Chicken coops provide a happy, healthy home for your flock. Understanding different coop types is crucial for chicken-rearing success. Coops are designed to hold varying numbers of chickens.
It’s vital to build and maintain an attractive coop. Poorly designed coops can be eyesores, leading to neighbor complaints. This can result in more restrictions on backyard chicken-keeping.
Key Takeaways
- Small chicken coops can house 2-4 chickens, but some can accommodate larger flocks.
- Chicken tractors require careful management to prevent damage to vegetation.
- Walk-in coops with large access doors make cleaning and maintenance easier.
- The ideal coop should be both beautiful and functional for the backyard.
- DIY coops can be budget-friendly by using thrifted and inexpensive materials.
Lisa Steele’s Dreamy Purchased Coop and DIY Plans for Beginners
Lisa Steele, the “Queen of the Coop,” chose a pro-built small chicken coop from Horizon Structures. This compact hen house arrived ready-made, with an attached run. Lisa improved security by adding wire to windows and a secure latch.
Lisa’s first coop was a DIY project. She built it with little know-how, yet it lasted for years. Now, she shares free beginner-friendly New England Cape Coop Plans.
Lisa stresses the importance of predator-proofing the coop. She advises making it more secure than you think necessary.
Lisa’s Free & Beginner Friendly New England Cape Coop Plans
Lisa offers easy-to-follow instructions for building a charming small chicken coop. Her design is inspired by classic New England Cape style. This compact hen house plan is perfect for new chicken keepers.
The design is simple yet effective. It can be easily customized to fit your needs and likes.
Lisa’s Predator-Proofing Tips
- Secure all entry points with strong, predator-proof materials like half-inch welded wire
- Install a sturdy, lock-tight door latch to keep predators out
- Ensure the coop is well-ventilated, but draft-free, to maintain a comfortable environment for your flock
- Incorporate features like roosting bars, nesting boxes, and a safe run to meet your chickens’ needs
Lisa’s expert advice helps new chicken owners create safe, cozy homes. Follow her tips to build a low-maintenance chicken shelter that keeps your flock happy and secure.
A Fave from the Country Living Archives: Pretty & Simple Chicken Coop Plans
Antiques dealer Christi Wilson (@thebrownshed) created a stunning DIY chicken coop. Her 8′-by-12′ hen house with an attached run is both beautiful and practical. It’s a perfect balance of style and function.
The coop can house 6 to 9 chickens comfortably. It has a walk-in design for easy maintenance. The front section stores feed and supplies, while the back holds nesting boxes and roosts.
Christi’s coop matches her country-chic home perfectly. It features charming decor like a wreath and thoughtfully placed art. Even a friendly bunny companion keeps the chickens company.
“I aim to have a chandelier in every room of my house, and the chicken coop was no exception!”
A stunning chandelier lights up the coop’s interior. This luxury touch transforms the hen house into a true Hotel Coop for the lucky chickens.
The coop is so inviting, you might want to read stories to the chickens. It proves that chicken coops can be both useful and beautiful.
Christi’s coop design will inspire both new and experienced chicken keepers. You too can create a low-maintenance chicken shelter that’s a backyard showpiece. Your chickens will thank you!
If Father Nature Himself Designed a Coop: Nestled in the Landscape Coop Plans
Daniel McCurry’s compact hen house proves that function and beauty can coexist. His low-maintenance chicken shelter blends seamlessly into the landscape. This space-saving poultry setup shows how smart design can enhance any backyard.
McCurry’s cottage-style coop boasts a metal roof and large run. It’s set in a lush, shady Southern environment. Charming details like a mailbox and window box add whimsy to the structure.
The coop’s true beauty lies in its integration with nature. Ferns and oakleaf hydrangeas border the structure, blending it into the surroundings.
“A well-designed chicken coop should be a natural extension of the landscape, not an afterthought,” says McCurry. “By considering the surrounding elements, you can create a truly harmonious and aesthetically pleasing poultry setup.”
