Before you start building a chicken coop by your self, the crucial element to accomplish is survey the area the place where you plan to position the chicken coop.
You will have to just be sure you offer the optimum available comfort, cleanliness and protection since this is the place where your chickens will sleep and lay eggs.
The reasons why a lot of chicken folks construct most of the coops? Sure, that you could buy a pre-built coop for your chickens. But why buy something that you can provide for yourself?
Table of Contents
Chicken Coop Tips and Tricks
One of the major problems that always tend to arise whenever people decide to build their chicken coops personally is that they make a fairly decent job of the whole thing.
Most times they end up building structures that can’t last for a very long time.
It’s very important one clearly understands the entire process of constructing a coop and know what is exactly needed before going for it.
This is the only way you can get to build a long lasting structure and also ensure the money spent on such a project never becomes a waste.
1. Proper Landscaping
Always ensure the land where you intend to build the chicken coop has been properly landscaped and leveled.
There are two options you need to consider here – it’s either you look for an already perfected land where you don’t have to start landscaping or you landscape and level the land you have to build your chicken coop.
It’s often very cheaper to get a land that doesn’t have to be leveled or landscaped than trying to level or carry out landscaping activities on the land you already have.
However, it really depends on your personal decisions. When you do this first, you would be building a very solid and sturdy foundation for a chicken coop structure that can last for a very long time.
2. Spend Money on the Base Structure
You need to spend more money on the foundation (the base of the structure). You need to go for the best type of materials as indicated in the building plan of the coop.
Don’t just set out to pick cheaper building materials because it will always come back to haunt you in future.
Definitely for most of the things you have already listed on your building plan there would be cheaper alternatives.
Though they might work well, they usually have limits. The materials that would stand the test of time become very cost effective on the long run.
3. Choose Your Feeders Wisely
Lastly, you need to pick the positions of your feeders very wisely. If the feeders aren’t placed correctly, then your chickens would certainly have problems trying to reach their foods more comfortably.
Immediately this happens, your chickens would start picking at the floor and other areas of your house which result in further damages on the long run.
You need to take some time off to carefully plan your chicken coop properly if it’s going to last longer.
This is the only way you get to save yourself from the hassles of wasting money trying to fix some of the problems that would arise from trying to fix the issues.
3. Make Good Use of Windows
Another critical aspect of the entire structure of your chicken coop you must consider while building it is the windows.
These windows should allow enough illumination for your chickens as it helps them lay eggs more easily.
If your chickens fail to get enough illumination, you would definitely run into problems on the long run.
Making use of windows and adding one while building your chicken coop is a process you’ll definitely get to enjoy in future.
If the windows have been wrongly placed in the structural design for your coop, correct them because it would benefit you on the long run.
This is another reason why you must get a proper plan to guide you.
Chicken House Designs
When you start preparing your chicken house designs, there are an unlimited number of plans to pick from.
It makes it much simpler for those who have a general concept of how you would like the chicken house to appear.
Do you want the traditional appear along with country appeal, maybe only a slim in order to, an A frame, a pad appear complete with gingerbread, or a look that may enhance the design of your house.
When preparing you chicken house designs there are a few factors to keep in mind so you do not encounter problems after you are finished or near finished.
1. Size of House
Design your dimension appropriately for that number of chickens you plan to maintain.
You will need no less than 4 feet associated with room per poultry. Extra space is much better, particularly as your flock develops.
Adequate space reduces bickering and stress within the chickens. They require space with regard to exercise, and a roost upward off of the floor. Delighted hens lay more eggs.
2. Building Materials
Some creating materials could be toxic to your poultry, and to you thru their own eggs. Wood that is treated to withstand harmful termites and rot may be laced with arsenic.
Some paints may include guide as well as other chemical toxins therefore choose very carefully. Keep in mind that chicken will peck at most of the anything and consume it.
3. Predators
Prepare upfront for the safety of your poultry. You will need to protect your own hens from potential predators such as raccoons, skunks, rodents, opossums, as well as community canines.
Using poultry cable on the bottom of one’s pencil discourages predators through digging under secure fencing.
