If you’re looking to build a chicken coop on a budget, you’re in the right place! Creating your own DIY chicken coop design can be both affordable and functional, with countless ways to customize based on your space and needs.
You don’t have to break the bank to provide your chickens with a safe, comfortable home. With a little creativity and the right materials, you can craft a coop that is both practical and inexpensive. Get inspired with these chicken coop designs DIY cheap solutions to start your backyard poultry project today!
1. Basic Wooden Coop
When you’re looking to build a classic chicken coop, the basic wooden design is always a reliable choice. This simple structure offers a sturdy, natural material that blends well with most backyards. The wooden coop provides excellent insulation, keeping your chickens cozy in the winter while also allowing for ventilation in the warmer months. It’s easy to customize, whether you want to add a ramp, a nesting box, or just create an open area for your hens to roam.
A basic wooden coop doesn’t require excessive tools or advanced carpentry skills. Start with four walls and a roof made of treated lumber, ensuring it’s secure and safe. You can make it small and compact, or larger for a growing flock. Adding a run or chicken wire for extra space is also a good idea, providing chickens with ample room to roam while staying protected.
2. Pallet Chicken Coop
Transforming wooden pallets into a chicken coop is a brilliant way to recycle materials and save money. The pallet chicken coop has gained popularity for being budget-friendly and relatively simple to build. Pallets provide a strong structure while giving the coop a rustic charm. Not only will this design be cost-effective, but it also makes use of surplus materials that are easy to find. Plus, you can create an environmentally-friendly space for your chickens.
The beauty of a pallet chicken coop lies in its versatility. Pallets can be stacked to form the walls, and you can easily cut or modify them to fit your needs. With a bit of creativity, you can create a spacious and secure area for your chickens to thrive. Just make sure to sand the wood and apply a protective coat to avoid splinters, ensuring your flock stays safe and happy.
3. Recycled Storage Shed Coop
For a more upcycled approach, consider converting an old storage shed into a chicken coop. With a solid base and ample space, a recycled storage shed can be easily modified to accommodate your chickens comfortably. This option offers plenty of room for both your hens and their run, making it ideal if you have a larger flock. It’s an affordable choice since you’re repurposing an existing structure, and it already has a roof and walls in place.
A storage shed coop can be enhanced with some simple modifications, such as adding windows for ventilation or installing a chicken door for easy access. You can even build nesting boxes inside to give your hens a cozy spot for laying eggs. The best part is that it provides excellent protection from the elements, offering a secure and durable home for your chickens.
4. A-Frame Chicken Coop
An A-frame chicken coop brings a unique triangular design that’s perfect for those who prefer a more stylish and space-efficient setup. This structure features slanted sides that create a compact yet functional space for your chickens. The A-frame offers excellent drainage, keeping your coop dry, and is relatively simple to build with basic tools. Its angled roof also provides extra room for roosting and ventilation, which is essential for a comfortable environment.
Thanks to its elevated design, an A-frame chicken coop gives chickens plenty of room underneath for free-range activities or storage space. Its lightweight frame makes it easier to move if you want to give your chickens fresh ground every few days. With the right materials, this coop can last for years, offering a low-maintenance yet attractive home for your flock.
5. Hoop Coop
A hoop coop offers a simple, yet highly effective design for chicken keepers who want something lightweight and mobile. This type of coop features a rounded frame, often made of PVC or metal piping, covered with a tarp or wire mesh. It’s an excellent solution for those who need a temporary or easily movable structure for their chickens. The hoop shape offers good airflow and ample space for your chickens to move around and lay eggs comfortably.
Since a hoop coop is portable, it’s easy to relocate around your yard, giving your chickens access to fresh grass or bugs. This mobility also reduces the wear on your lawn. You can customize your hoop coop by adding nesting boxes, a ramp, and even a secure run for your chickens. It’s a low-cost, straightforward option that still offers great functionality.
6. Chicken Tractor Coop
If you’re looking for a moveable coop that doubles as a foraging space, the chicken tractor coop is an ideal option. This coop is designed on wheels or a frame that allows you to easily move it from one spot to another. The design allows your chickens to graze on fresh grass and eat bugs, keeping them happy and healthy. The tractor-style coop is perfect for those who want to keep their chickens in a natural environment while also providing a safe, secure home.
The beauty of a chicken tractor is its mobility combined with its compact design. You can easily push it to a new spot, which helps to maintain healthy grass in your yard. Though small, these coops can still include nesting boxes, a roosting pole, and access doors for cleaning. It’s a wonderful way to allow your chickens to enjoy the outdoors while being safely contained.
7. Converted Playhouse Coop
Repurposing a playhouse into a chicken coop gives you a unique and charming design that can blend in with the aesthetic of your yard. Playhouses are typically well-constructed and offer a solid foundation for transforming into a chicken coop. With their spacious layout, you can easily create multiple roosting areas, add nesting boxes, and ensure plenty of room for your hens to move around. It’s an innovative way to make use of unused structures.
The converted playhouse allows for more flexibility in design compared to smaller coops. You can add windows for ventilation and secure doors to keep your chickens safe. This larger space also means you can raise a larger flock or keep your chickens comfortable without feeling cramped. Plus, it gives a fun and cozy vibe, especially when adorned with colorful touches.
8. Small Elevated Coop
For those with limited space, a small elevated coop offers the perfect solution. By raising the coop off the ground, you provide your chickens with extra protection from predators while also saving space in your yard. The elevated design allows chickens to roam beneath the coop, using the area for free-range activities or as a storage space. It’s a compact and efficient way to house your flock without taking up too much room.