McCurry’s design reminds us to think beyond just functionality. Consider the surrounding landscape when planning your compact hen house. Thoughtful design can make your low-maintenance chicken shelter a backyard centerpiece.
Free & Premium Options: Large Chicken Coop & Run Plans
Backyard chicken enthusiasts have many options for spacious coops. These range from free DIY plans to premium designs. You can find plans for large flocks or walk-in coops for your chickens.
Tip: Easy Coops Offers Free Versions of All Its Plans
Easy Coops is a great resource for chicken coop plans. They offer free instructions, illustrations, and basic materials lists for various designs. Their options include a 20’x9′ walk-in coop for 12 chickens and smaller, beginner-friendly coops.
Easy Coops also provides premium plans for $20. These include detailed materials lists, cutting lists, additional blueprints, and technical support. Their plans cater to different flock sizes and building skill levels.
For a more personalized approach, check out DIY coop plans on Etsy and Pinterest. These platforms offer inspiration for unique backyard creations. You can find designs for large chicken coops and spacious chicken runs.
“I researched for 3 years to find a coop that would be low maintenance, aesthetically appealing, and durable against predators. Easy Coops’ premium plans delivered exactly what I was looking for!”
Make It Your Own: Large Walk-In Coop & Run Plans
Need space for a bigger flock? Our 16’x8′ run and 4’x8′ walk-in coop fit 10-12 chickens comfortably. These DIY plans include a materials list and building instructions for the structure and nesting boxes.
Customize the coop to match your style. Add decorative trim, unique hardware, or special roosting bars. The possibilities are endless!
For inspiration, visit @bee.jeweled.coop on Instagram and beejeweledcoop.com. You’ll find great ideas to make this customizable chicken housing truly yours.
The DIY coop plans provide all the details for a sturdy, functional coop. Add your personal touch with color, unique hardware, or custom nesting boxes. Let your creativity shine in this large chicken coop and spacious chicken run.
“The best part of this project was being able to put my own spin on the design. It really makes the coop feel like a true extension of our backyard oasis.”
These DIY coop plans offer a solid base for your chicken sanctuary. They include a detailed materials list and step-by-step instructions. Create a cozy, custom home for your feathered friends!
Tried and True: Small Chicken Coop & Run with Window Box Plans
A compact small chicken coop with an integrated run is perfect for a small backyard flock. This 4’x8′ design balances functionality and charm, ideal for limited spaces.
These low-maintenance chicken shelter plans are perfect for beginner DIYers. They feature easy construction and cost-effective materials. The cozy compact hen house comfortably houses 4 to 5 chickens.
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The standout feature is the charming window box planter along the front. It adds whimsy and gives your flock a sunny spot to enjoy.
With simple modifications, this compact hen house can fit your backyard perfectly. It’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing for your feathered friends.
Cape Cod Inspired: Chez Poulet Coop Plans
Chez Poulet is a Cape Cod-style chicken coop that rivals many human homes. Photo stylist Heather Bullard’s hen house features a classic design with a cupola and circular vents. It mirrors New England’s beloved coastal cottages.
“Chez Poulet” means “chicken house” in French. This playful name reflects the coop’s style and charm. Homeowners can copy Heather’s DIY plans using materials from local stores.
The design offers a customizable chicken housing solution that blends looks and purpose. It suits both experienced and new backyard chicken keepers. The Chez Poulet design can fit your specific needs and likes.
Building this compact hen house costs about $1,600. It’s a budget-friendly way to add coastal charm to your yard. The Chez Poulet coop blends practicality and beauty in DIY chicken housing.
Elevated Coop for Easy Cleaning: Daisy Coop Building Plans
The Daisy Coop Building Plans offer a low-maintenance, spacious coop for backyard chicken lovers. This elevated design houses up to 8 large chicken in 32 square feet of floor space. Its raised structure simplifies cleaning and care.
