20+ Free DIY Chicken Coop Plans You Can Build Today
Looking for inspiration for your next backyard chicken coop? We've gathered 22 DIY chicken coop designs, from charming little cottage-style coops to spacious walk-in structures and practical builds for larger flocks.
Each design features a real-world coop, with photos and links to the original builders' instructions or project details. Whether you're working with a small backyard, a limited budget, or dreaming of a beautiful little home for your chickens, there's plenty here to explore.
Browse the designs below, compare your favorites, and find a coop that fits your backyard, your flock, and your building skills.
Image Credits: Images are credited to their original creators and are shown to help readers compare different chicken coop styles. Visit the original source for complete plans, additional photos, and building instructions.
Explore the 20 chicken coop ideas below and find the one that fits your space
1. Small Chicken Coop Plan Built for Under $50 (Fairytale Style)
This small fairytale-style chicken coop is one of the smartest budget builds we found. Originally built using mostly leftover and repurposed materials, the total cost came in at under $50.
Despite the low cost, it includes everything your hens need, including a raised structure, nesting area, and easy access for cleaning and egg collection.
If you're looking for an affordable and beginner-friendly coop, this is a great place to start.
👉 View full step-by-step plans here
2. Construct 101 8x10 Chicken Coop
If you're looking for a fully functional chicken coop that can house a medium-sized flock, this is it! We love the fully covered chicken run, that's a wonderful feature for keeping out predators, and the roof on top will keep the bedding dry too, which means it will last longer between clean-outs.
This coop also features outdoor access to the nesting boxes, which means you don't need to enter the enclosed area every day in search of eggs.
👉 You can view the full plans here
3. Recycled Wood Chicken Coop Plan
If you're looking to save even more money building your chicken coop, this one is a clear winner. This coop's frame is made from wood pallets and used windows. What a great way to recycle and cover your feathered flock at the same time.
There are many places you can pick up old pallets for free. Just try to make sure they haven't been used to transport hazardous materials, as that could harm your chickens.
The best place we've found to get pallets for building projects is our local feed store. They get livestock feed as well as bedding delivered on pallets weekly and stack them up for the taking when they're done!
4. Compact Backyard Chicken Coop That Looks Clean and Built to Last
This compact coop is a great example of how a smaller build can still look polished and well thought out. The clean green and white design gives it a fresh look, while the raised structure helps keep everything dry and easy to manage. It fits nicely into tighter backyard spaces without feeling cramped or thrown together.
What makes this setup work is its simplicity. You get a solid enclosed shelter, easy access doors, and a nesting box built right into the side. It is a practical option for anyone who wants something neat, functional, and easy to maintain without going overboard on size or complexity.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
5. Urban Chicken Coop Plan (Small Backyard Friendly)
This urban chicken coop plan is a great option if you're working with limited backyard space but still want a functional and secure setup for your flock. The elevated structure helps protect chickens from ground moisture and predators, while the attached ramp allows for easy access in and out of the coop.
The enclosed run provides a safe area for chickens to roam, and the compact design makes it ideal for city or suburban environments. It's a practical build that balances space efficiency with comfort for your birds.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
6. Large Barn-Style Chicken Coop Plan
This large barn-style chicken coop is a great option for backyard owners looking to house a bigger flock in a well-built and visually appealing structure. Designed with multiple windows for natural light and ventilation, this coop provides a comfortable environment for chickens while maintaining a clean and organized layout.
The raised entry, solid framing, and spacious interior make it suitable for larger setups, and the barn-style design adds both function and character to your backyard. It's an ideal choice if you're planning to scale up your flock and want a durable, long-term coop solution.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
7. Rustic Walk-In Chicken Coop Plan
This rustic walk-in chicken coop is a great option for backyard owners who want both functionality and style in a compact setup. The enclosed run allows chickens to roam safely, while the tall structure gives you enough space to step inside for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Built with a sturdy wooden frame and mesh sides for ventilation, this design provides a secure and comfortable environment for your flock. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a practical coop that still has a clean, natural backyard look.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
8. Mammy's 1895 Chicken Coop
This coop is steeped in history. The original coop was built in 1895 by the grandparents of Joy Tarter from Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment.