4. Chicken Eggs
Help to make your life easier through planning a handy way to gather eggs. A doorway, which opens over or close to the home containers, is a good idea.
A person should also access to clean the actual coop away regularly to help keep your own hens wholesome.
In the event that you might be simply increasing hens with regard to eggs, you do not need a rooster. But if you wish to produce fertile eggs the rooster is actually required.
Only maintain 1 rooster per pen or even house. Two roosters usually do not together nicely. They will fight violently.
This may injure or eliminating the roosters, as well as cause stress among the hens. Distressed chickens do not lay eggs frequently, and may even stop lounging at all.
You are able to plan your chicken house designs with as low as the pencil as well as paper, or you may obtain many from the net from fairly low cost.
There are publications offered by the local farm store or hardware store, which will give step-by-step instructions photos. The big plus with these programs is that they have a set of required materials.
It is possible to consider good, ready to use, chicken house designs making little changes to match your flavor as well as preferences making it your own personal.
Easy chicken house designs will go trendy with the help of a few inexpensive gingerbread ornaments, or including picturesque windows.
An ordinary coop can also turn out to be some thing unique whenever you add some leftover materials from a previous house task like planks shingles.
Left over wooden may become miniature window boxes legitimate or even plastic flowers.
Because backyard poultry keeping is becoming quite popular recently there is a wonderful selection of chicken house designs open to ignite the imagination of any kind of poultry enthusiast.
How To Build a Chicken Coop
Here is the part show you how to build chicken coops. This includes a detailed list of materials you need, an illustrated assembly instruction plans to help you put all the pieces together to build you dream chicken coop.
- The Chicken coop Image shown without shingles and veneer siding (by builder)
- These plans are intended as a guide ONLY! Feel free to make changes, adjustments and revisions to suit your requirements.
- We do not assume to know the size and type of fowl being harbored in this coop. Adjustments may be necessary on a project-per-project basis.
- This coop is large enough for approximately 10-20 chickens. Geese, turkey and other fowl will require revisions.
- Always use safety equipment and safe construction practices! We will not be held liable for any personal injuries that may occur.
Chicken Coop Plan


This chicken coop requires only minimum of tools, materials and your valuable time.
The The vital stats for a coop is size, capacity, access, nest boxes, run, portability and cost. Building a own chicken coop is like anything else in life.
Building chicken coop is actually a fun, pleasurable, and rewarding method to get even to a greater extent out of your full chicken-keeping experience.
You don’t have to be a professional crafter to build a house for your chicken. Ready to check out the coops?
Chicken Coop Material List
Here is a list of the materials that we used to build a chicken coop.
Feel free to change some materials to suit your requirements or to take advantage of local availability or materials you already have.
Materials List | |||
Description | Dimensions mm | english | Quantity |
Base | |||
Sled | 30x30x3000 | 4x4x 10′ | 7 |
Long Flank | 45x90x2400 | 2x4x 10′ | 2 |
Short Flank | 45x90x2400 | 2x4x8′ | 7 |
Plywood Sheet | 1200x2400x19 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 4 |
Fiberglass Board | By Builder | By Builder | |
Side Walls | |||
Planks | 45x90x2400 | 2x4x8′ | 24 |
Plywood Sheathing | 1200x2400x19 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 6 |
Rear Wall | |||
Rear Support Flank | 45x90x2400 | 2x4x8′ | 9 |
Rear Ridge Flank | 45x90x3000 | 2x4x10′ | 1 |
Rear Sheathing | 1200x2400x19 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 2 |
2×6 Rear Sill | 45x 150×3000 | 2x6x10′ | 1 |
Nesting Boxes | |||
Nesting Box Support | 45x90x3000 | 2x4x10′ | 10 |
Nesting Box Base | 1200x2400x 19 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 2 |
Plywood Sheet | 1200x2400x 19 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 4 |
Front Wall and Doors | |||
Door Flanks | 45x90x2400 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 6 |
Front Wall and Door Sheath. | 1200x2400x19 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 10 |
Front Wall Support Plank | 45x90x3000 | 2x4x10′ | 4 |
Roost | |||
Roost Supports | 45x90x2400 | 2x4x8′ | 2 |
Roost Flanks | 45x90x2400 | 2x4x8′ | 3 |
Roof | |||
Roof Flanks | 45x90x2400 | 2x4x8′ | 16 |
Sheathing | 1200x2400x19 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 6 |
Roof | |||
Roof Flanks | 45x90x2400 | 2x4x8′ | 16 |
Sheathing | 1200x2400x 19 | 4×8′x3/4″ | 6 |
Trim | |||
long 1 x 4 planks | 25x90x3000 | 1 x4x 10′ | 4 |
short 1 x 4 planks | 25x90x2400 | 1 x4x8′ | 12 |
Miscellaneous: To be determined by builder | |||
Handles | By Builder | By Builder | 4 |
Hinges | By Builder | By Builder | 12 |
Veneer/Siding | By Builder | By Builder | 300 cu. ft. |
Wood Sealant | By Builder | By Builder | 2 Gallons |
Faint | By Builder | By Builder | 2 Gallons |
Screws | #20-30x60mm | By Builder | 300 Min. |
Shingles | By Builder | By Builder | 1 Box Min. |
Latches | By Builder | By Builder | 4 Min. |
Make your chickens happy with a new home
It is important that the builder choose pressure treated lumber for the base of this coop.
