Have chickens or looking to add them? A coop will be near the top of your list of needs for sure. Save money with these DIY Chicken Coops.
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A chicken coop is important for protection from weather and predators too. Even if you free range them a coop will give them a safe place to go and a place for them to lay eggs as well.
DIY Chicken Coops
When you want to build your own chicken coop, asking important questions in advance is the best way to find out which materials to use and how to build something that is suitable enough for your chickens.
As you learn more about building a coop and what types of materials you should use to make one that is durable, sturdy, and spacious enough for these animals, you may then feel comfortable with putting one of the DIY chicken coops together.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Chicken Coop?
The cost of building a chicken coop varies tremendously based on different factors, including the size of the coop and the specific materials you plan on selecting.
Related- Benefits of Raising Chickens
If you need to build a chicken coop while you are on a budget, you can check out some of the simple frugal chicken coop ideas that are available. You do not have to spend a fortune on a spacious shelter for the chickens that you are taking care of.
It is possible to build a chicken coop for less than $150 with certain types of materials, such as plywood, galvanized steel wire, and pine wood shavings. Of course, the coop might not look as luxurious as some of the ones you have noticed in other places, but it will get the job done while providing the chickens with a safe place to rest and lay eggs.
What Kind of Wood Should I Use for a Homemade Chicken Coop?
While checking out different chicken coop ideas, you may have noticed that most require the use of wood. The best type of wood to use when building a chicken coop is a tropical type of hardwood. The reason this is the best type of wood for you to use is due to its ability to resist rot.
Although it does not rot easily like some other wood species, it does tend to cost more. You would need to make sure that it is within the budget. If not, you can always use other commonly selected options, such as pinewood and plywood.
Can You Build a DIY Chicken Coop Out of Treated Lumber?
Before building your chicken coop, you should know a bit more about the lumber that you are planning on using. If you are considering using treated lumber, there is something you need to know. In the past, treated wood did contain arsenic, which may be dangerous to chickens when they are regularly exposed to it. You should find out if the treated lumber you are planning to use does contain arsenic or not. If you have concerns about this, it may be best to avoid the use of treated lumber.
What Is the Best Material for a Homemade Chicken Coop Floor?
When prepping the floor of the do-it-yourself chicken coop, it is a good idea to use wood shavings. Pinewood shavings are a great choice, but you can grab shavings from other types of wood, too.
Some people use sand in their coops. If you are planning to use sand, make sure it is the course type because you want it to have a bit of a grit to it. In addition to wood shavings and sand, you can use some straw, which is easy to find and often quite affordable.
Should a DIY Chicken Coop Be Insulated?
You should make sure that the chicken coop you are building is properly insulated. A lack of insulation could prevent the chickens from staying warm and laying eggs, which can defeat the purpose of what you are attempting to do in the first place. A well-insulated chicken coop would keep the chickens feeling comfortably warm during cold months and cool as ever during those incredibly warm months.
You can add insulation to several different parts of the coop. It works best when placed on the floor underneath the bedding and on the walls of the coop to block cold and/or hot air from getting into space where the chickens are hanging out.
What Is Needed Inside a Chicken Coop?
You will need to add several essential items to your chicken coop. The following items are must-haves and should not be skipped over when you are building the coop:
- Feed containers full of food that is safe for chickens to consume
- Water containers
- Bedding
- Nesting boxes
Without having the essentials, your chickens could end up hungry, thirsty, and uncomfortable, which could make the process of getting them to lay eggs nearly impossible.
Why Are Chicken Coops Raised in the air
Chicken coops are often elevated to keep the air circulating inside of them while preventing pests from making their way into the coops. You want to have a comfortable space for your chickens, but you certainly do not want to have it overrun with rats and other types of rodents and pests that are difficult to deal with.
Related- Which Chickens are the Best Egg Layers
Quick Tips for building a Homemade Chicken Coop
- Decide on the size of your chicken coop before purchasing materials
- Look for any untreated wood that you might own before buying more wood
- Try a combination of different bedding materials to see which ones the chickens prefer the most
- Make sure to build a raised chicken coop to avoid problems with pests
- Do not forget to include the essentials in the coop, such as the nesting box and containers full of food and water
Now that you know a bit more about what it takes to build the perfect coop for your chickens, you may be ready to get started with the process of putting one together. Take a look below for some DIY Chicken Coop ideas.
Frugal and Charming- Live Simply has this adorable chicken coop from scratch for less than $50 complete with a shingled roof, nesting boxes, and a run.
Chicken Swing – I love upcycling items that are already on hand and this coop from EcoSnippets made from an old swing set frame is brilliant and cost friendly!
Pallet Coop A coop made of pallets is not only rustic but super frugal since pallets can be picked up for free or nearly free. I also really like how this one is built off the ground. Check out how Random Thoughts of a Supermom does it!
DIY with Style Ana White always has amazing plans for beautiful diy projects and this sweet little coop is delightful with its clean out tray, nesting box, and a planter!!! Herbs would be great planted there.
Barn Charm– Of course, HGTV jumped in the game with this little country coop reminiscent of a traditional red and white barn that will house 6 chickens. They offer free printable easy to use plans.
Simple but quaint– Tinkering Lab has these simple plans and I love how open, light, and inexpensive this large coop is to put together.
Fancy Chicken Quarters– This coop is more finished and elaborate but the gorgeous color and styling of this fancy chicken coop would look great in your backyard or on a big piece of property.
Vintage Camper Chicken Coops– As an avid admirer and owner of a vintage camper this updated camper coop is really close to my heart. This is the perfect use for a camper that has life in it still yet but is not quite up to par for traveling in. There are no plans but it leaves a lot open to your own style and budget. A gut, remodel, and you are in chicken heaven with inspiration from Lucketts #chickenlifegoalsyall!
Jumping Chicken– If you have an old trampoline that is no longer used you can turn it into a fun arched chicken coop for your brood with this one from The Homestead Survival.