25 Free Chicken Coop Plans

By
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher, Writer
Stacy Fisher
Stacy is an expert writer for The Spruce covering home DIY projects and crafts. She has over 18 years of journalistic experience, appearing as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 03/04/25
Reviewed by
Amanda Rose Newton
Amanda Rose Newton
Reviewed by Amanda Rose Newton

Amanda Rose Newton is a pest specialist and horticulture expert, reviewing pest control and gardening content for The Spruce's Cleaning and Gardening Review Board. Her passion for pest control and sustainable gardening allows her to review plant and pest content for best practices and accuracy. She is a board-certified entomologist and volunteers for USAIDs Farmer to Farmer program. She is a professor of Horticulture, an Education Specialist, and a pest specialist.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
chickens in a coop
Credit:

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Building a chicken coop is a fairly simple weekend woodworking project. The free chicken coop plans below show you step-by-step how to build a chicken coop and include blueprints, material lists, and building instructions, making it an easy and low-cost option over buying a chicken coop.

These free chicken coop plans are available in various sizes ranging from very small to large hen houses. Most of the plans can be altered to change the size of the final chicken coop or can be used as chicken coop ideas and inspiration.

chicken coop illustration
Credit:

Daniel Fishel / The Spruce 
  • 01 of 25

    The Palace Chicken Coop

    A brown chicken house with chickens in it
    Credit:

    Steamy Kitchen
    • Size: 12 x 6 ft.
    • Capacity: 5 chickens 
    • Skill level: Intermediate

    Here's a free chicken coop plan called "The Palace" that may be small in size, but is big in style and function. It would look great in an urban environment but also be right at home in the country. Lots of photos, diagrams, and blueprints will get you started building this chicken coop palace in no time.

    The Palace Chicken Coop by Steamy Kitchen

  • 02 of 25

    DIY Chicken Coop Plan

    A photo of a blue and white chicken coop with room to roam
    Credit:

     Lady Goats
    • Size: 7 x 5 ft.
    • Capacity: 3 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    Lady Goats has designed this free chicken coop plan based on a $2,200 one from Williams Sonoma. You can build it yourself for much less.  This small chicken coop has a run with a green roof and would fit into the smallest of backyards. Building instructions and lots of color photos will help you turn this dream chicken coop into a reality. 

    DIY Chicken Coop Plan from Lady Goats

  • 03 of 25

    How to Build a Chicken Coop

    A red chicken coop in a backyard
    Credit:

    Buildeazy
    • Size: 6 x 6.2 ft.
    • Capacity: 8 chickens 
    • Skill level: Beginner

    You'll be able to house eight chickens with this free chicken coop plan with extra room for storage and a hatchway. This free chicken coop plan includes lots of details including plans from all different sides, details about measurements, a material list, nesting box plans, and information about how to install ventilation.

    How to Build a Chicken Coop from BuildEazy

  • 04 of 25

    Free Chicken Coop Plan

    A yellow chicken coop
    Credit:

    Downeast Thunder Farm
    • Size: 4 x 8 ft.
    • Capacity: 3 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    Downeast Thunder Farm has a lovely free chicken coop plan that builds a 4x8 chicken coop that includes a yard, run, clean outdoor, and electricity. Download the free chicken coop plans as a PDF file for blueprints. There are also plenty of construction pictures to help you out.

    Free Chicken Coop Plan from Downeast Thunder Farm

    Continue to 5 of 25 below
  • 05 of 25

    Portable Poultry Pen

    A\ A Frame Chicken Coop
    Credit:

    Ana White
    • Size: 6.4 x 5.5 ft. 
    • Capacity: 3-5 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    This free chicken coop plan is super easy to put together because it's primarily made out of PVC pipes. There are three different styles of PVC chicken coops available here including a smaller, portable option that would fit in a backyard.

    A Frame Chicken Coop Plans from Ana White

  • 06 of 25

    Free Chicken Coop Plan

    An elevated chicken coop
    Credit:

    MyOutdoorPlans.com
    • Size: 6 x 4 ft.
    • Capacity: 6-8 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    This free chicken coop plan is adorable! You could paint it any color but it looks great in red. The woodworking plans at MyOutdoorPlans are easy to follow because they provide exploded, detailed views of, in this case, a chicken coop. This chicken coop measures 72" long and 48" wide and sits slightly elevated. It should take less than a day to build. 

