A coop photograph can inspire a build without providing a complete plan. Use these projects to compare layout and materials, then verify dimensions, drawings, ventilation, cleaning access, and predator protection before construction. A stylish or inexpensive example is not automatically suitable for the advertised flock size.
The First Steps of Your Chicken Coop Plans
It’s important to remember that your chickens are living things that want to feel safe and experience happiness and stress. You’re building it, but the chicken coop is going to be your chickens’ home.
And like your home, you’re going to want to make sure your chicken’s home is perfect for them. Let’s take a closer look at some things to be aware of before you begin work on your DIY chicken coop plans.
What’s the Best Size for Your Chicken Coop
The amount of room your chickens have to move around is going to play a massive role in their stress levels and overall happiness.
With this in mind, the size of your DIY chicken coop should be your first consideration.
If the coop is crowded with chickens, waste and other filth can begin to pile up, leading to some miserable birds!
The chickens’ stress levels will go through the roof, they will start to peck at each other, and eventually, disease will take hold, and your chickens will begin to die off.
It’s widely agreed that optimally you need around 4 square feet for each chicken. So if you have four chickens, they will need about 16 square feet of coop space. If you plan to leave your chickens cooped up all the time, ideally, they will need around 10 feet of space each.
Consider Your Chicken Coop’s Location Carefully
To give your chickens the most comfortable life possible, and in return, get the most delicious eggs you can, you’re going to want to add an optimal location to your chicken coop plans. You need to think about a few key points carefully before you begin work on your coop.
- As hard as you’re sure to work at keeping your chickens’ coop clean, it’s still going to get a little noisy and smelly. If you want to keep the peace with your neighbors, try not to have the coop too close to their homes. While you’re at it, you shouldn’t have it too close to your home either.
- Your chickens need a nice gentle flow of air going through their coop as well. Try to find a spot on your property where you know the winds will be mild enough not to make your chickens uncomfortable but steady enough to provide ventilation.
- Chickens don’t want to hang out in the sun all day. Nor do they want to lay under shade constantly, though that sounds nice. Marking a spot on your chicken coop plans that provides a mix of sun and shade throughout the day will keep your chickens happy and productive!
- The perfect spot for your chicken coop is going to be somewhere that is easy for you to get to a couple of times a day. You want raising chickens to be an enjoyable experience, so don’t wear yourself down hiking up and down a mountain to reach your coop. Out of the way of homes, and at the same time covenant to get to is the goal.
Important Items to Include in Your Chicken Coop Plans
So, you’re almost ready to begin construction, but there are a few things your chicken coop plans need to include.
Some of these items are must-haves to keep your chickens healthy, while others go a long way in keeping them clean and happy. To increase your chickens’ longevity and productivity, make sure to include this list of items when making plans for a chicken coop.
- A nesting box
- Waterer and feeder
- Proper ventilation
- Windows for light
- A resting perch
- An open area to run around in while outside the coop
- Dust box to clean up in
- Poop boards- try putting them below where your chickens perch. It will save you a lot of clean-up work!
Now that you’re armed with some basic information, it’s time to pick out the perfect chicken coop plan.
Below you will find 50 fun and easy DIY chicken coop ideas, along with information on ease of build with some basic carpentry knowledge, size of the coop, and the number of chickens it can accommodate comfortably.
