Are you searching for free chicken coop plans and wondering if you should buy or build one? My advice is that building your own coop is usually cheaper, but it takes some time, effort, and at least some basic DIY skills. You can save money by reusing materials or adapting the design to your available space, but remember that good-quality building materials aren’t cheap. This adds up quickly to the cost of building a chicken coop. If time is short, the best option for you would be to buy one.
A well-built DIY coop will last for years, but buying a chicken coop can be just as cost-effective. Many pre-made coops still require assembly, so you will find yourself doing some DIY work anyway. For example, the Chicken Coop Company has high-quality wooden chicken coops that are easy to assemble. If you want something low maintenance, consider plastic chicken coops like those of Omlet. They’re easy to clean with a pressure washer, durable, and save you from the headache of wood rot or pests.
If you love doing DIY and are interested in creating something sturdy and custom-fit for your flock, then go ahead. Keep reading to learn more about building your own coop from scratch, starting with expert tips.
Expert Tips for Constructing DIY Chicken Coops
If you decide to design your own coop, the materials you use will have an important effect on its lifespan. Here’s what experts suggest:
- Use high-quality wood that is weather-proof, and/or impregnate or paint it
- Buy rust-proof screws, hinges, and latches
- Use hardware cloth rather than chicken wire
- Add windows or vents covered with mesh for ventilation and fresh air
- Concrete is the best floor for a chicken coop
- Add insulation to protect your chickens from cold and hot weather
Use weather-proof wood
Regular untreated wood can rot quickly, especially in wet climates. I recommend using high quality wood, such as cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber. These types of wood are naturally resistant to moisture and pests, making them a great choice for outdoor use.
If you’re not using naturally weather-resistant wood, you can impregnate the wood with preservatives that help protect it from rot and insects. The process involves soaking the wood in a chemical solution or applying a protective coating that prevents water damage and decay. You can find different kinds of sealants or treatments designed for outdoor use. For more detailed information, read this step-by-step guide to wood treatment. The simpler solution is to buy ready-to-use impregnated wood or simply paint your chicken coop.
Other Expert tips for high quality materials
Use rust-proof screws, hinges, and latches to ensure your chicken coop is strong and long-lasting, even in rainy or humid weather. When shopping for materials, choose stainless steel, galvanized steel, or coated brass. They do not easily rust. Among the three materials, stainless steel is the hardest and lasts the longest. Galvanized steel has a special coating that prevents rust from forming. Brass is also resistant to rust, but it is not as strong as steel.
Hardware cloth is a better choice than chicken wire to protect your chickens from raccoons. The difference between hardware cloth and chicken wire is that hardware cloth is much stronger, more durable, has a smaller mesh size, and thicker wires.
Concrete is the best floor for a chicken house because it is easy to clean, and the best option to keep predators out. However, a raised wooden floor helps keep moisture out. Also, if your area is prone to flooding, raising the coop off the ground is a better choice to keep it dry and safe.
Build your chicken house using strong materials to save time and money on future maintenance. Sometimes, buying cheap is expensive! build something that lasts, so you and your hens can enjoy it now and in the future.
Top 9 Free Chicken Coop Plans To DIY
These are my Top 9 free chicken coop plans as a chicken expert and DIY hobbyist. I selected them based on many criteria, so you can choose the optimal coop for both you and your hens:
- Dimensions: The list includes smaller and larger coops, and specifies dimensions: Length (L), Width (W), and Height (H) in feet (and meters).
- Capacity: The amount of chickens that fit in the coop comfortably
- Walk-in: Will you be able to stand up straight in the coop yes or no? I love walk-in designs, and so does my lower back.
- Run: All the chicken coop designs I recommend come with a run. Although, you can build a few without it. In my opinion, having a run is very convenient. You don’t always want to let your hens roam free across the yard. This way, you have a choice.
- Chicken health and happiness: The chicken coop plans should not just fit your needs, but also those of your hens. As a chicken expert myself, I took this into account.
- Easy access and cleaning: Removable trays, big doors, and easy access to food, water, and eggs make routine tasks a lot easier.
Also, make sure that your chicken house is weather-proof and predator-proof. This is not fully covered by just selecting a good design for your coop and run. You also need to use durable materials, like suggested in the previous section. Last but not least, make smart choices in your design to protect your hens from predators. For example, use concrete flooring and hardware cloth.
