feet
- Capacity – 2 to 3 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
40. Sunrise Chicks Chicken Coops
If you see a large flock in your future, this coop is built big, strong, and professional-grade. More of a small shed than anything else, the structure has a solid foundation, a fully shingled roof, and doors and windows. It works well as a coop… or a second house!
The blueprint and guide are here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size (feet) -12 x 10
- Capacity – 25 to 30 chickens
- Build Level – Medium
41. MOP’s 8 x 10 Large Chicken Coop
If you’re not completely happy with Sunrise Chicks Chicken’s design, you can opt for MOP’s large chicken coop plan. It is as solid as Sunrise Chicks Chicken’s coop and features enough doors and windows for your chickens. It just has a different exterior and layout.
Get the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size (feet) -8 x 10
- Capacity – 20 to 30 chickens
- Build Level – Hard
42. The Ready Stores’s Large Chicken Coop Design
Continuing with the whole “built as well as a house” theme, this coop features an incredibly secure foundation under the whole thing (including the run), complete with a buried layer of hardware cloth for peace of mind from any predators that might come lurking around. It also has solid walls, a metal roof, and a huge amount of space inside!
You can build this coop by following the instructions here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size (feet) – 8 x 4 for the shelter, 12 x 8 in total
- Capacity – 8 chickens
- Build Level – Hard
43. Debby’s Roost
If you want your chickens to stay happy and comfortable throughout winter and summer, this plan from Debby’s Roost is what you need.
Not only does it boasts a big size, but this coop also includes electricity, windows, and a chicken door that doubles as a ramp. Insulation is also available so your hens and rooters can stay warm during colder weather.
Build the exact coop by following the instructions here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size (feet) – 8 x 12
- Capacity – 25+ hens
- Build Level – Medium
44. Fowl Play Chicken Coop
This coop model is large and elite in both its size and scope. This cabin-sized structure, which is built for a larger brood, has electricity, two doors on either side for a cross-breeze on hot days, and even insulation!
Get the plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size – 100 square feet
- Capacity – 25+ hens
- Build Level – Easy
45. The Chicken Garden Coop
Sometimes the term chicken “coop” just doesn’t work. And in this case, we’re talking about more of a chicken palace! The design for this massive structure includes a large coop flanked by two runs, one of which has a full-blown garden designed right into it! After all, chickens can make some pretty good fertilizer.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size – 100 square feet
- Capacity – 25+ hens
- Build Level – Hard
46. Kassy’s House
Once again, here we find a virtual chicken castle. The coop itself is a staggering 12×16 feet, a huge size for a backyard chicken coop. If you’re thinking about building a big structure for a larger brood, this is the place to start!
View the guide here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size (feet) – 12 x 16
- Capacity – 25+ hens
- Build Level – Easy
47. Rural Rehatch
This gorgeous coop is large, spacious, and… did we say gorgeous yet? The structure feels rustic (it’s made of old pallets and barn wood) and, at the same time, very pulled together. It looks more like a stable than a chicken coop! Your birds will be living in the lap of luxury with one of these in your backyard.
You can follow the instructions here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size – 64 square feet
- Capacity – 13 to 24 hens
- Build Level – Easy
48. The Happy Chicken Coop’s Zelda
“Zelda” is a large coop built to last. Just like all of the projects in thehappychickencoop.com, the instructions are painstakingly detailed and even color-coded! They give you the specifics on every piece of wood to cut and exactly where each piece goes.
Access the free coop plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size – 40 square feet
- Capacity – 13 to 24 hens
- Build Level – Easy
49. Home Depot’s Chicken Coop Plan
This plan combines sheer size with the concept of a raised coop. It’s not quite as big as some of the other massive structures on our list, but it’s very large when you take into consideration that it’s on stilts! Its snazzy design also makes it a nice piece to showcase in your yard, too, in spite of its size!
