DIY Chicken Coop

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Are you looking for an easy way to do a DIY chicken coop for your backyard flock? The good news is it is easier than you might realize. Whether you want to convert an existing garden shed into a coop, build a new one using scrap wood, or even make one inside an existing barn, you’ll find the ideal solution for your flock.

When raising chickens, having a coop that is sturdy and protective is an important part of ensuring you get loads of farm fresh eggs all year long.

When we first moved out to the country, chickens were something I wanted to raise. They seemed easy enough after all, all I needed was a coop and a few baby chicks.

I quickly learned that the coop mattered more than I realized when my first setup quickly failed. This guide will help you to build what you need now so you are not forced to make big corrections later on.

Before we talk about different ways to DIY a chicken coop, let’s first go over a few questions.

Is it cheaper to build your own chicken coop?

It can be cheaper to build your own chicken coop compared to buying a pre-made one, especially if you have a stack of wood just waiting to be used. Building your coop allows you to take what you have and turn it into what you need.

You also have more control over the size and design of the coop, so you can make sure that it is exactly what your chickens need. On the downside, it takes longer to build than it does to buy, but if you have the time, building is a better option.

How much room do you need in a chicken coop?

The amount of room you need in a chicken coop depends on the breed and size of your chickens. Generally, you will need at least 3-4 square feet per bird but I feel this is the bare minimum for a happy flock.

So, for example, if you have a 10 x 10 coop, you can keep about 10-12 chickens comfortably. If you plan to raise smaller birds like Bantams, that number will be closer to 20.

DIY Chicken Coop Ideas

Finding the best coop for your hens will depend on a few key factors.

1. What is the size of your flock now? Be sure you have enough room inside your coop for the number of chickens you have.
2. Will your flock grow over the years? If so, you may want to go bigger now so you do not have to make improvements later.
3. What breed of hen do you raise or will you plan to raise? Larger breeds need more room in a coop.
4. Do you have predators? If you have nuisance animals in your area, such as raccoons or hawks, you will want to secure the area to keep them out.
5. Do you live in a wet area? If so, you will want to keep your coop off the ground a few inches to keep the inside dry.
6. Do you live in a hot climate? If so, providing plenty of shade outside and ventilation for good airflow will help keep the interior coop cooler.
7. Do you live in a snowy area? If so, you may want to add insulation to keep the inside warmer.

If you are worried about the cold winters and how your flock will handle the temps, you can read our guide on How to Keep Chickens Warm in the Winter for tips.

#1. Convert a Wooden Shed into a Coop

Whenever you have a big project ahead of you, always look first at what you have available. Check to see if you have any existing structures that you can use for your new coop. An old shed can work great if you have one available.

Years ago, we raised pigs for our kid’s 4H projects in a large wood shed. When we finished, that shed sat empty, just waiting for a new use. We took that shed, moved it closer to the house, and transformed it into our new coop.

That old shed held up for many years and is still going strong.

Shed to Coop Step by Step Setup

Use this list to help you take your old shed and turn it into your new chicken coop.

1. Clean out the shed and remove any debris or materials that could harm the chickens.
2. Check the floor for any repairs needed. Cover up openings to keep rodents out.
3. Remove dust, dirt, or cobwebs from the sides and ceiling. Use a broom or leaf blower for this step, and be sure to wear a face mask to protect your lungs.
4. Add a small door so your chickens can access the run. You can use a doggie door or invest in a solar-powered coop door. These doors open at sunup and close at sundown.
5. If the opening is up off the ground, build a small ramp from scrap wood so you birds can easily get in and out as needed.
6. Install a chicken roost or small ladder. Get our best roost ideas so you can choose the best option.
7. Set up nesting boxes so your hens can lay their eggs. You will want one box for every 4-6 chickens.
8. If there are any windows, clean them and check them over for cracks.
9. Install ventilation at the top of the coop for airflow.
10. Inspect your coop for any cracks or openings where mice or other predators can get in.

#2. Build a Coop From Scrap Wood

If you don’t have a shed or other outbuilding to work with, you can always make your own coop using scrap wood. If you need a bit of help to get started, you can purchase easy chicken coop plans to work from.

