Easy DIY Chicken Coop Plan for Your Backyard (Step-by-Step!)

If you’ve ever thought about raising chickens, you probably know that one of the first things you’ll need is a good chicken coop.

But don't worry, it doesn’t have to be a huge, intimidating project.

That’s why I’ve put together this DIY chicken coop plan to help you build one from scratch.

It might take a lot of time and effort, but trust me, it’s totally worth it when you see your chickens happy and healthy in their new space.

Ready to get your hands dirty and create the perfect coop for your feathered friends?

Let’s go!

Video Tutorial

I’ve found a helpful video tutorial below that shows how to build the coop step-by-step. (It’s not mine, but it provides a great visual guide). 

If you prefer more details or want to follow along with written steps, feel free to read through the instructions below.

Materials Needed

Before you get started, you'll want to gather everything you need. It makes the process smoother when you don’t have to run to the store halfway through.

• Pressure-treated 4x4s
• Pressure-treated 2x4s 
• Plywood
• Hardware cloth
• Windows 
• Automatic chicken door 
• Exterior primer and sealer 
• Durable porch paint 

For tools, you’ll need a few basics:

• Circular saw 
• Drill and driver combo
• Framing nailer 
• Brad nailer
• Jig saw 
• Multi-tool
• Cut-off tool or angle grinder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Plan and Prepare the Area

First things first, you’ll want to figure out where to put your coop, so pick a flat area in your backyard, preferably somewhere that's dry.

Chickens don’t love wet, muddy conditions (who would?).

The size of the coop depends on how many chickens you plan to have.

This plan works for about 10 chickens, but make sure the coop has enough space for them to move around comfortably.

Once you choose a spot, clear away any weeds or rocks. If the ground is uneven, you might want to level it out (you can add some dirt or gravel to raise it if needed).

This helps protect your chickens from flooding during heavy rain and gives you a solid, level base to build on.

2. Build Your Coop Frame

Now let's get to the main part, building the coop.

Grab those 4x4s and cut them to your desired height. These will be your corner posts and are basically the backbone of your coop.

Make sure they’re sturdy and tall enough to make the coop feel roomy inside. Chickens like their space too, you know.

After the posts are ready, use the 2x4s to build the base of the coop (it holds everything up).

Lay out your 2x4s and nail them together at the corners.

It’s important to make sure everything’s square, so take a moment to double-check with a carpenter’s square (or eyeball it if you’re confident in your skills).

Once the frame is squared up, you’re ready for the next step.

3. Add the Floor

With the frame down, it’s time to add the floor.

Take a piece of plywood and cut it to fit the frame. (This is the base your chickens will walk on, so make sure it covers the whole frame with no gaps). 

Once it’s cut, screw the plywood down into the frame. It’s better to use screws instead of nails because they’ll hold the plywood in place longer and won’t pop out.

The floor really needs to be solid, so your chickens won’t shift it around when they walk on it.

And, it’ll hold up better against cleaning over time.

4. Build the Walls

Next up, the walls! Take your 2x4s and start cutting the pieces for the walls. 

(You’ll need four frames: two long sides and two shorter ones for the front and back). 

Don’t forget to leave space for your windows and door. When you’ve got the pieces cut, it’s time to stand them up on the base and nail them into place.

At this point, make sure the walls are level and square. (If they’re crooked, your windows and door won’t fit properly later). 

5. Install the Siding

Now, for the siding. This is what keeps the weather (and predators) out.

Cut your T-111 plywood (or any type of durable wood siding) to fit each wall frame. 

Start nailing the siding from the bottom and work your way up. (By overlapping the edges, you’ll keep rainwater from getting in).

As you attach the siding, make sure it’s nice and straight. It will help the coop look more professional and keep everything sealed tightly.

6. Build the Roof

Next, you’ll want to add the roof. Using more 2x4s, build a slanted frame for the roof.

A slanted roof lets rain and snow slide off easily.

Attach the roof supports to the top of your wall frames, making sure it’s sloped enough to keep water from pooling.

When you’ve got the frame ready, cover it with plywood or corrugated metal (whichever you prefer).

Metal is usually a good option because it’s light and sheds water well). 

Let the roof overhang a little on all sides to help protect the walls from rain.

7. Add the Windows and Doors

With the main structure complete, it’s time to install your windows and door. 

