How to Build Small Chicken Coops

Keeping chickens provides you with pest control and fresh eggs, according to Bob Vila. Chickens also make great pets that teach children responsibility. Chickens use their coop as a home to build a nest, roost and lay eggs. A well-built chicken coop also provides them with protection from rain, wind and other elements.



There are several ways to build a chicken coop; you can easily make a small chicken coop three boards, a sheet of tin and screws.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • 2 boards, 1 inch by 12 inches by 4 feet
  • 5 boards, 1 inch by 12 inches by 12 inches
  • 1 board, 1 inch by 3 inches by 4 feet
  • 8-foot sheet of tin
  • Wood screws
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Skill saw
  • Carbon blade
  • Rubber washers
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark each of the 4-foot boards at 12-inch intervals.

    • 2

      Place one of the 12-inch boards under the outside edge of the 4-foot board at a 90-degree angle. Secure the boards together with wood screws. Attach the other four 12-inch boards to the 4-foot board at the 12-inch marks.

    • 3

      Turn the coop upside down so the solid board is on the bottom. Attach the other 4-foot board to the five 12-inch boards with wood screws. This is the coop's frame.

    • 4

      Cut the tin sheet in half with a skill saw with a carbon metal cutting blade.

    • 5

      Place one piece of tin on the back side of the chicken coop. Secure it to the wood with screws with rubber washers. Place the other tin piece on top of the coop. Secure it with screws with rubber washers.

    • 6

      Secure the remaining board to the bottom edge on the front of the coop with wood screws. This will prevent the straw from sliding out of the coop.