1. Measure the size of the space that will become your chicken coop.
2. Remember, you will need plenty of room for roosts and perches inside and enough space for your chickens to move around.
3. Use two-by-fours or other scrap wood pieces to form the frame of the structure and attach them together with screws or nails.
4. Add a solid material for the walls. Metal, wood boards, or full sheets of plywood all work great.
5. Be sure you have a door for the chickens to get in and out of the run. A doggie door works great for this.
6. Add in ventilation near the roof for adequate airflow.
7. Install a chicken roost or small ladder.
8. Set up nesting boxes, you will want 1 box for every 4-6 chickens.
9. Windows are not necessary but a nice addition if you have a few lying around.
10. Inspect your coop for any cracks or openings where mice or other predators can get in.

#3. Coop Inside of a Barn

If you have an existing barn, you can create the perfect home for your chickens inside by turning a stall into a full chicken coop. This option works best with small flocks of 2-4 hens but can work for larger flocks depending on your available space.

1. Clean out any debris from the area.
2. Install chicken wire along the sides of the pen to keep chickens safely inside.
3. Put a top on the stall area to keep your birds from getting out.
4. Extend the walls up to the ceiling giving your hens more room.
5. Use a step ladder as a chicken roost, being sure to anchor it to prevent tipping.
6. Set up nesting boxes, you will want 1 box for every 4-6 chickens.
7. Hang a feeder and waterer.

We house our chicks in our barn until they are old enough to go into the main coop. This works well as it allows us to get them out of the house and help them to acclimate to the weather more easily.

Things to Remember When Building a Coop

When building a coop for your chickens, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure the structure is sturdy and secure and can hold up to the weather in your area.

Second, be sure to use chicken-friendly materials like wood and wire that will provide proper ventilation while also keeping predators out.

Thirdly, make sure the coop is big enough to comfortably house all of your chickens, with plenty of perches and roosts, as well as nesting boxes. If you plan to grow your flock, keep this in mind as you construct. Allow for easy add-ons with the coop and the outside run.

Get Creative With Your Coop

A DIY chicken coop doesn’t have to be boring. Once you have the basics down, feel free to get creative and add any design details that will make your chickens feel comfortable and safe in their home.

1. You can paint the walls and use bright colors to make the inside of the coop more inviting.
2. Add curtains to give a cozy look. Curtains can also help to keep the cold out during the winter months.
3. Give them toys to keep them engaged that hang from the ceiling.
4. Add lighting indoors for both you and the flock. If you do not have electricity in your coop, you can use solar lights.

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Potential Challenges with Building a Coop

Building a chicken coop isn’t always easy and there are certain challenges you may run into along the way.

Weather – Making sure the coop is sturdy enough to withstand any weather conditions can be hard to prepare for now. Just remember to keep watch on your coop as the winter weather hits. If you see a leak after a heavy rain for example, you can fix the issue before any serious damage is done.

Predators – The same is true with predators. Usually, you will not realize there is an opening until you find clues that something got into the coop. I like to do a monthly inspection of the coop to look for any openings a mouse may have made. As I find them, I can close them up before they lead to a bigger issue.

Cold and Hot – If you live in an area that has severe winters or very hot summers, consider adding insulation to help control those temperatures more easily. You may also want to double your ventilation if you are able.

Tips for Maintaining Your Chicken Coop

Now that you have your coop built, it’s important to remember some maintenance tips for keeping it in good condition.

1. Keep the inside of the coop clean by removing soiled bedding routinely. You can do a light cleaning daily to keep things from building up.
2. Each spring and fall, do a complete coop clean-out. Wash out any feeders and waterers, scrape off roosts, and change the bedding in the nesting boxes. ,
3. Inspect the coop for damage, check for rodent entry, and do any repairs.
4. Finally, check your birds. If you see signs of aggression, this can be a clue that you need more room in the coop and/or run.

By following these tips, you can ensure your chickens have a safe and healthy home to come back to each day.

Building a chicken coop is a great way to get creative with the supplies on hand while providing your chickens with the perfect place to live. With a little bit of hard work and some know-how,

More Chicken Coop Resources:

• How to Turn and Old Shed Into a New Chicken Coop
• How to Build Roosts for Your Coop
• DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes.