How to Convert a Doll House to a Chicken Coop

A chicken coop must give a regular chicken a couple of square feet of space, though a bantam chicken needs less than 1 square foot. You can convert a doll house into a chicken coop by securing the door and installing a nest. You will also have to install a water and food dispenser and reinforce the structure to prevent collapse.

Things You'll Need

  • Doll house
  • 1/4-inch plywood or plexiglass
  • Nuts and bolts
  • Drill
Show More

Instructions

  1. Reinforce the Structure

    • 1

      Open the doll house and remove all the furniture and floors.

    • 2

      Write down the inside measurements of the doll house. Make sure to take the measurement for each of the sides, the floor and the roof.

    • 3

      Cut a piece of 1/4-inch plywood or 1/4-inch plexiglass, if you want to keep the windows clear, to fit inside each side of the doll house. Reserve the piece that will go on the side with the chicken door.

    • 4

      Drill four holes on the corners of each side and secure the plywood or plexiglass to the interior of the dollhouse with nuts and bolts.

    • 5

      Cut a square in one of the sides of the doll house to allow a door to be installed. Cut a door that is large enough for your chickens to get in and out easily.

    • 6

      Put the plexiglass or plywood on the side you just cut and mark the door opening with a marker. Cut the plexiglass and secure it with nuts and bolts.

    Interior

    • 7

      Install the water dispenser and food dispenser inside the coop.

    • 8

      Install a nest on the opposite side of the doll house. Make sure the nest is at least 2 inches deep and fill it with hay or other chicken-safe bedding of your choosing.

    • 9

      Install a small door large enough to not to leave any cracks, and secure it with bolts and nuts. Install a tamper-proof lock to the door.