The coop was so sturdy that she had a replica made in her yard and generously shares the plans with others.
We love how this huge coop has enough room for a large flock of chickens, and the attached chicken run gives them lots of outdoor space!
9. Home Depot Free Chicken Coop Plans
Did you know the Home Depot has chicken coop plans, and they're free?!
The best part about the plans is that they tell you exactly what you need to buy to build the coop.
These chicken coop plans even have videos and photos of every step to help you follow the steps. This simple chicken coop is absolutely perfect for a beginner or someone who needs a quick coop, as you could finish it easily in a weekend!
10. Modern Open-Air Chicken Coop Plan
This modern open-air chicken coop is a great option for backyard setups that prioritize ventilation and space. The elevated design combined with an extended run gives chickens plenty of room to move freely while staying protected.
The open structure allows for excellent airflow, making it especially useful in warmer climates or for those looking to maintain a fresh and clean environment for their flock. Its unique layout and bright design also make it a standout addition to any backyard.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
11. Elevated Chicken Coop with Large Run
This elevated chicken coop with a large enclosed run is a great option for backyard chicken keepers who want both protection and space for their flock. The raised coop design helps keep the interior dry and clean, while the attached run gives chickens room to move around safely throughout the day.
With features like accessible nesting boxes and a fully enclosed structure, this setup is built for both convenience and security. While it may require a higher budget and more effort to build, it's a solid long-term option for anyone looking to invest in a durable and well-designed coop.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
12. Backyard Garden Style Chicken Coop
This backyard garden-style chicken coop is perfect for homeowners who want a setup that blends naturally into their outdoor space. With its compact design and attached run, it provides enough room for a small flock while maintaining a clean and decorative look.
The coop's design focuses on simplicity and functionality, making it a great option for beginners or those with limited yard space. Its aesthetic appeal also makes it a popular choice for suburban backyards where appearance matters just as much as practicality.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
13. Heavy-Duty Chicken Tractor for Pasture Rotation
This heavy-duty chicken tractor is built for function over looks, and that's exactly what makes it powerful. Designed for pasture rotation, this setup allows you to move your flock across fresh grass while keeping them protected and contained.
With elevated nesting boxes, a shaded run, and a solid frame, it's made for real-world use on larger properties. It's not the lightest build, but that's the trade-off for durability and space. If you're raising chickens beyond a small backyard setup, this type of tractor gives you the flexibility to manage grazing while maintaining structure and control.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
14. Ana White's Small Chicken Coop with Planter
This coop is simply adorable, and Ana White and Gina from Lady Goats are so kind to share free plans to build it yourself!
We love that this coop has outside access to the nesting boxes, as well as a fun planter on top of the built-in chicken run that you can use to plant veggies and herbs to feed to your chickens. We would plant greens, basil, and radishes to feed our flock.
You can also get really creative with this coop and paint it any color you'd like. You could even add a chicken mural or some sweet chicken coop signs to the outside.
👉 Check out the full instructions here
15. Spacious Raised Chicken Coop With Walk In Run
If you are looking for a coop that actually feels like a long term setup, this one checks all the boxes. The raised design keeps things dry underneath, while the enclosed run gives your chickens room to move safely throughout the day.
What stands out here is the balance between function and comfort. The multiple windows help with airflow, which is huge for keeping your flock healthy, and the full structure feels sturdy enough to handle changing weather. It is the kind of build that works well for both beginners ready to upgrade and experienced keepers who want something reliable and clean.
👉 view step by step plans here
16. Simple Elevated Chicken Coop That Actually Works for Everyday Backyard Setups
Not every coop needs to look like a showpiece to get the job done, and this one proves it. This simple elevated build focuses on what actually matters, giving your chickens a dry, raised shelter and a secure run without overcomplicating the design. It is the kind of setup most backyard owners can realistically build and maintain.