ALWAYS follow the links to double-check exact measures and details of the coop plans.
1. Large Chicken Coop for 10 to 12 Chickens
Click here to see this Large Chicken Coop plan on EasyCoops.
- Capacity: Fits up to 12 chickens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: Yes
- Dimensions: Total Length: 20′ (6,1 m) x Width: 9′ (2,74 m) x Height: 9′-10″ (3 m)
This coop has 180 square feet (16,7 m2) of space and accommodates 12 chickens comfortably. It is walk-in style so that you can easily move inside to clean and collect eggs. The attached run provides outdoor space for your chickens to roam safely. My advice is to situate this coop in a quiet area, away from winds and predators.
The chicken coop features two 6-foot tall doors: one leading to a sturdy cage and another to an extended chicken run, making it easy to tend to the birds and clean the coop. The coop has a window to provide natural light, promoting frequent egg laying. Its lean-to roof helps with rainwater drainage and prevents dirt buildup. This well-designed, spacious coop is ideal for small to medium flocks, offering comfort, easy cleaning, and essential features for healthy chickens.
Pros:
- Perfect size if you have a medium to large flock and backyard
- Free plans of EasyCoops are print-ready and contain step-by-step instructions
- Does not require bending over
- Covered run with easy rainwater drainage
Cons:
- Higher cost of building materials due to larger size
2. Large Chicken Coop and Run for 20 Chickens
Click here to see this plan for a Large Chicken Coop and Run on Theinspiredworkshop
- Capacity: Fits 20 chickens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: Yes
- Dimensions: Total Length 24′ (7,32 m) x Width 8′ 7″ (2,62 m)
This beautiful large chicken coop plan offers over 200 square feet (over 19 m²) of space for up to 20 chickens. Features include working shutters, a large run, and easy-access nesting boxes. Read the story of the coop build before you start yourself, for some funny construction mishaps along the way. The plans include detailed steps for building, material lists, and tips on minimizing costs.
Pros:
- Walk-in design so no need to bend over
- Beautiful design which will appeal to homesteaders
- Plans include easy building steps
Cons:
- Your hens are exposed to sun and rain in the run (cover needed)
- Requires more space, not ideal for small yards
- Higher material costs due to larger design
3. Small Chicken Coop Plan for 5 Chickens
Click here to see the small chicken coop plan on EasyCoops
- Capacity: Design states it fits 6 chickens, but I advise 5 hens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: No
- Dimensions: Total Length 6′ (1,83 m) x Width 3′ (0,91 m)
This free small chicken coop plan of only 18 square feet (1,67 m²) is ideal for families of 4 or 5 people living in the suburbs. It can house enough hens for each family member to enjoy 1 fresh egg a day for breakfast. The hatch is elevated and measures 3′ x 2′ 4″, with a nesting box and a ramp to make it easy for your chickens to go up and down.
Pros:
- Compact design for small yards
- Elevated hatch so chickens can go in and out easily
- Easy cleaning with a removable tray
- Low material costs due to a small design
Cons:
- Requires bending to clean
- Limited space for larger breeds
- The design states it fits 6 chickens, but I advise only 5 regular size hens
4. Chicken Coop Plan With Run “the Palace” for 5-7 Hens
Click here to see the walk-in chicken coop with run for 5-7 on Steamykitchen
- Capacity: Fits 5-7 hens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: Yes, only the run
- Dimensions: Total Length 12′ (3,66 m) x Width 6′ (1,83 m) x Height 6’ (1,83 m)
Like the previous one, The Palace is ideal for families who like to enjoy 1 fresh egg a day for breakfast. However, this chicken coop plan includes a walk-in run and a little more space for your chickens and you. In total, it covers an area of about 72 square feet (6,7 m²). The design saved space due to the elevated coop and run below.
Pros:
- Elevated coop and hatch for entry to save space
- Easy to clean and access
- Walk-in run
- The free plan contains lots of pictures during the build
Cons:
- The free plan is more of an instruction story, you need to pay for step-by-step instructions
- Needs a bit of space
- Requires bending to clean the coop
5. Small Chicken Coop Plan for 2 to 3 Hens
Click here to see the Urban Chicken Coop Plan for 2-3 on Theinspiredworkshop
- Capacity: Fits 2-3 chickens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: No
- Dimensions: Total Length 4′ (1,22 m) x Width 2′ (0,61 m) x Height a little over 5’ (1,55 m)
The design of this mini chicken coop is ideal for small backyards in the city. The run is on the ground floor and the coop is above, for maximal space for your hens but minimal space needed in your backyard. Meanwhile, it also looks great! The coop has an elevated entry hatch where the chickens can enter. There is enough space to keep 2 to 3 chickens safe and cozy.
