19 DIY Chicken Coop Design Ideas

Team TheGrow
Be natural.

I’m excited to share some great ideas for DIY chicken coops. These designs can help you create a home for your feathered friends that’s both functional and attractive. Whether you’re new to raising chickens or looking to upgrade your current setup, there’s something here for everyone.

DIY Chicken Coop Design Ideas

Building your own chicken coop can save you money and let you customize it to fit your needs. You can choose the size, style, and features that work best for your flock and your yard.

With 19 different plans to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your skills and budget. Let’s take a look at some creative and practical coop designs you can make yourself.

1. Compact Urban Coop

A compact urban coop nestled in a backyard, surrounded by greenery and small vegetable patches, with a small flock of chickens pecking around

I designed a small chicken coop perfect for city living. It fits in tight spaces but still gives chickens room to move. The coop has a raised floor to keep it dry and clean.

I added a small nesting box for egg laying. There’s also a cozy roosting bar where chickens can sleep at night. A little ramp lets them go in and out easily.

I made sure to include good ventilation with small windows. This keeps the air fresh without letting in drafts. The roof is sloped to shed rain and snow.

For easy cleaning, I put in a slide-out tray under the roosting area. This makes it simple to remove waste. The compact design works great in urban backyards.

2. Rustic Barn-Style Enclosure

A rustic barn-style chicken coop with a pitched roof, wooden siding, and a large fenced enclosure

I love the charm of a rustic barn-style chicken coop. It brings a cozy, farmhouse feel to any backyard. I’ve found that using red and white paint creates a classic barn look that’s eye-catching and fun.

For this design, I use reclaimed wood to add character. Old barn doors make great walls or entryways. I make sure to include plenty of space inside for the chickens to move around comfortably.

A sloped roof helps with rain runoff and adds to the barn aesthetic. I always include nesting boxes and roosting bars for the hens’ comfort. Proper ventilation is key, so I add windows that can be opened on hot days.

3. A-Frame Chicken Chalet

An A-frame chicken coop sits in a backyard, surrounded by lush greenery. The coop features a sloping roof and a small door, with chickens pecking in the yard

I love the A-Frame Chicken Chalet design for its simplicity and practicality. This style is perfect for small flocks of 3-5 hens.

The A-shape provides great rain and snow shedding, keeping chickens dry. It also offers good ventilation through the peak.

I recommend using plywood or wood pallets for the frame. Add a clear plastic roof panel for extra light inside.

Include 1-2 nesting boxes at the ends for egg laying. A small door on the side lets chickens go in and out easily.

Elevating the coop prevents wood rot and keeps predators away. The compact size makes it portable too.

4. Recycled Wooden Pallet Coop

A rustic wooden pallet chicken coop nestled in a backyard garden, surrounded by greenery and sunlight

I love using recycled wooden pallets to build chicken coops. They’re cheap, sturdy, and easy to work with. I can often get pallets for free from local businesses.

To make a pallet coop, I start by disassembling the pallets and removing any nails. Then I use the wood to frame out the walls and roof.

I make sure to include a nesting box, roost, and a small door for the chickens. A larger door for cleaning is also important.

For the roof, I add some waterproof material on top of the pallet wood. This keeps the coop dry inside.

With some basic tools and a weekend of work, I can build a great home for my chickens using mostly recycled materials.

5. Solar-Powered Chicken House

A solar-powered chicken house surrounded by a lush garden, with chickens pecking at the ground and a small water trough nearby

I’ve found that solar power can be a great addition to a chicken coop. It provides clean energy for lights and automatic doors. This setup keeps chickens safe and makes my life easier.

To create a solar-powered coop, I start with a small solar panel. I mount it on the roof where it gets the most sun. Then I connect it to a battery to store power for nighttime use.

I use the stored energy for LED lights inside the coop. This helps chickens see better in the early morning and evening. I also power an automatic door that opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

For winter, I might add a small heater powered by solar energy. This keeps my chickens warm on the coldest nights.

6. Tractor Coop with Wheels

A rustic tractor coop, with 19 DIY chicken coop designs, sits on wheels in a grassy field

I love the idea of a tractor coop with wheels. It lets me move my chickens to fresh grass easily.

I can build one using wood and add wheels at the corners. Swivel wheels in front help with turning. Fixed wheels in back keep it stable.

I make sure to prop up the coop when attaching wheels. This gives me space to work. A piece of scrap wood works well as a prop.

