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10 Creative DIY Chicken Coop Ideas For Every Home


ByAgkidzone Staff
Updated: Sep 21, 2024

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Raising chickens is a wonderful way to provide your family with fresh, organic eggs while also gaining some feathery companions. With a well-designed chicken coop, you can ensure your birds stay safe from predators and the elements. Fortunately, building a DIY chicken coop at home is much easier than you might think. Whether you live in a rural area or the middle of the city, there’s a chicken coop idea that will suit your space and needs perfectly.

Planning Your Hen Haven

Before diving into construction, it’s important to plan your chicken coop carefully. Your chickens will need access to sunlight and a clean, safe space to roam. For free-range chickens, plan for about 2 square feet of coop space per bird. If the chickens are confined, they’ll need around 8 to 10 square feet each. Additionally, if you plan to build an enclosed run, ensure they have 3 to 6 square feet per bird to stretch their legs and get some exercise.

Also, include nesting boxes for your hens to lay eggs in peace and consider adding easy access doors for hassle-free egg collection. If you're new to chicken farming, it’s a good idea to start with two or three hens and build a coop that allows room for your flock to grow.

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Basic Backyard Chicken Coop
A basic backyard chicken coop is functional and simple, ideal for small spaces and urban environments. It’s designed for chickens to roost at night and lay eggs during the day, so you’ll want to include an outdoor run unless they are free-range. Ventilation is essential to prevent disease, and access doors or a walk-in design will make cleaning and egg collection easier.
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Raised Coops for Small Spaces
When space is tight, a raised chicken coop is a smart solution. Not only does this design save ground space, but it also provides shaded shelter for your chickens during the day. Raised coops also protect your chickens from daytime predators like hawks and stray cats. For urban backyards, consider this compact option for a few chickens or as a home for baby chicks.
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Lifted Chicken Coops for Dust Baths
Raised coops offer more than just space-saving benefits. Chickens love to take dust baths to keep their feathers clean and rid themselves of parasites. A raised coop provides just enough room for them to indulge in this natural behavior. Plus, coops built at waist height can make cleaning and maintenance easier on your back.
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Shed-Inspired Coops
If you have the space, converting an old garden shed into a chicken coop is a fantastic idea. With a few modifications, such as adding a dog door for easy chicken access and securing windows with chicken wire, you can create a spacious and weatherproof coop. Inside, there’s plenty of room for nesting boxes, food, and water stations. You can even install a roosting ladder to keep your hens cozy and organized.
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Build a Chicken Tractor
A chicken tractor is a mobile pen that allows chickens to graze and fertilize different areas of your yard. These portable coops are great for letting your birds scratch and feed in new spots daily without ruining your garden beds. You can build a lightweight tractor out of PVC pipes and wire mesh that’s easy to move on your own. Your chickens will thank you for the fresh grazing spots, and your lawn will benefit from their natural fertilization!
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A-Frame Chicken Coops
An A-frame chicken coop is perfect for beginners. Its simple, triangular design is easy to construct and doesn’t require many materials. Plus, it’s lightweight, making it an excellent option for a portable chicken tractor. Make sure to add perches and nesting boxes to keep your chickens comfortable and happy.
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Portable Mini Coops
For those with smaller flocks or tiny breeds like Bantams, a portable mini coop is a clever solution. You can easily assemble this coop in a day, and it’s great for keeping baby chicks safe. Repurposing an old doghouse can make for a fantastic mini coop with just a few tweaks, like adding plywood floors to protect against predators. Plus, a coat of paint can turn it into a cute focal point in your backyard.
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Urban Chicken Coops
Raising chickens in the city comes with unique challenges, like keeping noise and odors to a minimum. A well-designed urban chicken coop should be visually appealing and functional. Consider housing your chickens in a greenhouse or a covered run to minimize noise and keep your birds safe. This design also helps reduce the risk of chickens flying into your neighbor’s yard or waking them up too early.
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Choosing the Right Chickens
Choosing the best chicken breed for your new coop depends on your location and personal preferences. Bantam chickens are great for urban settings since they’re smaller and easier to handle, while cold-hardy breeds like the Easter Egger are perfect for colder climates. In warmer areas, you’ll want a heat-tolerant breed like the Leghorn. If you have kids, consider Silkies, known for their friendly and docile nature.
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