How to Build a Portable Chicken Coop

If you are considering keeping chickens as pets, one of the concerns you should address is how to keep them safe from backyard predators, such as raccoons, birds of prey and dogs, while providing your flock the basic right to graze for insects, grains and grass. A portable chicken coop, which you can move to different areas of your yard, and which is made to house 3 to 4 hens, provides an easy and cost-effective solution.

Things You'll Need

  • Large barn-style doghouse
  • Mesh-welded wire fencing, 64 feet
  • Hog ring fasteners
  • Wire cutters
  • Two wood boards, 1 by 2 inches
  • Plywood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bend and cut the mesh-welded wire fencing to make two sides that measure 3 feet by 10 feet each.

    • 2

      Cut a 10-foot length of mesh-welded wire fencing for the top of the coop. Use the hog ring fasteners to attach the top to the sides, securing every 4 to 6 inches. Make an identical 10-foot length of mesh and attach it to the bottom by flipping over the coop.

    • 3

      Make a door for both ends of the coop by measuring 4 pieces of mesh, 36 inches by 18 inches. The doors serve as flaps that hinge open from both the top and bottom of the coop and secure in the middle. Use the hog rings to fasten the doors to the coop.

    • 4

      File off the tabs on the doghouse, which attach the roof to the base. Secure the 1-by-2 inch wood board horizontally to the front portion on the base of the doghouse.

    • 5

      Create a "back room" to the doghouse by attaching a thin piece of plywood, with a small hole cut out, to the other 1-by-2 inch wood board.

    • 6

      Flip the top of the doghouse around so that it faces backwards. This will allow the chickens a large opening in front while allowing you to reach in for eggs through a higher, narrower opening.

    • 7

      Trace plywood doors the same size as each doghouse opening and secure them with hinges and locks. This will allow the chickens a secure spot to roost each night, as the coop may not be completely predator proof.