Pros:
- Ideal for small urban yards
- Easy to adjust the layout
- Low building material cost because of the small size
Cons:
- Limited space for human access
- You need to bend over for routine tasks and cleaning
- Small amount of space for your chickens to roam
6. Chicken House Plan for 10 to 12 Chickens
Click here to see the plan for 12 chicken house on Creativehousewives
- Capacity: Fits 12 hens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: No
- Dimensions: Not given.
This coop plan looks beautiful, that is why it is included. However, this ‘plan’ is only suitable for DIY-experts since there are no clear dimensions or instructions given. It is a post with photo’s and a story about the build with limited information.
Pros:
- Elevated coop to maximize run space
Cons:
- Coop dimensions and instructions not given
- You need to bend over for routine tasks and cleaning
- Your hens are exposed to sun and rain in the run (cover needed)
7. XL Chicken Coop Plan for 20 chickens
Click here to see the XL chicken coop plan on EasyCoops
- Capacity: Fits 20 chickens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: Yes
- Dimensions: Total Length 40′-2 1/4″ (12,25 m) x Width 9′-3/4″ (2,76 m) x Height 9′-8 3/4″ (2,96 m)
Ideal for homesteaders with a large backyard, and a large family to supply eggs to. This extra large XL chicken coop of about 365 square feet (34 m²) provides ample space for your chickens to move around and nest. With 6 nesting boxes, you can easily accommodate a large flock, making egg collection a breeze.
Pros:
- Ideal if you have a large backyard and need 15-20 eggs a day
- Free plans of EasyCoops are print-ready and contain step-by-step instructions
- Walk-in so does not require bending over
- Covered run with easy rainwater drainage
Cons:
- Higher cost of building materials due to XL size
8. XXL Chicken Coop Design for 50 chickens
Click here to see the XXL chicken coop for 50 on EasyCoops
- Capacity: Fits 50 chickens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: Yes
- Dimensions: Total Length 40‘ (12,2 m) x Width 20′ (6.10 m) x Height 10′-5″ (3,2 m)
This XXL Chicken Coop Plan has a surface of about 800 square feet (75 m²). This coop plan is it for you if you want to sell eggs or supply them to your whole family, friends, and neighbors! It is almost like having a small farm. The spacious run and nesting boxes will make your chickens comfortable and provide them with ample space to roam around. It’s well-designed for easy cleaning with walk-in access and predator-resistant features for extra security.
Pros:
- Perfect for extra large flocks
- Suitable if you want to start your own backyard poultry farm
- High building costs might pay itself back if you start selling some eggs
Cons:
- Requires a very large outdoor space
- Very high investment in building materials needed
9. A-Frame Chicken Tractor Plan for 3 to 5 hens
Click here to see the a frame movable chicken tractor for 3-5 on Ana-white
- Capacity: Fits 2-3 hens
- Run: Yes
- Walk-in: No
- Dimensions: Total Length 8‘ (2,44 m) x Width 5′ (1,52 m) x Height 4,6′ (1,42 m)
This A Frame chicken coop can be easily converted into a chicken tractor if you just add a wheel. It is ideal for smaller flocks and can easily be moved around your yard. With a 40 square foot (3,72 m²) run, it is compact. The small coop has everything your chickens need & features a built-in nesting box as well as a weatherproof design. It is made to shed water well and give shelter, which makes it suitable for families that have a few chickens. The easy-access doors on both sides allow the chickens to roam free while staying safe.
Pros:
- Moveable for flexibility in placement
- Easy and affordable chicken coop to build
- Weatherproof design to keep chickens safe and dry
Cons:
- Not walk-in, which can make cleaning harder
- Limited capacity (2-3 hens)
Final Words
Building your chicken coop is such a rewarding project. The key is designing a safe and comfortable space for your chickens, whether you’re taking on the DIY chicken coop challenge or buying one. I shared the above free chicken coop plans with you to help you get on your way. Remember that the effort you are putting in will pay off down the line. Also, invest in high-quality building materials to make your coop last.
Good luck with your coop, you’re going to do great!
