If your budget is discouraging you from finding the perfect home for your flock, why not consider DIY chicken coop plans?
There’s no doubt that many store-bought coops can be costly, but they don’t have to be your only option when there are so many free DIY plans to choose from that are suitable for low budgets.
Instead of browsing the web for all your options, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 DIY chicken coop plans for 2025. And the best part is that all of these plans are available for free!
5 Free DIY Chicken Coop Plans for Low Budgets
- Cozy Cottage Coop
- Size: 4 x 3 ft
- Capacity: 2-3 small chickens
The Cozy Cottage is a sturdy and appealing coop design that is perfect for small backyards. Due to the low lumber costs, the original DIYers only spent about $150 to build it. However, you could save even more by painting it only one or two colors, since paint adds up!
Although small, this cozy coop can house up to three hens, ideally bantams. It’s easy to build and suitable for beginner DIYers. Some features I love about this coop plan are its modern design with multiple doors for easy cleaning and maintenance, along with lots of mesh for ample ventilation.
I’d recommend placing this coop in a partially sunny and shady spot, since the mesh doesn’t offer much shade. It’s also not the most weather-proof design, especially in heavy rainfall or cold climates. You can use the free plans for inspiration and customize it to your liking.
Free DIY chicken coop plans here.
- Country Life Charm Simple DIY Chicken Coop
- Size: 4 x 8 ft
- Capacity: 4 chickens
This is one of the best, simple, minimalistic, and cheap chicken coop designs, and it cost Kasandra less than $400 to build. She included a list of materials and detailed step-by-step instructions on how to build this coop in her free plans.
This coop is made from repurposed lumber, so it’s a good coop plan for anyone who has usable lumber scraps lying around. You can also source lumber from scrap yards and save money instead of buying it new.
It’s 4 by 8 ft in size, making it ideal for up to four small to medium-sized chickens. The coop offers ample ventilation, and that’s why I’d recommend it for warmer climates.
I love that there is a lot of room for modifications and updates from the original design. You can customize the color, size, and features to your liking and use the original design as inspiration.
Kasandra also made several updates to the original design, which can be found here. For some ideas, she added curtains over the nesting boxes, wheels to make the coop portable, and the deep litter method.
Free DIY chicken coop plans here.
- Brian Weekley’s Chicken Coop Plans
- Size: 6 x 4 ft
- Capacity: 6-8 chickens
This medium-sized chicken coop is sturdy, secure, and offers excellent protection against predators. The mesh sides provide ample ventilation without compromising on security.
There are multiple doors for easy access for cleaning and feeding. You can comfortably house up to 8 chickens in here, both medium and large breeds. The run is very spacious and gives your flock lots of room to explore.
I like that Brian buried hardware cloth around the perimeter of the coop to discourage predators, so I’d recommend it for areas with lots of predators.
You can find all the materials and steps to build this coop on his two-part YouTube videos below.
- A-Frame Chicken Coop
- Size: 8 x 4.6 ft
- Capacity: 4-6 chickens
If you’re looking for unique, cheap chicken coop designs, this A-frame coop by Ana White is a good choice. This coop is small and portable, perfect for both big and small backyards.
It has a built-in nest box, perch, and a run underneath that provides ample shade for both sunny and rainy days. A-frame chicken coops are also a bit sturdier against high winds and don’t tip over easily. This is worth considering if you live in a windy area.
I also love that it is secure and protected against predators. The small size is ideal for 4-6 bantams.
I’d recommend this coop design for beginners with little to no woodworking experience due to how easy it is to build. Plus, this cost Ana under $100 to build, so it’s perfect for anyone on a tight budget.
If you want the wood to look more appealing, you can paint it a color of your choice instead of leaving it bare.
Free DIY chicken coop plans here.
- Small Chicken Coop with Planter
- Size: 5 x 4 ft
- Capacity: 2-3 chickens
If you’ve been eyeing the Williams Sonoma cedar coop with planter, then you’ll definitely love this budget-friendly alternative. Ana White and her friend Lady Goats collaborated on this adorable chicken coop that is not only budget-friendly but has all the functionality of a full-size coop.
It features a 25 square foot run, a nesting box with a door, built-in roosts, and a clean-out tray for easy coop maintenance. It also has a built-in planter, a beloved feature of the Williams Sonoma cedar coop.
Lady Goats has detailed free coop plans for this design and plenty of pictures to help with the building process. It’s simple to build, so I’d recommend this for beginners with minimal woodworking experience.
Due to its small size, it’s only suitable for 2-3 bantams.
Free DIY chicken coop plans from Ana White and Lady Goats.
From Plans to Pecking Order: Your DIY Coop Journey Begins
Building a chicken coop doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free coop plans available and cheap chicken coop designs to choose from.
You can greatly reduce the cost of the coop by sourcing second-hand lumber and materials rather than buying them new.
I hope this article has helped you decide on free DIY chicken coop plans that meet your budget and flock needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Coop Plans & DIY Builds
Q. What are the best chicken coop plans for beginners?
A. Simply put, the best chicken coop plans for beginners are those that use simple materials, clear instructions, and don’t require advanced carpentry skills. DIY chicken coop plans like the Cozy Cottage or A-Frame designs are perfect for first-timers and can be customized to fit your backyard and flock size.
Q. How much does it cost to build a DIY chicken coop?
A. At its core, the cost of building a DIY chicken coop depends on the size, materials, and features. Many cheap chicken coop designs can be built for under $200 if you use second-hand or repurposed lumber. Sourcing materials locally or from scrap yards can save you even more.
Q. Are free chicken coop plans reliable and safe for my chickens?
A. The short answer: Yes, many free chicken coop plans are designed by experienced backyard chicken keepers and tested by real flocks. Always check that the plan includes predator-proofing, ventilation, and weather protection to keep your chickens safe and healthy.
Q. What features should I look for in cheap chicken coop designs?
A. Think of it like this: prioritize sturdy construction, good ventilation, easy cleaning access, and secure latches. Even the cheapest chicken coop designs should protect your flock from predators and harsh weather.
Q. Can I customize DIY chicken coop plans to fit my backyard?
A. Absolutely! Most DIY chicken coop plans are flexible, letting you adjust the size, color, and features. Customizing your coop ensures it fits your space and keeps your chickens comfortable year-round.
Q. How many chickens can I house in a small backyard coop?
A. Simply put, most small chicken coop plans comfortably house 2-4 hens. Always check the recommended capacity in the plan and remember: happy chickens need enough space to roost, nest, and move around.
Q. What’s the easiest way to build a cheap chicken coop?
A. At its core, the easiest way is to follow step-by-step DIY chicken coop plans, use affordable or recycled materials, and keep the design simple. Focus on the essentials-shelter, safety, and comfort-and your flock will thrive without breaking the bank.