This chicken coop is going to be designed to be relocated. The sleds on the bottom are to be constructed of pressure treated lumber to prevent water intrusion and rot.
If a concrete base is going to be used, pressure treated timber is still recommended but not vital.
- To begin, start by cutting two (2) 4×4′s 10′-0″ (90 x 90 x 3000mm). You will need to cut a total of ten (10) 4 x 4 (90 x 90mm) horizontal supports at 7′-5″ (2225mm). This should give you an even 10′ (3000mm) length by 8′ (2400mm) width base for the coop.
- At this point, attachments are very important. You MAY choose to use screws or a pneumatic nailer (nail gun). Being this is the base and this coop will be heavy.
If you are going to move it, we recommend using at least 3/8×5″ (13 x 125mm) lag screws to hold the sled components together.
You will want to countersink the heads so they are not in the way of the final trim later on.
Preparation Plan
- If this coop will not be moved, we recommend setting it on a concrete base to prevent water intrusion. Begin by laying out the EXTERIOR perimeter of the concrete base. Feel free to use the completed base platform as a guide. You can use stakes and string.
- Dig a trench at least 6″ (200mm) wide by 6″ (I 50mm) deep around the entire perimeter of the platform. You need to at least be able to align the outside edge of the platform with the trench below. The platform is going to “sit” on this concrete form.
- Construct a wooden brace around both the exterior AND interior edges of the trench (as shown). Now would be a good time to get some threaded rebar at least 3/8″ (14mm) at least 1′-6″ (450mm) in length. Four concrete into the trench between the wooden braces. Follow manufacturer instructions on mixing and pouring the concrete. Tamp the rebar THREADS UP at regular intervals down the center of the trench.
Make sure to use a level ensure the rebar runs straight vertically!
It is ok if you aren’t exactly equidistant just as each rebar piece runs close to the center of the platform’s edge.
Fill the concrete to the top edges of the braces and use water to smooth over the top.
This method may be a little unorthodox, but it sure is easy. After the concrete sets and the rebar is thoroughly set, lay the platform on top of the rebar, being square, it should sit easy enough.
Make sure the platform is square!
- Once the platform is square on the rebar, give it a good “WHACK,” with a hammer or soft mallet, just enough to make a good indent on the wood where the rebar is located. Be sure to hit the board wherever it touches rebar or you will miss a piece!
- Flip the platform structure over and you will see exactly where to drill through the structure to attach it to the rebar. Make sure your drill bit is just as big as the indent for a snug fit.
- Lay a layer of sealant foam along the inside and outside edge of the platform structure and let dry.
- Flip the structure back over and carefully align the holes with the rebar. You may need to smack the structure to get a good, solid connection with the concrete below.
- Using washers, anchor the structure to the concrete. Use a grinder to remove any excess rebar sticking up over the nut. If desired, use a torch to weld the nut and rebar together.