50 Chicken Coop Plans that are Fun and Easy to Make
1. Little, Practical, and Yellow Chicken Coop
This adorable little yellow chicken coop is perfect for those just getting into raising chickens. Being enclosed means your chickens will stay warmer during the winter, and being up off the ground allows them to stay cooler during summer. Plus, the height of the coop off the ground will keep your chickens protected from flooding and potential predators.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 4×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 4 |
2. Chicken Coop Plans from Home Depot
Not only can Home Depot help you with supplies, but they can also provide you with a step-by-step guide to make this nifty little chicken coop. With supplies, a detailed walkthrough, and a how-to video, this chicken coop plan can be done with one-stop shopping!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 4×3 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 3 |
3. Versatile PVC Chicken Coop Plans
Robust, inexpensive, and easy to work with, PVC may be the ultimate overlooked building material, especially for chicken coops. Luckily, PVCPlanes has us covered with simple-to-follow PDF plans for various chicken coop models, like the one shown here. No matter what design you go with, you will be eating farm or backyard fresh eggs in no time!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 4×4 Shelter10×9 Total Enclosure |
| Max Number of Chickens | 4 |
4. Fire up the Chicken Tractor
Okay, so this chicken coop plan from fresheggsdaily isn’t a real tractor, but it is mobile! Chickens do a great job of aerating the soil around them and enriching the soil with their waste. The problem is if you leave the coop in one place for too long, it can begin to have a bit of an odor. This handy DIY coop plan solves that problem perfectly!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 8×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 4 |
5. Riding High in a Mobile Chicken Coop
This tractor coop from kerrcenter offers the versatility of not only being mobile or permanent, but it’s also designed to keep your egg-laying friends off the ground and better protected. The simple yet elegant design of this chicken coop plan is ideal for chicken lovers who need to place their coops in areas prone to flooding.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 5×2.5 Shelter10×5 Total Enclosure |
| Max Number of Chickens | 3 |
6. Embrace the Rustic Charm
This may not be the most professional-looking chicken coop plan design, but it certainly is effective! This rustic-looking chicken coop from the appropriately named blessthismessplease has a certain classic, simpler time appeal to it.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 3.5×3.5 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 3 |
7. Simple Effect Chicken Coop Plan
Greenliving.lovetoknow shows us another simple coop with an old-school rustic feel to it. This simple and straightforward design is perfect for those starting out in the hobby and who want to start small. This chicken coop plan lets you build a safe, effective enclosure for your chickens while you learn the ropes of raising them!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 8×2 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 4 |
8. Cute Little A-Frame Design Chicken Coop Plan
This cute little chicken tractor is designed with available space and mobility in mind. Ana-white shows us how to build this little handy little coop. Super lightweight and easy to move, this coop design gives your chickens plenty of vertical space to move around in.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 8×510 Square Feet in Upper Shelter |
| Max Number of Chickens | 3 |
9. A Small and Neat Chicken Coop Plan
From simplyeasydiy, this coop certainly lives up to its designer’s site name. This chicken coop plan is laid out in an easy-to-follow fashion spread across two videos. There isn’t a lot to say about this little coop. For beginner DIYers, it’s perfect!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 3×2 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 2 |
10. Chicken Coop Plans on a Tight Budget
Low on cash and not very handy with tools? Don’t fret; grit has you covered with this ultra-easy DIY chicken coop plan. All you really need to build the bulk of this coop is three wooden pallets. Add in a nesting box and a few other materials, and you have a perfectly fine and simple DIY chicken coop.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 4×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 4 |
11. Upcycling Chicken Coop Plan
If you’re looking for a way to squeeze a little more use out of an old baby crib, weedemandreap has the chicken coop plan for you! All you need is some chicken wire and a couple of boards, and you have a perfect on-the-cheap DIY chicken coop. Another great idea for beginners!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 2.5×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 2 |
12. Fun and Functional Chicken Coop Plans
Another idea from ana-white, this chicken coop plan combines style and function to create your chickens a home they will love! This coop has plenty of room on the ground and vertically for your chickens to move around in. Plus, you’ll find a handy bin built into the design. You can store your tools or add some decorative plants for extra style.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 5×2.5 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 3 |
13. Add a Splash of Color to Your Chicken Coop
This classic coop for free-range chickens pops with added splashes of color. Communitychickens uses purple around this coop’s trim to add a little style and flair. The chickens may not care what the coop looks like, but you’re going to love it!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 4×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 4 |
14. Step by Step Easy Chicken Coop Plans
Barngeek gives us plans for this simple chicken coop. For its size, this coop is going to be hard to beat. It has handy access to gather eggs and allows you to get to the waterer and feeder easily; plus, it can be built relatively cheaply. The step-by-step guide makes putting this coop together a breeze!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 6×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 6 |
15. More Versatile Pallet Chicken Coop Plans
