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I’m excited to share some creative ideas for building your own indoor chicken coop. Having chickens inside can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right design, you can keep your feathered friends happy and healthy while adding a unique element to your home.

A well-planned indoor coop can save space and make chicken keeping easier. I’ll cover 15 different designs that range from simple to more complex. These ideas will help you create a cozy home for your chickens that fits your space and style.
You’ll find helpful tips here if you’re new to chicken keeping or looking to upgrade your current setup.
1. Nesting Box Perches

I’ve found that adding perches to nesting boxes is a smart move for chicken coops. These perches give hens a spot to land before entering the box.
This setup makes it easier for chickens to access their nesting areas. It also helps keep the boxes cleaner. Hens can shake off dirt from their feet on the perch before settling in.
For perches, I like using wooden dowels or small branches. I make sure they’re sturdy and wide enough for chickens to grip comfortably.
Placing perches about 8-10 inches in front of the box openings works well. This gives hens enough space to hop down into the box.
2. PVC Pipe Feeder

I love using PVC pipe feeders in my chicken coop. They’re cheap, easy to make, and work great. I start with a 4-inch PVC pipe and cut it to about 2 feet long.
I drill 2-inch holes along one side for the chickens to access the feed. I cap both ends, leaving the top one removable for refilling.
To hang it, I attach eye hooks to the pipe and use chains or rope. This keeps it off the ground and reduces waste. PVC feeders are simple to clean too – I just rinse them out with a hose.
3. Automatic Chicken Door

I’ve found that adding an automatic door to my chicken coop makes life so much easier. It opens in the morning and closes at night, keeping my flock safe without constant monitoring.
There are a few DIY options for automatic doors. I like using a simple pulley system with a timer. Another good choice is a light sensor that triggers the door mechanism.
For materials, I use sturdy wood or metal for the door itself. The lifting mechanism can be made from basic hardware store items like rope and pulleys.
When installing, I make sure the door slides smoothly in its track. Proper alignment is key for reliable operation. With some careful planning, an automatic door can be a great addition to any coop design.
*4. Hanging Water Dispenser

I’ve found that a hanging water dispenser is a great addition to any chicken coop. It keeps the water clean and off the ground.
I like to use a 5-gallon bucket with nipple waterers attached to the bottom. This setup provides fresh water for days without refilling.
To make one, I drill holes in the bucket’s base and insert the nipple waterers. I seal around them with silicone to prevent leaks.
I hang the bucket from the coop ceiling with a sturdy chain or rope. The height is adjustable, so chickens of all sizes can reach it easily.
This system saves space and reduces mess in the coop. It’s also easy to clean and refill when needed.
5. Dust Bath Area

I recommend adding a dust bath area inside your chicken coop. It’s easy to make and chickens love it. You can use a shallow container like a kiddie pool or old tire filled with a mix of dirt, sand, and wood ash.
Place the dust bath in a dry corner of the coop. Make sure it’s big enough for multiple chickens to use at once. This gives them a space to clean themselves and cool off.
I’ve found that chickens really enjoy having an indoor dust bath option. It keeps them happy and healthy, especially when they can’t go outside. Plus, it helps control parasites naturally.
6. DIY Roosting Bars

I love making roosting bars for my chickens. It’s an easy project that keeps them happy. I’ve found that tree branches work great as natural roosts. I just trim a branch to fit my coop and hang it from the ceiling.
For a more structured look, I sometimes build a ladder-style roost. I use wooden dowels or branches of similar thickness. About 1.5 to 4 inches wide works well, depending on my chickens’ size.
I’ve also repurposed old furniture for roosts. An old shoe rack can make perfect perches when secured to the coop wall. It’s a clever way to reuse items and give my chickens a comfy place to sleep.
7. Chicken Swing

I’ve found that adding a chicken swing to my coop is a fun and easy way to keep my birds entertained. It’s a simple DIY project that can be made with a wooden dowel and some rope.
I hang the swing at chicken height, making sure it’s secure. My chickens love perching on it and gently swaying back and forth.
This addition not only provides exercise but also helps reduce boredom and stress in the flock. It’s amazing to watch how quickly they learn to use it.
I’ve noticed that the swing has become a popular spot in the coop, with my chickens often competing for a turn.
8. Tire Sand Bath

