How to Build a Large Chicken Coop

You can build large chicken coops in a variety of different shapes and sizes, depending on how many chickens you have, your available building materials, space and budget. The most cost-effective way of building a large coop is by building a timber frame and covering it with metal mesh. This is a simple coop design that you can build over the course of a weekend.

Things You'll Need

  • Saw
  • Timber
  • Metal mesh
  • Measuring tape
  • Decking screws
  • Drill
  • Fencing staples
  • Sheet of plywood
  • Door handle
  • Hinge
  • Bolt latches
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the area of space you have available. Allocate at least 10 feet by 5 feet to build a coop large enough for at least four chickens to run around.

    • 2

      Create a design for the coop. Keep your first build simple by only including one level and one door. Add dimensions to the plan -- essentially it will consist of a 10-by-5-foot rectangle, with an A-frame that supports the metal mesh. The vertical A-frame posts measure 6 feet in length.

    • 3

      Cut all the timber to size. You need four lengths for the base, four posts that lean inward to create the A-frame and a horizontal length of timber to connect the A-frame posts.

    • 4

      Screw together the rectangular base using a drill and screws. At each corner lean the A-frame posts inward at a 45-degree angle.

    • 5

      Connect the two end triangles of the A-frame together using a length of timber. Put a door inside one of the triangles by building a small square frame within the triangle.

    • 6

      Cover the whole exterior of the chicken coop with metal mesh. Affix it to the sides of the frame using fencing staples.

    • 7

      Fix the door onto the door frame. Use a sheet of plywood as a door which is 1/4 inch smaller than the door frame so that it fits neatly inside the frame.

    • 8

      Attach the door using a hinge and secure a bolt latch to the other side.