You can feel free to try and remove the wooden braces if you would like. It may take some hitting with a hammer or even a crowbar.
Building a Moving Chicken Coop
For those who wish to move the coop, the base will be constructed as detailed below.
It is easiest to determine which side will be the top and which side will be the bottom.
Tip the platform bottom-up and construct from the bottom of the platform up.
Step by Step Tutorial
- With your main platform constructed, you will need to cut the pieces detailed below. All pieces are 4×4 (90x90mm) lumber.
- Attach the horizontal supports to the very exterior edges of the platform structure. Be sure they align with the LONG side of the structure.
- Attach the vertical supports to the end of the diagonal supports and through the top of the platform structure down into the vertical supports. Attach two vertical supports to the center of the long platform side.
- Attach the sleds with lag screws. The sleds will hold the brunt of the force while the coop is in motion, you will want to use very heavy duty connectors if not lag screws.
- Remember those extra three short horizontal supports left over from the construction of the platform? Attach those between the bottoms of the vertical supports for stability.
- After you tip the structure back onto its top, this is what you should have up to this point.
- Once the chicken coop platform structure is complete, use a circular or table saw to cut four (4) sheets of plywood into 4×5′ (1200 x 1500mm) sheets. Set the 3×4′ (1200 x 900mm) sheets aside for later.
- Square up one corner of the platform with one of the sheets of plywood.
- Repeat for remaining three sheets. The sheets should align in the center of the platform on the center support.
- This step is recommended but not required. Attach a glass board veneer over the top of the sheeting. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully and be sure to drill into supports beneath plywood flooring.
- For the chicken coop, begin construction on the entrance wall. Be sure to carefully and wear safety equipment. All mitered edges are 15°.
- Now for the side wall. It is very much the same as the entrance wall but without a door header. If you have noticed the wall is 1 1/2″ (35mm) short, this is because the nesting box front wall will be set on the front of the platform and we will need the space for the wall.
- Align each of the walls with the rear of the platform and attach with screws. We recommend against a nail gun because screws will give you a tighter hold and nail guns may crack the glass board (if used).
- For the chicken coop rear wall, measure and cut planks. The sill is a 2×6 (45x I 50mm). You will need to use a circular or table saw to rip the end flush with the rear of the side wall supports.
- Now would be a good time to build and attach the roost structure. Start by ripping five (5) 10′ (3000mm) 2 x 4 (45 x 90mm) planks down the center lengthwise. Attach one side to the side wall and attach the other support structure flush with the inside edge of the user access frame.
- For the nesting box, rip a 8′ (2400mm) 2 x 4 (45 x 90mm) down the middle lengthwise. Repeat this process for as many nesting s as needed. Space these at the minimum 12″ apart. Spacing will be determined by the average size of fowl to be housed.
- For the nesting box front panel you will need to start by determining what size and type of plywood sheeting you are going to use to sheath the exterior and enclose the structure. We recommend 1/2 (13mm) oak plywood as it is strong and weather resistant.
- Router down the center length of two (2) 10′ (3000mmm) planks on end (we recommend a guard) and a 6′ (1800mm) plank on end. Make sure the router matches the width of the plywood to be used. If the bit is too large, the plywood will shift around in the gouge. If the bit is too small the plywood won’t fit.
- Miter the ends and make sure they come together.
- You should have a small piece of the 6′ (1800mm) piece left with a gouge in one side. Measure and cut the ends square as detailed above. Router down the center of the opposite end so you have a piece with two gouges. Cut a sheet of plywood into two (2) sections.
- You can Without glue or attachments. Do not attach until you are certain the pieces will come together snugly. If the pieces fit together and everything looks good, go ahead and run a bead of glue down each gouge and assemble all of the pieces to form the front panel.
- We recommend allowing the glue time to dry before attaching with screws as a nail gun can break the oak plywood. Also, drill pilot holes for the screws, you will only have one shot at getting the screw in the right place. Hold the drill straight up or sideways and drill straight into the plywood sheet from the outside.
- So, far, the structure should start coming together. If you want to open the front panel do not attach it to the structure.
- We are going to make it so the user can clean the nesting boxes easily. If you do not want the front panel to open, go ahead and attach it to the structure.