I love repurposing old tires for my chickens. They make perfect dust baths. I simply take a used tire, clean it thoroughly, and fill it with a mix of sand, dirt, and wood ash.
My hens love scratching and rolling around in this DIY bath. It helps them stay clean and keeps pesky mites away. I place the tire in a shaded spot in the coop to give my chickens a cool place to relax.
This project is easy and cheap. I can usually get old tires for free from auto shops. It’s a great way to reuse materials and keep my flock happy. My chickens seem to prefer this bath over digging holes elsewhere in the yard.
9. Herb Garden In Coop

I love the idea of adding an herb garden inside a chicken coop. It’s a great way to use space efficiently and provide fresh herbs for both chickens and humans.
I recommend planting herbs like mint, oregano, and thyme. These are easy to grow and have health benefits for chickens. They can help repel pests and boost the immune system.
To set up the herb garden, I use hanging planters or window boxes attached to the coop walls. This keeps the plants off the ground and away from curious beaks.
I make sure to choose safe, non-toxic herbs and place them where chickens can reach some but not all of the plants. This allows me to harvest herbs for cooking while letting the chickens enjoy some too.
10. Chicken Tunnel System

I’ve found that a chicken tunnel system can be a great addition to an indoor coop. It’s a safe way for chickens to explore and exercise. I like to use chicken wire to create a tunnel along the walls or ceiling of the coop.
I make sure the tunnel is wide enough for chickens to move comfortably. Adding some perches or branches inside gives them spots to rest. I also include small openings so chickens can enter and exit easily.
For extra fun, I sometimes add toys or treat dispensers in the tunnel. This keeps the chickens active and engaged. The tunnel system can connect different areas of the coop, giving chickens more space to roam.
11. Solar-Powered Coop Fan

I love using solar power to keep my chickens cool. A solar-powered fan is a great addition to any coop. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t need electricity from the grid.
I start by getting a small solar panel and a DC fan. I mount the panel on the coop roof where it gets lots of sun. Then I connect it to the fan inside the coop.
The fan turns on automatically when the sun shines. It keeps air moving and helps prevent heat buildup. My chickens stay more comfortable on hot days.
This DIY project is simple and cheap. It makes a big difference for my flock’s wellbeing. I highly recommend trying it out in your own coop.
12. Chicken Coop Curtains

I love adding curtains to my chicken coop’s nesting boxes. They give hens privacy and make them feel safe when laying eggs.
I use simple fabric panels cut to fit the box openings. Cotton works well and is easy to wash. I hang the curtains with small curtain rods or hooks.
For a 14×14 inch opening, I cut two 15×9 inch panels. This size allows the curtains to overlap slightly in the middle.
I’ve found that hens prefer darker colors like navy or forest green. These shades block more light and create a cozy nesting spot.
13. Diatomaceous Earth Dispenser

I’ve found a clever way to keep my chickens’ coop clean and pest-free. I built a simple diatomaceous earth dispenser using a PVC pipe with small holes drilled along its length.
I mounted it near the roosts, where mites often hide. When I rotate the pipe, it sprinkles a fine layer of diatomaceous earth onto the coop floor and roosting areas.
This DIY dispenser makes it easy to apply diatomaceous earth regularly without making a mess. It helps control pests naturally and keeps my chickens healthy.
Remember to use food-grade diatomaceous earth for safety. This dispenser is a handy addition to any coop design.
14. Ladder Perches

Ladder perches are a great DIY addition to any chicken coop. I like to make these using wooden dowels or branches secured between two vertical boards. This design mimics how chickens naturally roost in trees.
I space the rungs about 12 inches apart vertically. This gives chickens room to hop up and down. The width between the side boards is usually 18-24 inches, depending on coop size.
I make sure to use sturdy wood that can support the chickens’ weight. Cedar or hardwoods work well and resist rot. Sanding the perches prevents splinters on chicken feet.
Ladder perches save space and let chickens choose their preferred sleeping height. They’re easy to remove for cleaning too. My chickens love these natural-feeling roosts in their coop.
15. Old Window Ventilation

I’ve found that using old windows for chicken coop ventilation is a clever and eco-friendly idea. It’s a great way to recycle and add charm to the coop.
To install an old window, I cut a hole in the coop wall that matches the window size. I make sure to seal any gaps to keep drafts out.
These windows can be opened on hot days to let fresh air in. On cold days, I close them to keep the chickens warm.
This DIY project is budget-friendly and improves air flow in the coop. It also lets in natural light, which chickens love.