This large spacious coop shown at backyardchickens once again utilizes cheap, convenient pallets to create the perfect home for your chickens. With access to cheap pallets, and they shouldn’t be hard to find, you can build this roomy coop on the cheap. Even though you’re being thrifty, your chickens will still love it!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 16×8 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 32 |
16. Pallet Crazy Chicken Coop Plans
Want a roomy, well-built, cheap chicken coop? Then the plan for this coop at backyardchickens is what you’ve been looking for. By using inexpensive, often free, pallets, you can create this spacious enclosure for a good number of chickens. It’s a cheap way to get into a hobby you will love!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 7×7 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 12 |
17. A Simple DIY Chicken Coop Plan
If this coop from thetanglednest looks like what you’ve been looking for, you’re in luck! This coop is super easy to build and includes everything you will need to get ready for your small flock of chickens. As your passion for raising chickens grows, you can grow the coop out to meet your needs.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 6×3 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 5 |
18. Chicken Coop Plans Big on Features
This chicken coop plan on backyardchickens may be a relatively easy DIY build, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on the features. This coop is electrically heated, has lights, an IR chicken cam, a removable roost, and more! Basically, if you want it in a coop, this one has it!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 8×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 8 |
19. Chicken Coop Plans Perfect for Beginners
The folks at myoutdoorplans claim you can get this DIY chicken coop up in about a day. With their step-by-step plans, it looks like it should be a fairly easy build for the most novice builders among us. An added bonus is it looks great and is perfect for raising your first few chickens!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 6×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 6 |
20. Chicken Coop Plans on the Tiny Side
This unusual coop has a different style, to say the least, but its vertical design and small size make it the perfect coop for smaller bantam breed chickens. It’s the ideal coop if you’re just getting your feet wet in the chicken raising game or if you’re just limited on space. Backyardchickens has the plans to get you up and going with this coop.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | Varies |
| Max Number of Chickens | 2 Bantams as Shown |
21. Plans to Get the Job Done
This tiny chicken coop may not be the most attractive option on the list, but it will get the job done for you. Backyardchickens can walk you through what is promised to be a speedy setup with the plans on their site. This coop isn’t intended for housing chickens long-term, but for housing chickens for a short period of time throughout the year, it can be a great starter coop to ease into the hobby.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 8×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 8 |
22. This Coop will Blend Right In
This neat little shed will look perfectly at home in any backyard. Ana-white provides a chicken coop plan that looks almost exactly like a backyard shed. The potential for customization with this coop is through the roof! You could decorate the sides with some hanging baskets of flowers or make some handy storage hooks for your tools. Either way, it’s definitely a coop worth checking on!
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 8×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 8 |
23. Little Red Barn Coop in the Backyard
This cute little red barn chicken coop is compact enough to work in most backyards but still spacious enough for a handful of chickens. You can find the plans for this coop over at instructables, where they say this chicken coop is extremely easy on the wallet. Plenty of room, sturdy, and cheap, it’s a perfect DIY chicken coop.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 6×4 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 6 |
24. Teeny Tiny Chicken Coop Plans
If space is at a premium for you, then this chicken coop plan at thehappychickencoop will be perfect for you. You don’t get a lot of extra amenities for your chickens, but what you will get is a sturdy and reliable coop that will last you years.
| Ease of Build | Easy |
| Size in Feet | 2×3 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 3 |
25. Ready to Ordered Chicken Coop
This excellent chicken tractor is roomy, versatile, and relatively easy to build. But, if you’re not sure your carpentry skills are up for the challenge, the folks at chickenmobilestagecoach have your back. You can order these coops pre-made and ready for your chickens!
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 4×3 Shelter4×10 Total Enclosure |
| Max Number of Chickens | 3 |
26. When You Got to Go Chicken Coop Plan
Maybe one of the most original chicken coop plans on this list, this coop from creativespotting is loads of fun! Using an outhouse for the coop was a brilliant idea on its own, but then using toilet seat covers for the doors your chickens come in and out of is sheer genius. You have to love it!
27. Classic Red Barn Coop Plan
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 8×3.5 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 7 |
28. Chicken Coop Plans Fit for a King
Steamykitchen shares a chicken coop plan that will make your chickens feel like royalty. This gorgeous coop is spacious, well built, and loaded with style. With a secure above-ground coop and plenty of room to run on the bottom, this coop seemingly has everything a chicken could want!
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 6×4 Shelter10 Square Feet to Run |
| Max Number of Chickens | 6 |
29. A Space Saving Chicken Coop Plan
This coop from backyardchickens is an excellent option for chicken lovers with a less than ideal space situation. This neat coop is wider laterally than it is long in the front. This makes it perfect for fitting nicely against a wall in a smaller yard but still allows your chickens plenty of room to roam in.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 6×3 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 5 |
30. Simple and Roomy Chicken Coop
This professionally built coop from backyardchickens is a DIYers dream. Its simple design makes construction a breeze. All you need to do is set up the frame, bend the roof across, and you are going to be ready for chickens. The design is sturdy and maximizes heat absorption in winter, keeping your chickens nice and warm!