This design makes it easier to clean since you won’t have to bend down to reach the lower levels. The raised coop also ensures good drainage and ventilation, keeping the interior fresh and dry. With some additional netting or a secure run, your chickens will have a safe and comfortable home, all while enjoying the extra space beneath.
9. Chicken Coop with Run
A chicken coop with a run is an excellent option for those looking to provide their chickens with the best of both worlds—shelter and outdoor freedom. This design integrates a coop and a run area, ensuring your chickens have both a secure space to sleep and an outdoor area to roam. The run is typically enclosed with wire mesh to keep predators out while allowing your chickens to scratch the earth and forage.
Having a coop with a run is perfect for allowing your chickens to get fresh air and exercise while still being protected. You can customize the run with plants, perches, and even shady spots to help keep your chickens entertained. It’s a great way to let your flock roam freely but still remain safe and secure.
10. PVC Chicken Coop
The PVC chicken coop design is one of the most lightweight, portable, and easy-to-assemble options available. This coop is made using PVC pipes as the frame, which are incredibly easy to cut, assemble, and customize. Covering the structure with chicken wire or a tarp provides a secure and functional home for your chickens. The PVC material is also resistant to the elements, making this an ideal option for various weather conditions.
A PVC chicken coop is perfect for small flocks or for those who need a temporary structure. The lightweight frame allows you to easily move the coop from one place to another, ensuring your chickens have access to fresh grass and bugs. It’s a quick and affordable project, and you can easily add custom features like nesting boxes or a chicken ramp.
11. Tarp and Wooden Frame Coop
For an easy, budget-friendly coop, the tarp and wooden frame design is a popular choice. This setup involves building a simple wooden frame, then covering it with a tarp to protect your chickens from the elements. The wooden frame gives the structure stability, while the tarp is lightweight and inexpensive. This is perfect for temporary use or if you need a quick solution for a small flock.
The tarp offers an effective way to keep the coop dry during rainy weather while also providing protection from the sun. You can also make the coop more secure by adding chicken wire around the base and nesting boxes inside. It’s a basic yet effective design, and the low cost makes it a great option for first-time chicken owners or anyone on a tight budget.
12. Mobile Chicken Coop
A mobile chicken coop is ideal for chicken keepers who want to provide fresh pasture for their flock while keeping them safe. These coops are designed on wheels or a movable frame, making it easy to roll them around your yard. The mobility allows your chickens to have access to fresh grass and bugs every few days, promoting a healthier lifestyle for your flock. With a secure structure and plenty of space, your chickens will love the constant variety.
The mobile chicken coop is also highly customizable, with the ability to add nesting boxes, a roosting area, and even a small run for the chickens to enjoy. Its versatility makes it a great choice for small to medium-sized flocks, and its portability means you can easily manage and maintain your chickens’ environment.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to build a cheap chicken coop?
Building a basic chicken coop on a budget can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the size, materials you use, and how much of the work you do yourself. Using recycled materials or repurposing wood and pallets can help keep costs low.
2. What are the best materials for a cheap chicken coop?
For a budget-friendly coop, you’ll want to use materials that are both affordable and durable. Consider using wood pallets, chicken wire, corrugated metal, or plywood. These materials are often easy to find and cost-effective. Reclaimed materials are a great option too!
3. How many chickens can fit in a small DIY coop?
As a general rule, you’ll need at least 2-3 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken in the run (the outdoor space). For example, a 4×4-foot coop can house 2-3 chickens comfortably. If you’re looking to house more chickens, scale up the size accordingly.
4. Do I need a chicken run for my DIY coop?
Yes, a chicken run is essential for letting your chickens get fresh air and exercise while staying safe from predators. A simple chicken run made of chicken wire or hardware cloth can be affordable to build and gives them plenty of space to roam.
5. Can I build a chicken coop without any carpentry skills?
Yes, you can! There are plenty of DIY chicken coop plans out there that require little to no carpentry skills. Simple designs like A-frame coops or hut-style coops are beginner-friendly and easy to put together.
6. How can I keep my chicken coop warm in winter on a budget?
To keep your coop warm during the winter months, make sure it’s insulated. You can use inexpensive materials like foam board insulation, straw bales, or even old blankets to help insulate. Ensure there’s good ventilation so your chickens don’t get too hot or too cold.
7. What do I need to consider when choosing a location for my chicken coop?
Pick a spot that’s dry and level. Your chickens need a safe, quiet place away from predators, but they’ll also need sunlight for at least part of the day. Avoid low-lying areas that could flood or get too muddy. A shady spot is important during the summer to keep them cool.
8. Can I make my chicken coop mobile or portable?
Yes, many DIY chicken coops can be made portable, often called “chicken tractors.” These designs allow you to move the coop around your yard to provide fresh grass for your chickens to peck. Mobile coops are especially useful for small yards or if you want to rotate your chickens to different areas.
9. What are some easy, cheap chicken coop designs for beginners?
A simple A-frame coop or a pallet chicken coop are both budget-friendly and easy for beginners. They offer good ventilation and enough space for a small flock, plus you can find most of the materials for free or at low cost.
10. How can I keep predators out of my chicken coop on a budget?
Predators like raccoons, foxes, and hawks can be a big problem, so make sure your coop is secure. Use hardware cloth (stronger than chicken wire) to cover windows and openings, and bury the wire a few inches into the ground to prevent digging. Lockable doors and sturdy latches are a must.