Transform Your Homestead: Build a DIY Chicken Coop for Under $200!

Imagine stepping out into your backyard on a crisp morning, the rooster crowing a cheerful greeting, and gathering a basket full of fresh, organic eggs. That vision can become your reality with a little elbow grease and this comprehensive guide to building a DIY chicken coop! For Better Homes and Harvests readers yearning to enhance their homesteading journey, we're providing a detailed, step-by-step blueprint for constructing a budget-friendly and predator-proof chicken coop for under $200. Yes, you read that right!

This project is designed for the aspiring homesteader with basic DIY skills. So, grab your saw, drill, measuring tape, and let's get started on building a safe and comfortable home for your feathered friends. Building a cheap chicken coop is easier than you think!

Why Build Your Own Chicken Coop?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why building your own DIY chicken coop is a fantastic idea.

• Cost Savings: Pre-built coops can be expensive. Building your own allows you to control costs and save a significant amount of money.
• Customization: Tailor the coop to your specific needs and space constraints. Want a specific color? Need to accommodate a certain number of chickens? Building it yourself allows for complete personalization.
• Satisfaction: There's a unique sense of accomplishment that comes from building something with your own two hands. Plus, your chickens will thank you (in egg form!).
• Quality Control: You get to choose the materials, ensuring a durable and safe environment for your flock. A predator-proof chicken coop built by you offers peace of mind.

Planning Your Coop: Size and Design

This guide focuses on a simple, compact coop suitable for a small flock of 3-6 chickens. The approximate dimensions will be 4ft x 4ft for the coop itself and an attached run of 4ft x 8ft. Before you start, consider these factors:

• Number of Chickens: A good rule of thumb is 4 square feet of coop space per chicken and 8-10 square feet of run space per chicken.
• Space Availability: Measure your backyard to ensure you have enough room for the coop and run.
• Local Ordinances: Check your local regulations regarding backyard chickens and coop requirements.
• Chicken Breed: Some breeds require more space than others. Research the needs of your chosen breed.

Materials List (Estimated Cost: Under $200)

This list prioritizes affordable and readily available materials. Prices may vary depending on your location and supplier. Consider checking salvage yards or online marketplaces for used lumber and materials to save even more money!

• Lumber:
  • (6) 2x4x8 Pressure Treated Boards: $30
  • (4) 1x4x8 Furring Strips: $12
  • (2) Sheets of Plywood (4ft x 8ft x ½ inch): $60 (Consider OSB for cost savings)
• Hardware:
  • Chicken Wire (25ft roll): $30
  • Poultry Staples: $5
  • Screws (various sizes): $15
  • Hinges (for door and nesting box): $8
  • Latch (for door): $3
• Roofing:
  • Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheet (4ft x 8ft): $25 (Alternatives: Asphalt shingles, reclaimed roofing materials)
• Optional:
  • Exterior Paint/Sealer: $20 (Consider using leftover paint or a natural sealant)
  • Wood Preservative: $10
• Total Estimated Cost: $208 (This is an estimate, and can be lowered by sourcing reclaimed materials!)

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary. Links to purchase online are omitted as prices fluctuate greatly between retailers. Check your local hardware store for the best deals.

Tools You'll Need

• Safety Glasses
• Gloves
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Saw (Circular saw or hand saw)
• Drill with Screwdriver Bits
• Staple Gun
• Hammer
• Level
• Wire Cutters

Safety First!

• Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with tools and materials.
• Work in a well-ventilated area when using paint or sealant.
• Be careful when using power tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• If you're unsure about any step, consult a professional.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Your DIY Chicken Coop

1. Build the Base: Cut the 2x4s to create a rectangular frame (4ft x 4ft). This will be the base of your coop. Use screws to securely assemble the frame. Ensure the frame is square using a measuring tape to check the diagonals. This will provide a solid foundation for the backyard chicken coop.
2. Construct the Walls: Cut the plywood sheets to create the four walls of the coop. The front wall should be approximately 4ft wide and 4ft tall. The back wall can be slightly shorter, around 3ft tall, to create a slanted roof. The side walls should be 4ft wide and angled to match the front and back walls. Attach the plywood walls to the base frame using screws.
3. Cut Door and Nesting Box Openings: Decide where you want the door to be and cut an opening in the front wall. Also, cut an opening for the nesting box on one of the side walls. A good size for the nesting box opening is approximately 1ft x 1ft.
4. Build the Door: Use scrap plywood or lumber to build a simple door for the coop. Attach hinges to the door and the front wall, and install a latch to secure the door.
5. Construct the Nesting Box: Build a simple box from scrap plywood or lumber to serve as the nesting box. A good size is approximately 1ft x 1ft x 1ft. Attach the nesting box to the side of the coop, ensuring it's accessible from the outside for easy egg collection.
6. Add Roosting Bars: Install roosting bars inside the coop. These can be made from 2x4s or sturdy branches. Place them at different heights to provide options for your chickens.
7. Build the Roof: Cut the corrugated metal roofing sheet to fit the top of the coop. Overlap the edges slightly to prevent leaks. Secure the roofing sheet to the walls using screws with rubber washers. Alternatives include using scrap wood and asphalt shingles or even a tarp for a temporary solution.
8. Construct the Run: Build a rectangular frame for the run using 2x4s (4ft x 8ft). Attach chicken wire to the frame, ensuring it's securely fastened with poultry staples. Bury the bottom of the chicken wire a few inches into the ground to prevent predators from digging under the run.
9. Attach the Run to the Coop: Connect the run to the coop by creating an opening in one of the coop walls and attaching the run frame to the coop.
10. Predator-Proofing: This is crucial! Reinforce all seams and joints with extra screws and staples. Cover the bottom of the run with hardware cloth (a finer mesh than chicken wire) for added protection against digging predators like raccoons and foxes. Ensure the door latch is secure and difficult for predators to open.
11. Finishing Touches: Paint or seal the coop to protect it from the elements. Add bedding material (straw, wood shavings) to the coop and nesting box.

Personal Experience and Tips

When I built my first coop, I underestimated the importance of a secure latch. A clever raccoon managed to open it one night! I quickly upgraded to a more robust latch and haven't had any problems since. Also, I wish I had added a small window for ventilation. Chickens need fresh air, especially in the summer. Next time, I'll definitely incorporate that into the design. Reclaimed wood is also your friend! Scouring local listings can dramatically cut costs.

Alternative Design Suggestions

• A-Frame Coop: A simple A-frame design is easy to build and requires minimal materials.
• Pallet Coop: Pallets can be repurposed to create a cheap and eco-friendly coop.
• Mobile Coop (Chicken Tractor): Add wheels to your coop for easy relocation around your yard. This allows your chickens to graze on fresh grass and helps distribute their manure.

Call to Action

Ready to take the plunge and build your own DIY chicken coop under $200? We hope this guide has inspired you to get started! Don't hesitate to ask questions in the comments below. We're here to help! We also encourage you to share your own chicken coop projects and tag us in photos of your completed coops on social media using #BetterHomesAndHarvestsDIY. Happy homesteading! Building a homemade chicken coop is a rewarding experience.

This project allows you to practice sustainable living while creating a safe and comfortable environment for your chickens. By using readily available materials, embracing DIY techniques, and prioritizing safety, you can achieve this transformative goal.