    Free Chicken Coop Plan from MyOutdoorPlans

  • 07 of 25

    A-Frame Chicken Coop

    A wooden a-frame chicken coop in a yard
    Credit:

    Ana White
    • Size: 8 x 4.6 ft.
    • Capacity: 2-4 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    If you're looking for a budget-friendly chicken coop to build, this free plan can be used to build one for under $100. As an added bonus, it's even portable. This free chicken coop plan includes a shopping list, tool list, written instructions, diagrams, and photos. You can also see other people's comments and photos who have used this plan to build their hens a haven.

    A-Frame Chicken Coop from Ana White

  • 08 of 25

    How to Build a Chicken Coop

    An illustration of a red chicken coop
    Credit:

    Home & Garden Plans
    • Size: 5 x 5 ft. (for the cage)
    • Capacity: 18 chickens
    • Skill level: Advanced

    This chicken coop will hold 18 chickens who will have access to a fenced area, an indoor area, and nesting boxes for 3 hens. This very detailed DIY chicken coop plan includes diagrams, videos, and a cut list. It will take you through each step of building the chicken house including how to build the nesting boxes, perches, litter tray, run, and much more.

    How to Build a Chicken Coop from Home & Garden Plans

    Continue to 9 of 25 below
  • 09 of 25

    Portable Chicken Mini-Coop Plan

    Creative Brief - Nature and Wildlife
    Credit: Marcia Straub / Getty Images
    • Size: 3 x 10 ft.
    • Capacity: 4 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    This portable chicken coop plan will make a quick day project because it incorporates an already-built barn-style doghouse along with fencing to create a haven for your chickens. The price is right too, with the material list coming in under $100. It's a wonderful way to upcycle something you don't use anymore while creating a new structure that can be home to your chickens. There are a few other ideas here on how to make the mini-coop even less expensive.

    Portable Chicken Mini-Coop Plan from Mother Earth News

  • 10 of 25

    Chicken Coop Plans

    A red chicken coop
    Credit: HGTV
    • Size: 6 x 10 ft.
    • Capacity: 6 chickens
    • Skill level: Advanced

    HGTV has a complete chicken coop plan that consists of a raised coop enclosure that fits six chickens, a walk-in run, storage, windows, and an external egg collection.​ Download the 9-page PDF plan that includes diagrams, color photos, and building instructions. The plans even include how to turn the chicken coop into a shed if you decide chickens aren't for you.

    Chicken Coop Plans from HGTV

  • 11 of 25

    Free Chicken Coop Plan

    A blue chicken coop with an enclosed run
    Credit:

    Creative Housewives
    • Size: Approx. 3 x 5 ft.
    • Capacity: 4 chickens
    • Skill level: Intermediate

    Here's a free chicken coop plan that has an elevated enclosure and plenty of room for the chickens to run around in the shade and the sun. These are general directions and they don't give exact dimensions but you can use them as a guide to creating your own custom-sized chicken coop.

    Free Chicken Coop Plan from Creative Housewives

  • 12 of 25

    Small Modern Chicken Coop

    small diy chicken coop
    Credit:

    Ana White
    • Size: 8 x 6 ft.
    • Capacity: 2-4 chickens
    • Skill level: Intermediate

    This free chicken coop plan has space for two to four chickens. It's an intermediate build, so some previous experience with woodworking is recommended. Its simplistic, sleek design is perfect for smaller backyards.

    Small Modern Chicken Coop from Ana White

    Continue to 13 of 25 below
  • 13 of 25

    Simple DIY Chicken Coop Plan

    Simple DIY Chicken Coop
    Credit:

    Country Life Charm
    • Size: 4 x 8 ft.
    • Capacity: 4 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    This simple and minimalistic DIY chicken coop is perfect for beginners. It cost Kasandra less than $400 to build. She provides a list of materials and exact costs for each portion of the project.

    Simple DIY Chicken Coop from Country Life Charm

  • 14 of 25

    Mobile Chicken Coop DIY

    diy chicken coop
    Credit:

    The DIY Plan
    • Size: 4 x 8 ft. 
    • Capacity: 2-3 chickens
    • Skill level: Intermediate

    This movable chicken coop is the perfect size for two to three chickens. It's an intermediate project so some woodworking experience is recommended before tackling this one.

    How to Build a DIY Mobile Triangle-Shaped Chicken Coop from The DIY Plan

  • 15 of 25

    Free Chicken Coop Plan

    free chicken coop plan
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 20 x 9 ft.
    • Capacity: 15 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    This is a beginner-friendly chicken coop that is perfect for 15 chickens. It's a walk-in coop, making for easy access. There is also a premium version of the plan available for purchase.