Sitting 2 feet off the ground, the coop allows easy access to six exterior nesting boxes. This feature makes egg gathering simple and quick. The coop measures 4′ deep, 7 1/2′ tall, and 8′ wide (11′ with nest boxes).
Two large back doors swing open wide for effortless cleaning. A happy reviewer said, “No bending over to clean. As good as any walk-in coop.” The Daisy Coop truly stands out in design and functionality.
Meyer Hatchery provides detailed, 35-page, full-color PDF plans with a complete tools and material list. They offer a satisfaction guarantee and a 30-day full refund policy. This low-maintenance chicken shelter combines practicality and visual appeal.
The Daisy Coop’s elevated structure and easy-access features make it unique among coop designs. It’s a practical solution for both experienced and novice chicken keepers. The thoughtful design meets all large chicken coop and spacious chicken run needs.
Mobile Option: Chicken Tractor Plans
The easy chicken tractor is perfect for space-conscious poultry enthusiasts. These portable runs let you move your flock to fresh lawn patches. Your hens can forage and naturally fertilize the grass.
A-Frame Mobile Chicken Tractor plans come in three sizes. They’re a hit among DIY coop builders. Over 2,500 plans have been sold worldwide. Bob Vila, Farmhouse on Boone, and Fresh Eggs Daily have featured this design.
These mobile coops have protected flocks since 2016. No hens have been lost to predators. They produce about 5 dozen eggs daily. The lightweight design allows easy movement, even for a 5’4″ 135 lb person.
| Tractor Size | Chicken Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10’x18′ | 90 layers or 100 broilers | $6,850.00 |
| 10’x12′ | 60 layers or 80 broilers | $5,995.00 |
| 8’x10′ | 20 to 25 chickens | $3,995.00 |
| 5’x10′ | 8-10 hens or ducks | $3,950.00 |
These chicken tractors boost soil health through rotational grazing. Users notice improved land fertility within a month. The A-Frame design offers both portability and predator protection.
Easy chicken tractor plans suit both novices and experienced chicken keepers. They provide a mobile, eco-friendly solution for your flock. Various sizes and customizable features help you create your ideal portable chicken run.
Conclusion
Creating a safe home for backyard chickens is simple. Choose a small chicken coop or build one yourself. Focus on making it predator-proof with enough space and ventilation.
Get creative with your coop design. Use salvaged materials or repurpose a shed, playhouse, or old grain silo. Remember Lisa Steele’s advice: “If a 2-year-old can get into something, that means a raccoon can.”
Plan carefully to craft a cozy, safe coop. It will keep your chickens happy and healthy for years. Enjoy raising chickens in a space that fits their needs and your backyard.
FAQ
What are the different types of chicken coops available?
Chicken coops come in various sizes and styles. They range from small backyard coops for a few chickens to large walk-in coops. Your choice depends on flock size, available space, and personal preferences.
Why is it important to build a well-designed and maintained chicken coop?
Well-designed coops prevent neighborhood nuisances and restrictions on backyard chicken-keeping. A secure, predator-proof coop should blend into the landscape and look appealing.
Where can I find free and beginner-friendly chicken coop building plans?
Lisa Steele offers free, easy-to-follow New England Cape Coop Plans for beginners. She also provides tips on keeping your flock safe from predators.
What are some creative and customizable chicken coop designs?
Coop designs range from charming cottages to Cape Cod-inspired “Chez Poulet” styles. You can customize your coop to match your home’s style for a unique look.
Are there any plans for large, walk-in chicken coops and runs?
Yes, spacious walk-in coops and runs for 8-12 chickens are available. These often have wide doors for easy cleaning. You can add custom details like decorative trim and roosting bars.
Can I build a chicken coop using salvaged or repurposed materials?
You can use salvaged materials like old sheds, playhouses, or grain silos for your coop. Just make sure to follow proper predator-proofing techniques for your flock’s safety.
Are there any mobile or portable chicken coop options available?
Chicken tractor plans allow you to move the coop and run around your lawn. This lets your chickens forage and fertilize different grass patches as they go.