- You will need to rip four (4) 10′ (3000mm) planks as shown below. These are going to form the crown. Use a circular or table saw and make sure you have the correct pitch of 15°.
- Place the rafters in place as shown above (inside the side supports). You can use 5″ screws, but, if you want a really strong structure, use a metal plate and bolt the rafters through the rafters and through the side supports. You may even use two plates and bolt completely through.
- Be careful around the door header. If you wish to screw it together, that is fine. If you want to still bolt, line up the top bolt hole with the header and use a lag screw through the door frame into the header. Attach the frame as regular. You will want to use round head bolts and face the bolts outward away from the entrance. Do not use a plate on the inside, it will interfere with the door swing. Use washers to take the load on the rafter.
- Also, be careful around the front crown. If you do decide to use bolts and plates, like the door frame, use lag screws through the frame and crown. You will need a smooth face for a front wall plank.
- Cut purlins exactly as those cut for the side and entrance wall sill plates. Center them at 2′ (600 mm) across the top of the rafters. Now, we need to complete the front wall. Now would be a good time to think about windows for the coop. If you don not wish to purchase windows, we have included diagrams to make your own rough windows and vents. Begin by ripping tow boards as detailed below. Attach them at the top and bottom of the front wall face.
- For the windows, we are going to build a custom window size. Warning: Always use protective equipment when cutting or breaking glass. Use caution with all glass panels to prevent breakage. Lay glass panels in safe, dry place until ready to use. Cut a 10′ 2 x 4 (45 x 90 x 3000 mm) plank. All corners are mitered at 45°. You will need two of these sill frames.
- Go ahead and glue all of the corners and screw or nail together. Just the make sure the frames are square and all edges are flush! Rip a 10′ 2 x 4 (45 x 90 x 3000 mm) down the center using a table saw or circular saw with a guard. You will end up with two (2) 10′ (3000 mm) planks that are about 1 ½” x 1 ¾” (37mm x 44mm). Cut each piece as 10′ 10″ x 2′ 9″ (825 x 556 mm) The pieces should just fit inside the frame built earlier. Cut a sheet of screen large enough to overlap the edges of the frame roughly by half. Make two (2) of these vent frames.
- Rip another 10′ plank in half just like for the vent frames. You will need a router with a guide or a table saw with the applicable attachments.
- Router a ½” (13mm) gouge down the center of each piece. Be sure you router the entire piece before cutting to length as shown. This will ensure a continuous gouge the entire length of the window frame. Place the glass sheet (you don’t need to use glass (feel free to substitute any clear material such as PVC or plastic) into the frame and check, to make, sure the frame fits around the pane snugly.
- We have allowed ¼” (6-7mm) of clearance. Make sure the window swings freely. Before Gluing or assembling the window check to make sure the swing is unimpeded. Do not attach the vent ok the window to the frame yet, you still need to attach the frame to the front wall.
- Run a bead of silicone sealant (or equivalent) down the length of each gouge and glue the ends together around the pane. Allow to set before attaching with screws or nails. We recommend screws, as pneumatic nails can break the seal. Always use extreme caution to ensure the screws or nails go straight into the frame. Make sure you do not impact the pane material as such may cause cracking or breakage. You will also need two of these windows. We recommend working on one at a time to ensure the correct frame pieces do not get mixed up.
Now to begin with the sheathing. We started with the side and entrance because they are very similar.
Note: When you layout the entrance, make, sure your saw blade cuts inside the line for the door area, the width of the saw blade will add up all around the perimeter and allow you to close the door. Keep this sheet as your door panel. Label and mark so you don’t accidentally cut it.
Layout each sheet carefully, it’s an awful lot of waste if you do not. Verify every dimension. Make sure edges are square and flush.
The side sheeting is much the same as the entrance, only no door. If your chicken nesting box opens, do not attach to the nesting box panel, attach the sheeting to the nesting box frame!
The rear sheeting 15 pretty simple compared to the side and entrance sheeting. You may want to use scraps from the side and entrance sheeting.
Make sure you don’t use the entrance door panel! Notice the top of the sheeting needs to be angled to flush with the pitch of the roof, this will make sheeting the roof much easier, don’t forget this step!
