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Keeping chickens in your backyard can bring fresh eggs and joy to your daily life. A good chicken coop makes all the difference in protecting your flock and making your chicken-keeping experience smooth and successful. I’ve gathered 21 practical chicken coop designs that are easy to build and won’t break the bank.
These coops range from simple weekend builds to more detailed projects that can house different flock sizes.
Each design focuses on key features like proper ventilation, secure nesting boxes, and protection from predators. I picked these plans based on their simplicity and how well they work for both new and experienced chicken keepers.
1. A-frame Chicken Coop
I recommend an A-frame chicken coop as one of the simplest designs to build. The triangle shape naturally sheds water and provides good shelter for 3-5 chickens.
These coops are light and easy to move around the yard. I can build one for under $50 using basic lumber and hardware from any home store.
2. Portable Chicken Tractor
I recommend a portable chicken tractor as a smart choice for small backyard flocks. These mobile coops let me move my chickens to fresh grass every few days.
I like how easy it is to collect eggs and monitor my chickens’ health with a portable coop. My flock gets fresh pasture while staying safe from predators.
The basic design uses wood framing, chicken wire, and wheels or handles for moving. I can build one for under $200 using simple materials like 2x4s and plywood.
3. Recycled Pallet Coop
I found that wooden pallets make great building materials for chicken coops. The sturdy wood comes free or at a low cost from local businesses.
These pallets can be taken apart and rebuilt into a basic chicken shelter with nesting boxes. I like to add a small window for ventilation and natural light.
4. Chicken Coop with Run
I recommend combining a coop with an attached run to give chickens both shelter and outdoor space. A basic setup needs 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8 square feet per chicken in the run.
The run should be at least 6 feet tall and built with sturdy wire mesh to keep predators out. I suggest multiple access doors – one for humans to enter and smaller ones for chickens to move between areas.
5. DIY Plastic Barrel Coop
A plastic barrel makes a smart choice for a small chicken coop. I love how you can transform a large plastic drum into a cozy home for 2-3 hens by laying it on its side.
The barrel’s round shape creates a weatherproof shelter that keeps chickens dry. I recommend cutting a door on one end and adding ventilation holes near the top.
To finish the coop, I suggest mounting it off the ground on a simple wooden frame. This protects the chickens from predators and makes cleaning easier.
6. Vertical Chicken House
I recommend vertical chicken houses for small urban backyards where space is limited. The design stacks living areas on multiple levels, like a multi-story building for chickens.
My favorite feature is how these coops maximize vertical space while keeping a tiny footprint. The bottom level works well for feeding and nesting, while the upper levels provide safe roosting spots.
7. Large Walk-in Coop
I recommend a walk-in chicken coop for flocks of 8-16 hens. These coops let me stand up straight inside while cleaning and collecting eggs.
The tall height makes it simple to move around and check on my chickens. I like adding windows for airflow and natural light.
8. Rotational Pasture Coop
I recommend moving your chicken coop every day or two to give chickens fresh grass and bugs. The coop should have wheels or skids to make it easy to pull across the pasture.
My ideal setup includes about 40 square feet per chicken. This lets them forage naturally while keeping the grass healthy.
The coop works great in orchards where chickens eat fallen fruit and control pests. I make sure to close it at night to protect my birds from predators.
9. Wooden Shed Conversion
I find wooden sheds make excellent chicken coops with minimal work needed. A basic wooden garden shed provides solid protection from weather and predators right from the start.
I recommend adding roosting bars and nesting boxes inside. The existing windows offer good ventilation, while the door gives easy access for cleaning and collecting eggs.
I make sure to seal any gaps or holes in the wood to keep predators out. Metal hardware cloth over windows adds extra security while still letting fresh air flow through.
10. Traditional Barn Style
I recommend a classic red and white barn-style coop for a timeless look. The steep, slanted roof helps with rain and snow while giving chickens extra headroom.
This design works well with a Dutch-style gambrel roof that creates more space inside. The extra room is perfect for nesting boxes and roosts.
