Are you looking for simple, easy, small chicken coop plans for beginners? If so, this article is perfect for you!
As a beginner, you probably don’t have the best woodworking skills or a lot of experience in building chicken coops. However, that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try.
There are numerous small chicken coop plans that are suitable for beginners, and I’ve compiled them for you. These coops are perfect for small yards and can comfortably house small to medium-sized chicken breeds. Plus, most of the plans are totally free and budget-friendly!
Small Chicken Coop Plans for Beginners
Here are 7 small chicken coop plans for beginners that require little to no previous woodworking experience and only basic DIY skills.
- Home Depot Small Chicken Coop Plans
- Size: 3 x 4 ft
- Capacity: 3 chickens
Home Depot has several videos on free chicken coop plans that require little to no experience to build. I love these coop plans because they are beginner-friendly, and every step of the building process is described in detail in the videos.
They are small and compact, making them ideal for small yards or areas with limited space. You can also customize the coop as much as you want, while using the original plan for inspiration. Due to the small size, I’d recommend keeping a maximum of 3 chickens, ideally small breeds like Silkies and Serama.
The original plan doesn’t offer much ventilation or security, but it’s a good starting point for beginners. If you choose this plan, make sure to predator proof your chicken coop and create more ventilation points.
You can source most of the materials from Home Depot, which can save you from having to make multiple shopping trips to different stores.
You can find the coop’s plan here.
- BuildEazy Free Chicken Coop Plans
- Size: 6 x 6.2 ft
- Capacity: 6 chickens
This small chicken coop has extra room for a hatchway and storage. It can comfortably house up to six small to medium-sized chicken breeds and can be customized according to your preferences.
The free plans to build this coop are available on BuildEazy, with detailed instructions on how to build this coop from scratch. The coop’s plan was originally for a monthly magazine, but a few modifications have been made to it since then.
This coop offers ample ventilation and light, along with a door that opens inwards for easy to access and cleaning. I also like that this coop’s floor is designed to support a deep layer of litter, about three inches or so, depending on how deep you make it.
As with most coop plans, you will need to design your own feeder system or water container because it is not part of the original plan.
You can find the coop’s plan here.
- Downeast Thunder Farm Free Chicken Coop Plans
- Size: 4 x 8 ft
- Capacity: 6 chickens
Downeast Thunder Farm has a lovely beginner-friendly coop plan available to download for free as a PDF. This coop plan offers excellent protection against predators, so I would suggest this plan to anyone who lives in an area with predators like hawks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons.
Some of the features include chicken wire buried two inches deep in the ground, a locked outside door for egg collection, a seasonal water hook-up, a slanted steel roof (ideal for easy snow removal), and multiple windows for ample ventilation.
Every part of this coop is secure and protected against all sorts of predators that can harm your chickens. Furthermore, Downeast Thunder Farm added an outdoor motion sensor floodlight run by electricity. All wires and switches are cleverly hidden so that they cannot be pecked at by chickens.
You can find the coop’s plan here.
- Country Life Charm Simple DIY Chicken Coop
- Size: 4 x 8 ft
- Capacity: 6 chickens
This chicken coop is simple and easy to build as a beginner, and costs less than $100 to make. It features a tall, modern design that can comfortably house four to six chickens. Country Life Charm has detailed instructions on how to build this coop, including pictures for each step, available on the website. This is by far one of the best coops for small yards with limited space for a horizontal design.
Kasandra has made several modifications since the original coop plans. She added removable wheels, curtains for the nesting boxes, and sideboards for the deep litter method. You can use the original coop plan and recent modifications as inspiration for your chicken coop.
You can find the coop’s plan here.
- Ana White’s A-Frame Chicken Coop Tractor
- Size: 8 x 4.6 ft
- Capacity: 6 chickens
If you’re looking for a quick and easy DIY chicken coop plan, then you’ll love Ana White’s A-Frame coop. This coop is small and portable, making it perfect for small yards. The plans are detailed and easy to follow. It cost the builders under $100 to put together, so it’s great for those on a tight budget.
