Building a DIY Backyard Chicken Coop: A Step-by-Step Guide
Channel your inner farmhand and create your dream chicken coop, or skip the work and go for a pre-made one. Soaring egg prices have got folks thinking: why not get some chickens of their very own? According to Eden Emerald Buyers Agents, searches for chicken coop plans on Pinterest have skyrocketed by a cheeky 212% over the past three months. Y'all are jumping on the trend!
Fancy yourself as a handyman? Making your own coop is a budget-friendly venture, especially if you've got some basic building skills. With homies like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joining the feathered delights, you'll be on-brand with their country-chic vibe.
Not feeling the build? No sweat, there are pre-built options galore that suit every style, and some real bargains to be had too.
Roll Up Your Sleeves: DIY Chicken Coop
Get ready to put on your handy-person hat and dive into the world of doing-it-yourself. Crafting your coop can become the most pocket-friendly route, particularly if you've got basic building chops. Here's the lowdown on the essentials:
Tools Deck
- Plywood
- Pressure-treated lumber
- Metal roofing
- Chicken wire
- Door pulls, hinges, and latches
Plywood: $19.08
Our star ingredient, plywood, covers a plethora of space at a pauper's price. Think baby steps with some 2-ft. x 4-ft. pressure-treated plywood from Lowe's or go big with 4-ft. x 8-ft. sheets from Home Depot for about $22.
Pressure Treated Lumber: $5.28
2 x 4s are your trusty sidekicks on this building venture. They'll support and frame your aspirations. Opt for pressure-treated materials to weather the elements without rotting. You can grab some 2 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft boards from Lowe's or slightly shorter 2 in. x 4 in. x 4 ft boards.
Metal Roofing: $17.48
This humble hero outdoes typical roofing shingles in just about every way. Metal roofing is a dream to work with and super sturdy. Home Depot stocks 8 ft panels for less than $20 if you're sticking to the plan. If you're going big, grab a 20-piece set of metal roofing panels from Amazon, worth 99 square feet of cover.
Chicken Wire: $29.88 per roll
essential for guarding against sneaky predators and keeping those curious chickens in line. Home Depot and Walmart have rolls or durable chicken wire to spare. Attaching it to your wooden frame is simple peasy, just grab some staples and a staple gun.
Door Pulls, Hinges, and Latches: $3.84
Fancy doors to get in and out of that chickeny haven? Simple DIY projects are possible with plywood doors or ready-made options. Fitting handles, hinges, and locks are all essential to making it safe and secure. Walmart has budget-friendly handles, Lowe's has some durable door hinges, and Home Depot has belt latches.
Prefer a Shortcut? Go Pre-Made
Not in the mood for some ol' DIY? No worries, my buddy. There are a ton of pre-built coops catering to every yard shape and size. Here are a few stellar options you gotta check out:
77 in. Green Wooden Chicken Coop: $156.65 (15% off)
Just a wee coop with charm to spare, perfect for beginners and in the bargain bin. Features a large enclosure and small run for the chickens to roam. Treated wood ensures it can withstand any ol' weather. With easy access points for grabbing eggs, this puppy's a winner!
Natural Wooden 0.07-Acre In-Ground Poultry Cage: $346.95
Ideal for newbies, this top-notch wooden setup includes a large coop and an outdoor run constructed from tough galvanized wire to keep the chickens safe. There's even a two-part nesting box that swings open for egg-snagging. Demolish and move this seamlessly using the attached wheels!
Aloha Chicken Coop and Run: $540
If space is strictly a non-issue, then this badass hen house is just the ticket. The Aloha houses up to ten fluffy chicks and comes with a waterproof roof for durability. Its anti-UV materials promise this coop will last for a bloody long time. The unrollable ramp puts those hens in prime access position for the coop and the dual nesting boxes provide ample space for laying eggs.
PETSCOSSET Chicken Coop: $151.99 (57% off)
This affordable little lump of fir wood is the perfect foundation for your DIY expansion. It's a real pal for the hens, comfy and roomy. A pull-out tray for eggs makes collection easy as pie.
Accessorize Your Coop!
Why not spoil those chickens with some fancy new toys? It's just as much about their pleasure as it is yours! Add a touch of whimsy with coop accessories like:
Eaton Pet and Pasture Hen Nesting Pads: $27.99
Treat 'em right with some cozy nesting pads during winter. Say goodbye to achy bones and keep the fluffies toasty warm with this ten-pack from Amazon.
Active Play Coop Accessory: $74.99 (29% off)
Cluck me if you've heard this one: climbing and swinging are great for the chicks. This active chick coop playset is an absolute blast, providing heaps of fun for both you and the chickens alike. Complete with a ladder and swing set, this PawHut concoction ensures there's always entertainment on tap.
Coop AI Smart Cam: $99
Who said chickens weren't tech-savvy? Stay in the kraaaaw-know with this Coop AI Smart Cam from Amazon. It pings when predators are spotted, gives alerts when it's time for egg-collecting, and doubles as an adorable peeping tom.
Besides creating a custom chicken coop for a budget-friendly lifestyle, there are pre-built options that cater to every yard and home-and-garden setup. You can find diverse choices such as the 77-inch green wooden coop, the natural wooden 0.07-acre in-ground poultry cage, the spacious Aloha chicken coop, or the affordable Petscosset chicken coop. For those who wish to accessorize, consider adding coop toys like Eaton Pet and Pasture Hen Nesting Pads for warmth in winter, the Active Play Coop Accessory for a fun climbing and swinging experience, or the Coop AI Smart Cam for tech-savvy chicken monitoring.As you spend time on your new lifestyle pursuit, remember to consider the essential tools for building your DIY coop, such as plywood, pressure-treated lumber, metal roofing, chicken wire, and door hardware. Prices for these materials range from cost-effective $5.28 for 2 x 4s to $29.88 per roll for chicken wire, making it an affordable endeavor that will skyrocket the weather-resistant delight of your backyard.