    Walk-In Chicken Coop Plan from EasyCoops

  • 16 of 25

    Urban Poultry Palace

    modern loft diy chicken coop
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 17 x 6 ft. 
    • Capacity: 12 chickens
    • Skill level: Intermediate

    This is a beautiful chicken coop that is perfect for up to 12 chickens. You should have some woodworking experience if you want to attempt this design.

    Urban Poultry Palace from Easy Coops

    Continue to 17 of 25 below
  • 17 of 25

    Amish-Inspired Chicken Coop

    amish style chicken coop
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 6 x 6 ft.
    • Capacity: 12 chickens
    • Skill level: Intermediate

    An Amish-inspired chicken coop that has enough space for up to 12 chickens. The nesting boxes are accessible from outside the coop, which is an added bonus.

    Amish-Inspired Chicken Coop from Easy Coops

  • 18 of 25

    Simple Chicken Coop DIY

    simple chicken coop
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 4 x 6 ft.
    • Capacity: 10 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    Simple meets functional with this DIY chicken coop. It has space for 10 chickens and it's a perfect project for beginners. It's also easy to maintain and clean thanks to its easy-access doors.

    Simple Chicken Coop from Easy Coops

  • 19 of 25

    Extra-Large Chicken Coop With Run

    extra large diy chicken coop with run
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 9 x 42 ft. 
    • Capacity: 20 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    If you have the space, consider this extra-large chicken coop with a run. It has space for up to 20 chickens. It's also beginner-friendly.

    Extra Large Chicken Coop With Run from Easy Coops

  • 20 of 25

    DIY Chicken Coop Plan

    easy coops hen chicken coop
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 4 x 10 ft. 
    • Capacity: 10 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    This free chicken coop build is perfect for beginners in both woodworking and chicken-rearing. It's small in size and the nesting boxes are accessible from outside the coop.

    Hen's Paradise from Easy Coops

    Continue to 21 of 25 below
  • 21 of 25

    Simple Chicken Run Plan

    chicken coop run diy
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 10 x 12 ft.
    • Capacity: 16 chickens
    • Skill level: Intermediate

    This chicken run plan is simple and secure. It has a meshed free-range space for your chickens to roam happily, as well as an elevated sleeping area and nesting boxes. The coop is easy to access as well.

    Simple Chicken Run Plans from Easy Coops

  • 22 of 25

    The Dutch Barn Chicken Coop

    diy chicken coop barn style
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 6 x 14 ft.
    • Capacity: 12 chickens
    • Skill level: Intermediate

    This chicken coop is designed to resemble a barn. It features a raised coop area, an easy-access door, larger doors to make cleaning easy, and nesting boxes for laying eggs.

    The Dutch Barn Chicken Coop from Easy Coops

  • 23 of 25

    Walk-In Hen House

    diy walk in chicken run
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 10 x 12 ft.
    • Capacity: 12 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    Another beginner-friendly DIY chicken coop plan, this walk-in hen house is beautiful. It's also functional, featuring tons of ventilation to keep your flock cool during the summer months.

    Walk-in Hen House from Easy Coops

  • 24 of 25

    Budget-Friendly Chicken Coop

    small diy chicken coop budget
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 3 x 3 ft.
    • Capacity: 6 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    If you want a budget-friendly chicken coop, look no further than this plan. It's perfect for beginners and has the capacity to house six chickens. It's the perfect build for smaller yards.

    Budget-Friendly Chicken Coop from Easy Coops

    Continue to 25 of 25 below
  • 25 of 25

    Elevated Chicken Run Plan

    chicken coop beginner friendly
    Credit:

    Easy Coops
    • Size: 6 x 10 ft. 
    • Capacity: 8 chickens
    • Skill level: Beginner

    This chicken run plan is a perfect DIY project for beginners. It has detailed step-by-step instructions to make building this beauty a breeze.

    Elevated Chicken Run Plan from Easy Coops

FAQ
  • Is it cheaper to buy or build your own chicken coop?

    In general, it is cheaper to build your own chicken coop. This is because you can choose the most cost-effective material and avoid added costs from pre-construction.

  • Is a 4 x 8 ft. chicken coop large enough for 12 chickens?

    No, 4 x 8 chicken coops are too small for 12 chickens; they are best suited for 8-10 chickens.

  • How many nesting boxes do I need for 12 chickens?

    For 12 chickens you will need at least three nesting boxes.

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