Layout each sheet carefully, it’s an awful lot of waste if you do not. Verify every dimension!. Make sure edges are square and flush.
Now, to install the chicken coop windows, you will first have to add a sill plank so the window will fit. Have an assistant hold a window frame in place and mark where the sill plank will be located.
Make sure the sill is level screws. After you have the sill plank in place, cut and attach the window supports.
Center the window frame in the wall frame. Attach the vent through the rear of the front wall.
You may have to use a soft mallet or dead-blow hammer to tap the screen into place. It should be a snug fit. Attach with nails or screws up through the front of the frame. Make sure the screen frame is flush with the rear face of the window frame.
Use hinges to attach the window. Which side is up the builder. If you attach the hinges to the top, you will need some type of support system to keep the windows open.
We recommend attaching the hinges on the side and using a slide pin or hook and eye-pin to latch. Attach weather stripping around the interior window sill so there is a weather-tight seal when you close the windows.
You will need to measure all openings and make sure the dimensions are accurate, layout and Cut two (2) sheets of plywood.
Don’t forget to measure and cut the miter on the plywood sheets so they fit snug into the space provided. You should be able to “tip” the sheets into place around the window frames.
You should probably cut some nesting box dividers and attach them to the nesting box frames before we get too far.
Now let’s work on the frames for the doors. These are simple compared to some you have already done. Simply miter 2 x 6 (45 x 150mm) planks.
Attach the door frames with ¾” (25mm) overhang. You will end up trimming the outside and the overhang will stick out the width of a 1 x 4 (25 x 90mm) plank. Use a piece of 1 x 4 (25 x 90mm) to get the correct overhang.
For the chicken coop nesting box lid, you will have to pull out the router or table saw again. Router 3 10′ (3000mm) planks on end.
Miter then ends as shown below and make sure all piece fit together and grooves line up, It is just like the windows and the nesting box front panel. Use a plywood sheet to cut out two interior panels out.
Assemble the lid in the same manner as the front panel. Run a bead of glue in the grooves and assemble the frame around the panel. Allow the glue to dry before screwing or nailing.
Since you have the router or table saw set up, why not work on the rear door also? Begin by setting the router or saw blade to 1″ deep, you will need two (2) 12′ (3600mm) planks. As before, rip each plank separately and label to avoid mixing pieces up.
Cut two panel sheets from a plywood sheet as 3′-4″ x 1′-4¾”. Check the pieces and make sure they come together.
If everything is in order, run a bead of glue down each of the grooves and assemble around the panel as before. Repeat this process for the second side of the door.
First thing you are going to want to do upon completion of the nesting box lid is miter on edge so it sits flush with the wall when closed.
Note: If you want to cut the seat before assembling the lid, this is perfectly fine. We choose this order so the user can set the assembled lid on the nesting box frame and mark the cuts they will need to make.
- Clamp the plank at a 15° angle.
- Attach your router guide or adjust the table saw.
- Rip or router the planks as shown above. You will need to rip the entire length of the long plank AND the short ends of each of the cross braces.
If you wish use a ¾” (19mm) thick piece of weather tape to cushion the lid. The weather tape should absorb any of the lip and keep the nesting box weather tight.
Attach hinges to the exterior of each of the rear doors and hang in place on the rear door frame. Use a slide bolt on top and bottom to keep the doors locked in place.
If you wish, you may also install the slide pins vertically on the inside top and bottom. Vise a drill to drill a hole for the slide pin to anchor the door closed.
Make sure the doors sit flush with the frame. Attach handles as desired.
If you are going to let your chickens run out of the coop run, you may put a slide bolt in the center so you can just open the doors to let them out and slide the pin to close them in.
One more time, use a router with a guide or a table saw to rip a groove down the center edge of a 14′ (4200mm) plank. Cut the entrance door frame and panel. Assemble in the same manner as rear doors.
Attach hinges to the door frame and hang in the entrance frame. We have allowed ¼” swing to allow the door to swing freely. Apply a strip of weather tape to all sides of the door frame to ensure a weather-tight seal.