The guide is accessible here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size – 32 square feet
- Capacity – 12 chickens
- Build Level – Easy
50. Chicken House
This chicken coop is practical and, though fairly basic, has the potential to be a beautiful addition to your yard. The instructions also come with a helpful rundown on why things like protection, light, and ventilation are important to your chickens’ well-being, which should be taken into careful consideration when building.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size (feet)- 8 x 8
- Capacity – 15 to 20 hens
- Build Level – Intermediate
51. Mammy’s 1895 Chicken House
This gem of a design is based on an authentic 19th-century chicken coop! The inspiration for the plans comes from an old cabin in Yosemite, which was recreated as a coop in 1994. The structure is large, very beautiful, and could serve as an impressive centerpiece to any smaller urban or suburban yard.
To build this beautiful coop, you can follow this guide.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Grand Designed Large Coops
- Size (feet)-16 x 8
- Capacity – 32 chickens
- Build Level – Intermediate
52. Hennebunkport Coop Design
Inspired by a variety of different coops from backyardchickens.com, this design is so well-built, your chickens will truly be living their best lives. Beautifully trimmed, roofed, and sided, the structure works well as a coop and can easily be converted to other uses if your chicken adventures come to an end.
The instructions are here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Chicken Run
- Size (feet) -6 x 6
- Capacity – 6 to 8 chickens
- Build Level – Medium
53. HGTV’s Custom Chicken Coop Plans
Leave it to HGTV to design a beautifully trendy coop that meets all of the typical coop needs without eating up too much space. The design allows for external egg collection, predator protection and can be easily adapted to other uses if you ever move on from raising chickens.
You can learn more about this coop plan here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Chicken Run
- Size (feet) -10 x 5.75
- Capacity – 14 chickens
- Build Level – Medium
54. Moon Shadow’s Farm Chicken Coop and Run
Another “house-sized” coop, the plans for this one are straightforward and include lots of pictures! With a coop this size and this well-built, you should have no trouble keeping your chickens safe and sound. It’s built to last, using things like 2x6s for the floor joists and heavy-duty materials for everything from floor to ceiling.
The building plans of this DIY coop is available here.
Is this the right coop for you?
- Type of Coop – Chicken Run
- Size (feet) -10 x 8 for the coop, 10 x 16 for the run
- Capacity – 13 to 24 hens
- Build Level – Medium
Final Thoughts
Of course, basic guidelines apply to all chicken coops, but the ideal coop will look different to every chicken and chicken owner.
Because there is no one absolutely flawless coop, all there is left to do is contemplate our needs and that of our flock to make the wisest housing decision on behalf of our wacky little friends.
Let us know of any doubts, comments, or suggestions below, and remember to share this post with your feather-aficionado friends!
Recommended Next Reading: Inside 12 Amazing Chicken Coops
FAQs
The cost to build a chicken coop can be as low as $50. However, this can be significantly higher, especially if you have a specific coop and run requirements. Materials, the complexity of the design, and labor (if you’re going to hire a carpenter) can increase the cost of building a chicken coop. Many DIY enthusiasts and chicken keepers usually repurpose old furniture to reduce the costs of building a coop and nesting boxes. If this is not possible for you, you may want to check several local hardware supply stores to get the best deal on the materials.
Yes, it is cheaper to build your chicken coop. If you have 2-3 chickens in your flock, you can make it yourself and save at least 40%-50% versus buying a pre-built coop. If you have limited building skills and knowledge, you can save yourself from the hassle and buy a ready-to-use pen. However, you will spend more money.
The best material for a DIY chicken coop is treated lumber. It is durable, pest resistant, and you can customize it by either staining or applying a coat of paint. Plus, there are different varieties that you can choose from to meet your requirements and budget. If you’re going to build a wooden chicken pen, make sure that you select treated wood. This will protect the material from pest infestation and rotting.
Alex lives in the sustainability capital of Australia (Byron Bay) where the local community thrives and strongly supports self-sufficient living and green tech entrepreneurship. He began Eco Peanut in 2014 with the mission to spread bite sized sustainability advice to the masses.