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 8×8 Shelter8×16 Total Enclosure |
| Max Number of Chickens | 16 |
31. A Simple but Effective Chicken Coop Plan
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide for a simple but quality chicken coop plan, you can’t beat this one from organicconsumers. It’s a classic coop design that gives ease of access for gathering eggs, a raised coop for protection, and plenty of room for your chickens to roam around. Give it a try!
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 12×3 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 9 |
32. Indoor Comfort for Your Chickens
While it’s not the best idea to keep your chickens enclosed permanently, this chicken coop plan from i4at is perfect for the times you are forced to leave them cooped up for a long stretch. It’s spacious and provides your egg-laying buddies with plenty of ventilation.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 8×8 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 16 |
33. A Woodsy Log Cabin Chicken Coop Plan
Those wanting a more country look to their chicken coops will love this coop plan from backyardchickens. The log cabin look of this coop will look great on your country farm or nestled in the corner of a suburban backyard. You may not have lived out your dream of living in a log cabin, but your chickens can!
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 6×6 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 9 |
34. A Chicken Coop Plan that’s Made to Last
Todaysplans shows off and gives us plans for this chicken coop that was built back in the early 1980s. The plan provides you with a coop that will withstand most of what Mother Nature can throw at it. Plus, it’s roomy and allows you and your chickens plenty of room to move around in.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 16×8 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 32 |
35. Big Plain and Perfect
Back with us again, backyardchickens gives us plans for this large chicken coop. Its no-thrills design is perfect for those looking for a low-key look to their coop. It’s big, plain, and does its job perfectly. It will keep your chickens safe, warm and providing you with a steady supply of delicious eggs.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 12×10 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 30 |
36. Craftsman Style Chicken Coop Plans
This gorgeous chicken coop plan from backyardchickens is a craftsman’s dream. It combines wire mesh, woods, and metals to create a beautiful coop that could arguably be called a work of art. But most importantly, your chickens will be secure, safe, and happy.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 4×6 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 6 |
37. A Combo Chicken Coop Plan to Meet Your Needs
This versatile chicken coop plan allows you to combine your coop and run with a small garden shed. You can keep all of your tools and supplies neatly and handily organized in one convenient space. Construct101 has easy-to-follow plans if you think this could be the perfect coop for you.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 8×8 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 16 |
38. All You Need DIY Chicken Coop Plans
This super easy DIY chicken coop plan checks all of the necessary boxes. A run for your chickens, rusting and nesting areas, elevated for protection, easy access for egg gathering; all checks! Just follow the plans over on smallfriendly, and you can have this adorable coop up in no time!
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 4×5 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 5 |
39. Repurposed Pallets Chicken Coop
This attractive chicken coop is constructed almost exclusively of repurposed wooden pallets. 99pallets gives us the plans to take extra pallets and turn them into a tall, sturdy chicken coop your feathered pals will love.
Besides having all the features you could want in a chicken coop, it’s going to look great in your backyard as well!
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 5×5 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 6 |
40. Just the Right Size
It can be hard to decide what the best size of chicken coop you’re going to need. The chicken coop plans at myoutdoorplans seem to find the right balance of being spacious without being overly large.
This plan is perfect for beginners while still allowing plenty of room to grow your flock in the future.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 8×10 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 20 |
41. Little Pricey but Worth It
Queenbeetoday is happy to share these plans for a tongue and groove cedar chicken coop. This coop is perfect for those wanting to keep their flock on the smaller side but who also value quality and style. This coop may be a bit more expensive, but just look at what you can get for your money!
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 4×5 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 5 |
42. Bring Life to an Old Tree House
If your kids have outgrown an old tree house, you don’t have to tear it down. Following the plans at backyardchickens, you’re able to repurpose that tree house into the perfect home for your chickens. This one, in particular, is perfect for a small number of chickens but provides ample room for them to roam around.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 4×4 Shelter |
| Max Number of Chickens | 4 |
43. Practical and Effective Chicken Coop Plans
While it’s not the largest coop on the list, the see-through roof panels and lack of flooring on this coop we found at jamaicacottageshop will give your hens a sense of freedom.
