DIY Cheap Chicken Coop Ideas

Looking for DIY cheap chicken coop ideas? Try using reclaimed materials, old sheds, dog houses, and more to give your chickens a sturdy shelter without breaking the bank!

Raising chickens in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience; you’ll have fresh eggs, natural pest control, and free fertilizer for your garden. However, providing a good home for your chickens can be costly, and not everyone has the budget to buy a pre-built coop. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to build a cheap chicken coop to keep your feathered friends safe and comfortable.

Here are a few DIY cheap chicken coop ideas to help you get started:

Use Reclaimed Materials

One of my favorite DIY cheap chicken coop ideas is using reclaimed materials like pallets or shipping crates to build the structure. You can often find these for free or super cheap on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, and they’re perfect for crafting a sturdy, functional coop.

Pallets are especially great—they’re durable, easy to work with, and can be disassembled to create the coop’s walls, floor, and roof. Just be sure the pallets or crates you use are in good condition and untreated. Treated materials might contain harmful chemicals like arsenic or chromium, which could harm your chickens. To check, look for a stamp or label with letters like “MB” (methyl bromide), “HT” (heat treated), or “KD” (kiln-dried). Use this pallet chicken coop plan to guide you.

Use a Pre-existing Shed or Outbuilding

Convert an old shed or outbuilding into your coop. All you need is some chicken wire, a door, and a roost, and you’re all set! If you don’t have a shed, check out Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for budget-friendly options. To make things even easier, check out how to convert a shed into a chicken coop without breaking the bank!

Build a Chicken Tractor

Want to free-range your chickens while protecting them from hawks and other predators? Build them a mobile coop, aka chicken tractor! You can use basic materials like wood or PVC piping, wire mesh, and plastic sheeting. Here’s a chicken tractor plan that’ll cost less than $100 to build.

Repurpose a Playhouse

With a little renovation, you can turn an old playhouse into a spacious and secure home for your chickens. Add a covered chicken run for extra safety. It’s a fun way to give an outgrown playhouse a new life while creating a cozy space for your flock. If you don’t have a playhouse to start with, check out Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to find a used one. Need some inspiration? Here’s a playhouse chicken coop plan to help you get started!

Repurpose a Dog House

A dog house is another awesome DIY cheap chicken coop idea, especially if you’ve already got one or can snag a used one online. If it’s in good shape, you’ll save big on construction costs! To make it chicken-ready, you’ll need to make a few modifications—like adding a door, some windows for ventilation, reinforcing the walls and roof to keep predators out, and maybe even adding a ramp. It’s a simple way to turn an old dog house into a cozy coop. Check out this dog house chicken coop plan to guide you.

Key Features for Any DIY Chicken Coop

No matter which DIY cheap chicken coop design you go with, make sure it has these basic features:

Predator Proofing:
Your chickens need to be safe from predators like raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. Use sturdy materials like heavy-duty wire mesh and install strong locks on doors and windows to keep them secure. Here are some tips on How to Keep Hawks Away from Chickens.

Size:
Plan your coop size based on the number of chickens. A good rule of thumb is 2-3 square feet per chicken to ensure they have enough space. For more details, check out my article: How Much Space Do Chickens Need?

Got 20 chickens? Check out my article on How Big of a Coop for 20 Chickens.

Ventilation:
Good airflow is a must! Add windows or vents to keep the coop well-ventilated so your chickens always have fresh air.

Lighting:
Chickens need natural light to lay eggs, so make sure your coop has enough windows to let the sunlight in.

Nesting Boxes:
Don’t forget nesting boxes for egg laying—one box for every four chickens usually does the trick.

Roosting Bars:
Chickens love to perch at night, so include roosting bars in your coop design.

Building Tips for a DIY Cheap Chicken Coop

Use Safe Materials:
If you’re using reclaimed materials like pallets or crates, make sure they’re in good condition and untreated. Treated wood may contain harmful chemicals like arsenic or chromium, which can harm your chickens. Look for stamps with letters like “MB” (methyl bromide), “HT” (heat treated), or “KD” (kiln-dried) to ensure the materials are safe.

Seal Wood Properly:
For long-lasting protection, use a non-toxic wood sealer to keep your coop’s structure safe from the elements without exposing your chickens to harmful chemicals. For more options, check out my article on The Best Non-Toxic Wood Sealers for Chicken Coops.

Use Affordable Alternatives:
You can replace expensive wood with wire mesh for walls or roofing. It’s lighter, cheaper, and allows for better airflow while still keeping your chickens safe. Just cover it with a tarp for protection against rain and wind and use straw to help insulate in the winter.

Wrapping Up: DIY Cheap Chicken Coop Ideas

At the end of the day, the most important thing is making sure your chickens have a safe and cozy home. With these DIY cheap chicken coop ideas, you can build a functional, budget-friendly coop that keeps your flock happy—all while saving money in the process!