What makes this coop stand out is its practicality. The raised structure helps with airflow and cleanup, while the attached run keeps your flock safe and contained. If you are looking for something functional, affordable, and easy to replicate without needing advanced tools or experience, this is a solid option that delivers where it counts.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
17. The Little Schoolhouse Coop That Turns Your Backyard Into a Story
This coop feels like something straight out of a countryside storybook. Designed to resemble a small schoolhouse, it brings a completely different kind of personality to a backyard setup. The tall roofline, classic windows, and charming details make it stand out instantly without sacrificing function.
Beyond the looks, this is a spacious and practical build that gives your flock plenty of room to stay comfortable. It's a great example of how creativity and structure can come together, turning a simple chicken coop into something that feels like a centerpiece rather than just a shelter.
👉 view step by step plans here
18. Hen Haven
This coop is what you need if you have a flock of over 25. It is 120 square feet, giving lots of space for your chickens to roam.
This structure hardly even looks like a chicken coop, and could be just what you need if your HOA has strict rules on the appearance of outbuildings. You'd never guess it was a chicken coop!
👉 View step-by-step plans here
19. The Rolling Sunshine Coop That Moves With Your Backyard
If you're working with a smaller space but still want flexibility, this mobile coop is a smart little setup. Built on wheels and raised off the ground, it lets you move your flock around the yard with ease, giving your chickens fresh grass while helping keep things cleaner over time.
What really makes this one stand out is the balance between function and personality. The bright color, flower box detail, and clean layout give it a cheerful look, while the practical design makes it ideal for beginners or anyone who wants a low-maintenance, movable coop without going full farm size.
👉 view step by step plans here
20. Hotel Eggcelsior Chicken Coop That Looks Like a Tiny Farmhouse Hotel
This coop is pure personality. Designed like a miniature farmhouse hotel, the "Hotel Eggcelsior" stands out with its front porch, upper windows, and charming details that make it feel more like a backyard showpiece than just a place for chickens. It is one of those builds that instantly catches attention and adds character to your space.
Beyond the looks, it still delivers on function. The elevated structure helps keep things dry, while the enclosed run gives your chickens a safe and comfortable area to roam. If you want something that feels creative, unique, and actually fun to build, this coop is a great way to turn a basic setup into something memorable.
👉 view step by step plans here
21. Kriquet's Chicken Coop
This charming A-frame chicken coop features a classic cottage design with an enclosed run, making it a great choice for small backyard flocks. It's perfect if you're looking for a coop that's both functional and attractive.
👉 View step-by-step plans here.
22. The Little Cottage Chicken Coop
This charming cottage-style chicken coop combines great looks with practical functionality. Featuring a covered run, decorative flower box, and a classic front door, it's an excellent choice if you want a coop that's both secure and a beautiful addition to your backyard.
👉 View step-by-step plans here
Conclusion
Whether you're building something simple or going all out with a backyard showpiece, the right chicken coop comes down to your space, your flock, and your style. Some of these designs are practical and easy to move, while others are built to stand out and become part of your yard's personality.
Take what you like from each idea, tweak it to fit your setup, and make it your own. At the end of the day, the best coop is the one that keeps your chickens safe, comfortable, and makes you proud every time you step outside.
Looking for More Detailed Chicken Coop Plans?
If you've found a design you love but want downloadable plans to help you get started, explore these additional free chicken coop resources:
- Free Chicken Coop Plans for 2-4 Chickens - Small backyard designs for beginners.
- Free Chicken Coop Plans for 5-8 Chickens - Practical options for medium-sized backyard flocks.
- Free Walk-In Chicken Coop Plans - Larger designs with easier access for cleaning and maintenance.
- Free Chicken Coop Plans With Attached Runs - Combined coop-and-run designs for convenient backyard setups.
These guides include additional design comparisons and links to available free plans.
Happy building, everyone!
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