Ana’s coop plans include all of the measurements and materials required to make it, along with detailed images of each step. It’s sturdy, spacious, and offers plenty of shady roaming areas for sunny days.
If you don’t like the look of the plain wood, you can use non-toxic paint to make it more appealing to the eye. Ana’s coop plans are a good starting point, but you can customize them to improve the design to your liking.
You can also find brag posts on Ana’s website from other readers who have used this coop as inspiration.
You can find the coop’s plan here.
- Easy Coops Free Chicken Coop Plans
Easy Coops website has numerous free, small chicken coop plans for beginners. All of their coop plans require basic construction skills, making them perfect for beginners. They have coop plans available in all sizes, but their small plans seem to be the most popular.
Some of my favorite plans include the Hen’s Paradise, Tiny Cluckingham Retreat, and the Coop on Wheels. I’d recommend that you browse through all of the beginner-friendly options and see which ones you like best.
The coop plans are available as a PDF, and their free plan options are detailed and easy to follow. I find these coop plans to be the most beginner-friendly and functional. They are designed to last for years and provide comfort and a stylish home for your chickens.
And of course, don’t forget to predator proof your chicken coop to keep your chickens safe.
You can find the coop plans here.
- Ana White’s Small Modern Chicken Coop
- Size: 8 x 6 ft
- Capacity: 6 chickens
Another great small chicken coop plans for beginners from Ana White is this small modern plan. This coop plan can house up to four chickens and has a simplistic design that beginners or intermediates with some previous woodworking experience can build.
The narrow profile is suitable for small yards and doesn’t take up much space at all. You could even put it against your house’s exterior wall, or just about anywhere in most small yards.
The coop plan includes a nesting box and run combo, a removable floor and nesting box for easy cleaning, while also being DIY-friendly. The simple building techniques make it suitable for beginners with no previous woodworking experience.
I love that it also has a platform for plant pots, which gives it a stylish, modern touch. You can paint the wood to make it fit your preferred aesthetic.
Ana has also answered FAQ’s on how to insulate the design, make it double wide, and the type of wood she recommends for the build (Douglas fir or cedar).
You can find the coop’s plan here.
Ready to Start? Your First Small Chicken Coop Awaits!
Out of all the options in this article, and based on my years of experience raising chickens, I’d say that Home Depot’s and Ana White’s modern chicken coop plans are the most beginner-friendly. I hope these small chicken coop plans for beginners have inspired you to build your very own chicken coop!
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Frequently Asked Questions: Small Chicken Coop Plans for Beginners & Predator Proofing
Q. What makes small chicken coop plans for beginners different from advanced plans?
A. Simply put, small chicken coop plans for beginners use basic materials and simple instructions. You don’t need fancy tools or advanced carpentry skills-just a willingness to try and a love for your pet chickens!
Q. How many pet chickens can I keep in a small chicken coop?
A. At its core, most small chicken coop plans for beginners comfortably house 3–6 chickens, depending on the breed and coop size. Always check the recommended capacity in each plan to keep your flock cozy and happy.
Q. How do I predator proof my chicken coop as a beginner?
A. The short answer: Use sturdy materials, bury wire mesh at least two inches into the ground, and secure all doors and windows. Adding motion sensor lights and regular checks will help keep your pet chickens safe from sneaky predators.
Q. Can I build a small chicken coop if I have no woodworking experience?
A. Think of it like building a big birdhouse! Most beginner plans come with step-by-step guides, photos, and even video tutorials. If you can use a screwdriver and a saw, you’re already halfway there.
Q. What is the best material for building a small chicken coop for beginners?
A. Simply put, untreated wood like cedar or Douglas fir is ideal for small chicken coop plans for beginners. These woods are safe for your pet chickens and last longer outdoors.
Q. Do I need a run attached to my small chicken coop?
A. At its core, a run gives your pet chickens space to scratch and peck. Many small chicken coop plans for beginners include a run, but you can always add one later if you have the space.
Q. How much does it cost to build a small chicken coop for beginners?
A. The short answer: Most small chicken coop plans for beginners can be built for under $100–$200, especially if you use recycled materials. Your biggest investment is usually your time and a bit of elbow grease!