For a cool design, I might add an artistic door or hoop shape. The options are endless with DIY coops on wheels.

7. Victorian-Inspired Hen House

A grand Victorian-style hen house with ornate trim and a pitched roof, surrounded by a lush garden and a quaint picket fence

I love the idea of a Victorian-inspired chicken coop. It brings elegance to the backyard. These coops often have fancy trim and gingerbread details.

The roof might have a steep pitch with decorative shingles. Tall windows let in plenty of light. A small cupola on top adds charm and ventilation.

Paint colors are typically soft pastels or bold Victorian hues. I’d use intricate latticework for ventilation panels. Ornate hardware on doors and nesting boxes completes the look.

Inside, I’d add vintage-style roosting bars and nesting boxes. The floor could be covered with period-appropriate tiles for easy cleaning.

8. Garden Shed Conversion

A garden shed transformed into a chicken coop, featuring a rustic design with a sloped roof, windows, and a small door for the chickens to enter and exit

I’ve found that turning an old garden shed into a chicken coop is a great DIY project. It’s cost-effective and saves time compared to building from scratch.

The first step is to make sure the shed is predator-proof. I reinforce doors and windows with sturdy wire mesh.

Next, I add proper ventilation by installing vents or small windows near the roof. This keeps the air fresh and prevents moisture buildup.

I also build nesting boxes and roosts inside the shed. For every 3-4 hens, I include one nesting box. The roosts are placed higher than the nesting boxes.

Lastly, I created an outdoor run attached to the shed. This gives my chickens space to scratch and peck during the day.

9. Open-Air Aviary Design

A spacious, open-air aviary with a variety of DIY chicken coop designs, surrounded by lush greenery and filled with happy, clucking chickens

I’ve found open-air aviary designs to be a great option for chicken coops. They provide lots of fresh air and natural light for the birds.

The basic structure is a frame covered with hardware cloth or chicken wire. I like to use sturdy wood posts and beams for the frame.

For the walls, I recommend hardware cloth on the lower portions for better predator protection. Chicken wire works well for the upper areas.

I always include solid roofing to keep out rain and provide shade. Removable side panels are useful for adjusting airflow in different seasons.

Inside, I add roosts, nest boxes, and a feeding area. The open design allows for easy cleaning and monitoring of the flock.

10. Convertible Coop and Run

A sunny backyard with a convertible coop and run surrounded by lush greenery and a variety of DIY chicken coop designs

I’ve found a clever design for a convertible chicken coop and run. It’s a space-saving option that adapts to different needs.

The coop part can be opened up to create a larger run area during the day. At night, it closes securely to keep chickens safe.

This design uses hinged panels and wheels. The coop can be moved easily around the yard. It gives chickens fresh grass and helps fertilize the lawn.

I like how it maximizes limited space. It’s great for urban or suburban chicken keepers with small yards.

11. Portable Coop with Removable Roof

A portable chicken coop with a removable roof sits in a backyard, surrounded by green grass and a few chickens pecking at the ground

I’ve found that a portable coop with a removable roof is a great option for small flocks. This design allows easy cleaning and access to the chickens.

The coop sits on wheels or skids for simple relocation. I recommend using lightweight materials like plywood and 2x4s to keep it manageable.

The removable roof lifts off completely. This feature makes it a breeze to clean out bedding and collect eggs. It also provides full access if I need to catch a chicken.

I suggest adding latches to secure the roof against predators. A sloped design helps shed rain and snow. For ventilation, I include small openings near the top, covered with hardware cloth.

12. Countryside Cottage Coop

A quaint countryside cottage with a charming DIY chicken coop nestled in the backyard, surrounded by lush greenery and a rustic fence

I love the charming look of a countryside cottage coop. It blends rustic charm with practical design. The coop features a quaint pitched roof and often includes decorative touches like window boxes or shutters.

This style typically has a raised floor to keep chickens dry. It may have a small porch area for the birds to relax. Inside, there’s usually space for nesting boxes and roosts.

The cottage design allows for good ventilation through strategically placed windows. Some versions include a white picket fence around the run area. This adds to the cozy, countryside feel.

I find this coop style works well in backyard settings. It’s both functional and pleasing to look at. The cottage aesthetic helps it fit nicely into many garden landscapes.

13. Modern Minimalist Structure

A sleek, geometric chicken coop with clean lines and minimalistic design, surrounded by a manicured garden and modern landscaping

I love the sleek look of a modern minimalist chicken coop. It’s a simple design with clean lines and a focus on function.