The A-frame design gives your chickens plenty of headroom, while the bare ground will allow your chickens to scratch and forage as if they were free range.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 8×8 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 6 |
44. A No-Frills Chicken Coop Plan
This chicken coop plan is straightforward with no-frills. But it’s big, sturdy, and your hens will love it. The large window will give your chickens plenty of light, while the large front door will make gathering eggs a breeze. If it looks like the right coop for you, check out the design plans over at backyardchickens.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 8×8 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 12 |
45. Cozy Barn Inspired Chicken Coop Plans
This cozy chicken coop obviously has drawn inspiration from a classic red barn. This awesome little coop has a large door built-in for easy egg access and can be built up off the ground to keep your chickens dry and safe. For a closer look at the plans for this chicken coop, you can head on over to barngeek.
| Ease of Build | Average |
| Size in Feet | 4×6 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 10 |
46. Run and Hide with these Chicken Coop Plans
This slightly larger chicken coop plan may be a little more complicated to build, but your chickens will love it! And isn’t their happiness all that really matters? This coop delivers plenty of space for your chicks to run around in and a nice secure coop off the ground they can use for protection. Homegardendesignplan lays out all the steps you need to complete this DIY coop.
| Ease of Build | Difficult |
| Size in Feet | 5×7 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 7 |
47. A Door for Everyone
You can get plans for this sleek-looking chicken coop at backyardchickens, and they won’t leave you disappointed. This spacious coop comes in at around 96-square feet, and has everything inside your chickens will need. What really makes it stand out is the two matching doors- one for you, and one for your little chicken pals.
| Ease of Build | Difficult |
| Size in Feet | 8×12 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 20 |
48. Egg Laying in Comfort
This multi-leveled chicken coop, as seen at backyardchickens, is roomy, has plenty of light, excellent ventilation, and will keep your chickens happy all year long. The multiple levels may be a little tricky for us novice woodworkers, but the extra work will be well worth it. Your chickens will love you for this chicken coop!
49. That Coop’s as Big as a Barn
It’s fitting that this chicken coop looks like a barn because, well, it’s almost as big as one! Your chickens will have plenty of ventilation and light if you follow the build over at backyardchickens. If you’re going to have a large flock of hens, you will be hard-pressed to find a better design than this one.
50. Tiny House or Large Chicken Coop
At a first glance of this coop at backyardchickens, you could easily be forgiven for thinking you were looking at plans for a tiny home. But no, this is a huge and attractive chicken coop. If you have a large flock of hens you want to spoil, this is the coop for you!
| Ease of Build | Difficult |
| Size in Feet | 10×12 |
| Max Number of Chickens | 25 |
FAQ
Chickens, like us, need a balanced diet if they want to stay healthy. A staple food source for most backyard chickens is scratch feed. A mixture of cracked corn, seeds, wheat, and barley, scratch feed is not only nutritious for your chickens, but it encourages them to forage and stay active.
Chickens aren’t super picky, and there is a long list of things you can feed them. This list is only a few of the food items you can include when making your chicken coop plans.
● Bread
● Mealworms
● Leafy greens
● Cooked oatmeal
● Strawberries and blueberries
With the proper amount of sunlight, 12 to 14-hours a day, a healthy chicken will typically lay one egg a day. Though, it isn’t uncommon for hens to skip a day of egg-laying from time to time. Due to either unfortunate genetics or other health problems, some hens cannot lay eggs at all, but their instincts should still kick in to help with the younger chicks
It’s probably legal for you to have chickens, but before proceeding too far with your chicken coop plans, it’s a good idea to check with your area’s Department of Planning and Zoning. Local laws around owning your own chicken coop not only vary from state to state but town to town as well. A quick search or phone call is all it should take to know for sure in your area.
All dog breeds have the potential to be problematic around your chickens. The key to maintaining a safe environment for your chickens is proper training for your dog. And even with training, your dog’s innate hunting instincts could take over. These dogs are among the ones to watch most around your chicken coop.
● Pointers and retrievers like Goldens & Labradors
● Terriers like Jack Russells, Yorkies, Westies, etc.
● Sighthounds such as Salukis, Greyhounds, Whippets, etc.
You can expect your chickens to live around 5 to 10 years. Chicken usually have their best egg-laying years around the ages of 3 or 4. Though, you shouldn’t dismiss your elder hens! Older chickens are naturals at helping keep up with and care for the younger chicks in the coop.
Evaluate each source as a building document
Check whether the linked page supplies a cut list, dimensions, assembly details, or only finished photographs. Identify what is missing before purchasing materials. Distinguish a static coop from a mobile chicken tractor and check how manure, drainage, and moving access will work.
Use adult usable space, secure mesh and predator-resistant closures, suitable nests, and an accessible roost-to-floor route as the baseline. Reclaimed material can reduce purchase cost, but it still needs inspection for damage, contaminants, sharp edges, and structural suitability. Preserve source credits when using someone else’s design.
