How to Build a Chicken Coop

Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to build a chicken coop.

• Experience Required: Medium
• Tools Required: Protective gloves, Wire cutter, Hammer, Drill, Saw, Spirit level, Tape measure, Marker, Utility square
• Materials Required: Chicken wire or Chicken wire PVC, Treated timber (like two-by-fours), Plywood sheets, Plastic sheet, Staples, Screws, Hinges, Latches

Step 1) Plan & Design Main Frame

• Take measurements and design your enclosure while considering the space available and the number of hens you have to ensure enough room for.
• Be sure to include space for a door for easy access and incorporate a roof.

 

Step 2) Plan & Design the House

• When designing how to build a chicken coop, ensure you include a window or ventilation space.
• Also, remember to create a door for the hens inside the coop, as well as a separate door for yourself to facilitate cleaning.

 

Step 3) Measure & Cut Wood

• Using your treated timber battens and a tape measure, mark the pieces you need and cut them to size with a saw.
• Don’t forget to wear protective gloves during this process!

 

Step 4) Connect Pieces

• Connect the batten pieces using wood screws and a drill.
• Be sure to check your angles with a utility square.

 

Step 5) Build Frames

• Construct the mainframes per your design, then repeat step 4 to build the necessary wooden frames.
• Ensure that one of the sides (right or left) is higher to create an angled roof for proper drainage.
• Additionally, prepare the remaining roof battens.

 

Step 6) Join Mainframes

• Attach the frames you prepared in the previous step as outlined in step 4.
• For added stability, consider using corner braces to secure the frames together.

 

Step 7) Add House Frames

• Following your diy hen house plans from step 2 and the process outlined in step 4, join the battens together to assemble the chicken house.

 

Step 8) Secure Plywood

• Cut the plywood to fit as needed, wearing protective gloves.
• Hold the sheet against the timber frame to check the fit.
• Use a drill to secure the plywood to the battens with screws, sinking them just below the surface. Repeat for each panel.

 

Step 9) Secure Door Stop

• Additionally, attach a piece of wood at the top of the door frame.
• This will prevent the door from closing inward.

 

Step 10) Install House Door

• Attach two or three hinges to both the left and right sides of the door.
• In the middle, where the two sections meet, secure a latch. 
• Test the door to ensure it opens smoothly and latches securely.

 

Step 11) Install Chicken Door

• Measure and mark the plywood, then cut out a hole for the chicken door, typically about 30 cm wide by 40 cm high.
• Secure hinges on one side and attach a latch on the opposite side of the door.

 

Step 12) Measure & Cut Wire

• Measure and cut the wire or welded wire mesh to cover all sides of the coop.
• Ensure the mesh overlaps the wood to provide space for secure attachments.

 

Step 13) Secure Wire to Wooden Frame

• Secure the wire netting to the wooden frames on all sides.
• Attach the netting by hammering in staples every 15 cm.

Step 14) Assemble the Roof 

• Using treated timber, cut the rafters and create recesses (notches) in each to join them with the horizontal timber frames.
• Secure the beams (horizontal timbers) to the rafters with wood screws.
• This will ensure the roof is sloped to avoid water buildup.

 

Step 15) Cover the Roof

• Attach a plastic sheet (or alternatively, wood or metal) to the roof rafters using screws.
• This will function as the roof, providing shade and protection for the chickens.

 

Step 16) Create & Attach Entry Door

• Attach two or three hinges to one side of the wooden frame using screws.
• On the opposite side, install a latch to keep the door closed.
• Test the door by opening and closing it to make sure it moves smoothly and latches securely.

 

Step 18) Create Nesting Boxes & Roosting Bars

• To create the nesting boxes, cut the plywood for the horizontal and vertical walls and secure them with wood screws.
• For the roosting bar, use pressure-treated wood. Roosts in your hen coop should be at least 5 cm (2 inches) wide, ideally 10 cm (4 inches). 

 

Step 19) Furnish & Decorate

• Now that your easy DIY chicken house is ready, you can personalize it using your favorite paint, stain, or preservative.
• Be sure to provide water and food for your poultry, and consider filling the coop with natural materials like compost.

 

Tips

• While deciding how to make a chicken coop, consider using an old shed to save money and materials.
• Welded wire mesh is a stronger alternative option.
• You can find free coop designs online and then sketch out your desired layout.
• Ensure each hen has 0.2-0.4 square meters of space inside the coop. Allow 0.7-0.9 square meters per hen in the outdoor run or yard.
• For extra safety, bury mesh around the coop’s perimeter to deter foxes and other animals from digging.
• Consider installing a self-locking automatic poultry door.

 

Do’s & Don’ts

FURTHER READING

• How to Level Ground for Chicken Coop – Step by step instructions on how to level ground for poultry coop.
• How to Make a Temporary Chicken Coop – Learn how to make a temporary coop with these easy steps.
• Chicken Coop Ideas (110 UNIQUE IDEAS) – A guide showing you many poultry coop ideas.
• How to Build a Chicken Run – Step by step instructions on how to build a chicken coop with a run.