These coops often use materials like metal, wood, and glass. They have a boxy shape with a flat or slightly sloped roof.

The coop’s interior is bare-bones but efficient. It has roosting bars, nesting boxes, and easy-clean floors.

Large windows or clear panels let in plenty of light. This keeps the chickens happy and healthy.

A minimalist coop blends well with modern landscaping. It’s a stylish addition to any backyard.

14. Mobile Greenhouse Coop

A mobile greenhouse coop with 19 DIY chicken coop designs, featuring various styles and sizes for housing chickens

I’ve seen a clever design that combines a chicken coop with a greenhouse. It’s a mobile structure on wheels that can be moved around the yard. The top half is made of clear plastic or glass panels to let in sunlight.

This setup gives chickens a warm, bright space even in cold weather. Plants can grow inside too, creating a mini-ecosystem. The chickens fertilize the soil, while the plants provide shade and food.

I like how it maximizes space and serves multiple purposes. It’s great for small yards or urban farms. The mobility lets you rotate it to fresh ground easily.

15. Octagonal Coop Design

An octagonal chicken coop sits in a grassy yard, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. The coop is made of wood and wire, with a sloped roof and small windows

I love the unique look of octagonal chicken coops. They stand out from typical square or rectangular designs. An eight-sided shape gives chickens more space to move around.

Octagonal coops work well for separating different chicken groups. I can divide the interior into sections for hens, roosters, or chicks. This shape also allows for easy access to nesting boxes and roosting areas.

Building an octagonal coop takes some extra planning. I need to carefully measure and cut the angled pieces. But the results are worth it. The coop looks great in the yard and keeps my chickens happy.

16. Eco-Friendly Cob and Straw Bale Coop

A rustic cob and straw bale chicken coop nestled in a lush, green garden surrounded by blooming flowers and happy, free-roaming chickens

I’ve found that cob and straw bale coops are great eco-friendly options for housing chickens. Cob is a mix of clay, sand, and straw that creates a strong, water-resistant structure.

Straw bales can be stacked to form walls and covered with a protective layer. Both materials offer good insulation to keep chickens comfortable year-round.

These natural building methods use local, renewable resources. They also blend nicely into the landscape. I like that cob and straw bale coops can be shaped into unique designs.

With proper construction, these coops are durable and low-maintenance. They provide a cozy, sustainable home for backyard chickens.

17. Bamboo and Netting Enclosure

A simple bamboo and netting chicken coop stands in a lush backyard garden

I’ve found bamboo to be a great material for building chicken coops. It’s strong, lightweight, and eco-friendly.

For this design, I use bamboo poles to create the frame of the coop. I space them about 2 feet apart and secure them with natural twine.

To enclose the sides, I stretch poultry netting between the bamboo posts. This keeps predators out while allowing good airflow.

The roof can be made of bamboo slats or thatched palm leaves for a tropical look. Inside, I added bamboo perches and nesting boxes for the chickens’ comfort.

This coop design is perfect for warmer climates and gives chickens a natural-feeling home.

18. Old Canoe Turned Chicken Coop

An old canoe sits on a grassy patch, repurposed as a chicken coop. The weathered wood and curved shape give it a unique and rustic charm

I’ve seen a clever chicken coop made from an old canoe. It’s a unique way to repurpose a boat that’s no longer seaworthy. The canoe is flipped upside down and raised off the ground on sturdy legs.

The hull creates a cozy, sheltered space for chickens. Holes are cut in the sides for ventilation and access. A small door allows the birds to enter and exit.

Nesting boxes can be added inside the canoe. The curved shape provides good protection from rain and wind. It’s best suited for just a few chickens due to limited space.

This coop style works well in yards with a rustic or outdoor theme. It’s an eye-catching conversation piece that gives old canoes new life on dry land.

19. Treehouse-Inspired Coop

A rustic, elevated chicken coop with a whimsical treehouse design, complete with a shingled roof, ladder access, and charming windows

I’ve seen some really cool treehouse-inspired chicken coops lately. These coops are built off the ground, often attached to trees or on stilts. They give chickens a fun, elevated home that’s safe from predators.

I like how these coops blend the charm of a treehouse with practical chicken-keeping features. Many have ramps for easy access, nesting boxes, and roosts inside. Some even include little windows or porches for the chickens.

Building a treehouse coop can be a fun DIY project. I’d make sure to use sturdy materials and secure construction methods. It’s important to consider ventilation, cleaning access, and predator-proofing too.

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