Carefully cut out the spaces for the windows and door, then install them one by one. (Windows help with ventilation, which is really important for keeping your chickens comfortable).

For the automatic chicken door, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it. This type of door opens and closes by itself based on light, so it’s really convenient.

Once it’s in, test it out to make sure it works smoothly.

8. Build the Chicken Run

Now it’s time to build the chicken run, the area where your chickens can stretch their legs. 

Start by building a frame for the run using more 2x4s. (The run doesn’t need to be huge, but it should be big enough for the chickens to roam). 

Once the frame is built, attach hardware cloth around the edges to keep predators out. Double-check for gaps (trust me, raccoons are sneaky).

Also, cover the top of the run with hardware cloth to keep predators from getting in from above. 

The run is important because it gives the chickens fresh air and space to exercise when they’re not inside the coop.

9. Paint and Finish

At this point, your coop is almost done! Time to add a coat of exterior primer to protect the wood from the elements. 

Once that dries, paint the exterior with porch paint. (This paint is tough and easy to clean, which is great for areas that will get dirty often). 

You can pick any color you like, but a good coat of paint will help it last longer.

10. Final Assembly

Alright, it’s time to finish everything off (finally, right?).

This is your last chance to make sure everything is solid, secure, and proper, so you won’t run into any problems when you’re actually using the coop you worked hard to build.

Go over all the parts of the coop to make sure everything is securely attached. 

Look at the roof, windows, door, and run to make sure they’re all tight and ready to go. Better safe than sorry.

11. Landscaping Around the Coop

Phew, we're now in the last step – take care of the area around the chicken run.

You can add sand or gravel inside the run for better drainage and easier cleaning (it also helps keep things less muddy during rainy days). 

Or if you want, add some straw or hay inside the coop to make your chickens feel more comfortable.

There you go!

Once everything’s set up, you’ll have a sturdy, secure, and cozy chicken coop that your chickens (and let’s be real, you too) will absolutely love.

It may take some time to build, but the effort is totally worth it when you see your chickens happily clucking around in their new home. 

You’ll feel good knowing you built it with your own hands, and your chickens will thank you for it.

But before we end this article, you might also want to keep reading on tips and advice below to make sure your coop will last longer.

Pro-Advice for Your Chicken Coop

The work doesn’t stop after you build your chicken coop. There's still a long way to go, so here are important maintenance tips to help keep your coop safe and warm (for your chickens and your peace of mind).

Regular Inspections

It’s a good idea to check your chicken coop now and then for any wear and tear.

After a big storm or heavy rain (weather can cause damage), look over the roof, doors, and windows to make sure nothing’s loose or broken. 

Doing this regularly helps you spot small issues before they get worse. Proactiveness, right?

Keeping the Coop Clean

Cleaning your coop is really important for your chickens’ health, just like it is for us humans.

You should clean out food scraps, bedding, and droppings at least once a week (keeping things clean will help prevent any buildup). 

Raising chickens for meat (if you are) requires a bit more attention to health and nutrition, so make sure to monitor your chickens closely.

If you use straw or wood shavings for bedding, change it out every so often (or when it gets dirty). 

Also, don’t forget to wash the waterers and feeders regularly to keep mold and bacteria at bay.

If you’re using a deep litter system (a method where bedding decomposes over time), you don’t need to replace bedding as often, but you’ll still want to spot clean regularly.

Pest and Predator Control

Pests like mites and lice, or even bigger threats like rats and raccoons, can be a problem. Tsk tsk. 

So I would suggest regularly checking your chickens for any signs of pests (a little grooming goes a long way). If needed, treat your chickens with the right powders.

Also, make sure your coop and surrounding area are secure (look for any holes or gaps that predators could use to sneak in). 

Keep the area around the coop clean (no food scraps lying around) to discourage pests from hanging out.

Checking the Chicken Run and Fencing

Don’t forget about your chicken run and the fencing.

Take a moment to check for any damage (the fence might get knocked out of place).

Oh, almost the same as tip #1—just making sure everything stays secure!

Look over the hardware cloth or chicken wire to make sure there are no tears or gaps (even small ones can be an issue). 

If you find any weak spots, reinforce them immediately.

Wrapping It Up

Keep an eye on these things and surely you’ll be able to keep your coop in good shape and make sure your chickens stay safe and healthy.

It doesn’t take a lot of work, just a little time here and there (but it’s totally worth it).

“CLUCK CLUCK!” – your chickens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)