Adding barn-style sliding doors makes it easy to get in and out while feeding or cleaning. I find this style works best for flocks of 4-8 chickens.
11. Raised Bed Coop
I recommend a raised chicken coop design when space is limited or you want to keep your flock off the ground. A raised coop sits about 3-4 feet above ground level on sturdy posts or legs.
This style makes cleaning easier since I can reach underneath to remove droppings. The elevated design also helps protect chickens from predators and wet ground.
12. Insulated Winter Coop
I recommend using straw bales along the walls to keep chickens warm in winter. The bales provide natural insulation and are easy to replace each season.
Adding a layer of foam board insulation to the walls and ceiling helps trap heat inside. I make sure to cover it with plywood to prevent chickens from pecking at it.
I always leave gaps for proper airflow near the roof to prevent moisture buildup. Good ventilation is just as important as insulation for winter chicken health.
13. Mobile Hoop Coop
I like mobile hoop coops for their simple design and easy mobility. The curved shape comes from PVC pipes that form the frame, covered with wire mesh and a tarp or plastic roofing.
I can fit 10-15 chickens in a standard hoop coop. Adding wheels makes it easy to move the coop to fresh grass every few days.
These coops are budget-friendly and quick to build. The open design gives great ventilation in summer, and I can add a tarp cover for winter warmth.
14. Repurposed Furniture Coop
I can transform old dressers and cabinets into unique chicken coops by adding chicken wire to the openings. These pieces often already have built-in compartments perfect for nesting boxes.
A recycled dresser coop saves money and gives my chickens a cozy home while keeping useful items out of landfills.
15. Simple PVC pipe structure
I recommend building a lightweight chicken coop using PVC pipes and chicken wire. This design is perfect for 4-5 birds and can be built in just a few hours.
PVC pipes create a rectangular base with curved top supports forming a half-circle shape. The structure is covered with chicken wire for ventilation and protection.
Adding wheels at the corners makes it easy to move around the yard. I like that most materials needed are common items found at hardware stores.
16. Cheap Tarp Shelter
I find tarps make great temporary shelter covers for chickens. A basic frame of PVC pipes or wooden posts covered with a sturdy tarp creates quick, basic protection from rain and sun.
The key is securing the tarp tightly to prevent wind damage. I use strong rope or bungee cords to tie it down at multiple points.
17. Urban Balcony Coop
I recommend creating a compact chicken coop that fits neatly against your balcony wall. A vertical design works best, with nesting boxes on the bottom and a roost above.
The coop needs a solid roof to protect it from rain and sun. I suggest using wire mesh for walls to keep the area well-ventilated while keeping your chickens safe.
Remember to check your local rules about keeping chickens on balconies first.
18. Wire Mesh Mini-coop
I recommend building a small chicken coop using wire mesh panels and a basic wooden frame. This design works great for 2-3 chickens in limited spaces.
The mesh walls provide good airflow while keeping predators out. I suggest using 1/2 inch hardware cloth for the best protection.
19. Compact Dome Setup
A geodesic dome coop is one of my favorite designs for small backyard flocks. The simple curved structure offers great stability while using minimal materials.
I recommend building the dome frame with PVC pipes and raising it slightly off the ground. A small wooden ramp lets chickens easily move in and out.
20. Hardware Cloth Aviary
I recommend building an aviary-style chicken house using hardware cloth for maximum security. This strong wire mesh creates excellent ventilation while keeping predators out.
The mesh covers the entire structure, including walls and roof. A human-sized door makes cleaning and maintenance simple.
21. Cedar Chicken Chalet
I recommend cedar wood for this charming chalet-style coop design. Cedar naturally resists rot and repels insects, making it perfect for outdoor structures.
The angled roof helps shed rain and snow while providing good airflow through the peak. I suggest adding small windows near the top for extra ventilation.
This cozy design works well for 3-4 chickens, with a raised sleeping area and nesting boxes built into the back wall.