You are nearing completion on your new chicken coop. It is time to sheath the roof. Start by cutting four (4) sheets of plywood as detailed below. Keep both sides.
You can really sheath how you wish, but for a little guide we have numbered the detail below to show where sheathing can go to reduce the amount of waste.
Now, all you need is a 1 x 4 (25 x 90mm) plank to put across the top, front of the overhang. Also, the roof should be strong enough to support most snow loads, but if you live in a high elevation area, add some braces to the overhang on the front. If you are intending on adding trim, do not attach anything to the front of the overhang.
Now, for all intensive purposes you are done with the chicken coop! Congratulations! We have included a list of trim pieces that will enhance the look and overall aesthetics of the chicken coop.
Some general notes:
- These drawings are intended as a guide only. While the drawings are complete and may be followed carefully, you should always check measurements to confirm. Saw blades vary in thickness with age, lumber thickness can vary by country or standard. Too many variables exist, not to mention the construction competency of the builder.
- While these plans are written with the most basic steps laid out, some builder competency is expected. Especially with the trim as the pieces need to be tailored very specifically to fit just right. You also need to know how to use your own tools and to know what types of tools are listed in these drawings.
- The chicken access, for all purposes is the rear door. We will be installing a smaller access in the rear of the chicken coop, but this is up to the builder and is not required.
- Ramps and chicken runs are simple structures but drawings are included in the following pages.
Don’t forget the brace in the front. Simply hold a 3-4′ (900-1200mm) plank against the side and mark your cuts.
This tutorial is intended as guidance for little projects that make the chicken coop your own. This page will cover adding a chicken access and a ramp.
This coop was designed to use the larger access doors in the rear as a chicken access, but should you live in colder climates, you will want a smaller chicken access to keep the cold out of the coop and keep warmth in.
Also, on that note. If you do live where the weather can get really cold, we recommend at least insulating the interior walls.
You will want to put some interior sheathing inside or else the chickens will use the insulation in their nests and the insulation is not good for the overall health of the chickens.
For the chicken access, pick a spot on the rear wall that you can cut out. Keep the scrap for a door. If you live in inclement weather, you will also want to frame in the access as shown.
We have chosen the space between the door supports and the nearest stud. If you have larger fowl, the space to the left is also a good spot. Either way, you will have to frame in around the opening, Especially if you live in a colder region (insulation will have to go around it).
Use the scrap cut from the opening for a door that can be opened and closed. We recommend just putting hinges on one side and use a hook and eye-pin latch to keep it closed.
Now, weather you have a chicken access or not, you will need a ramp to let the chickens get into and out of the coop.
You can simply slap a rough ramp together with scrap plywood at least 3 feet (900mm) long and 1foot (300mm) wide, but this is such a nice chicken coop, we are going to lead you through making a nicer ramp.
You will need a piece of scrap plywood roughly 3-4′ (900-1200mm) by 6″ (150mm), 2 scrap wood pieces 3-4 feet (900-1200mm) long and plenty of 6″ (150mm) 1 x 4 (25x90mm) or 2 x 4 (45x90mm) pieces.
- Rip a groove down the center of the planks (you have routered enough to almost be a professional). Make sure to rip through the thin edge.
- Cut the plywood to a nice rectangle the length of your router planks.
- Run a bead of glue in each groove and assemble the ramp as shown.
- Cut the scrap pieces into squares that will fit in between the sides of the ramp.
- Screw or nail the ramp and the pieces together and you are done!
The chicken run is little more than a big box covered with chicken wire. We will provide the dimensions but after what you have done, we think you should be able to figure out how to construct the run. For those who cut the roof ends square, you will need to measure your maximum height!
Just build one wall at a time.
Once the run is completed, slide it over next to the coop, cut the chicken wire around the chicken access and the rear access, staple and you are done! Congratulations, your chicken coop is ready to go!
Hello Delaney, I’m glad to have chanced on your page today. You’ve got very insightful information to help me start my small backyard poultry farm here in Ghana. However, I haven’t got a lot knowledge about running a poultry farm but I trust your expertise and I hope you would be of help as I begin my adventure. Have a blessed day. Hope to hear from you soon.