If you are looking to create a coop to raise a few backyard chickens , this DIY modest flock wimp coop is the perfect result .
Depending on the strain raised , it has plenty of room for flock of 6 to 10 chickens .
And , it has a lot of options for the backyard chicken proprietor !
With an entree door on the side , it is perfect to impound to a run .
Always wanted a mobile coop ? Then just but fit it ’s inflexible physical body with bike , and you have your very own crybaby tractor coop .
But perhaps good of all , beyond it ’s exceedingly strong , durable and attractive look , it ’s also quite well-fixed and economical to build !
Creating A Simple Small Flock Chicken Coop
One of the cracking things about being at the farm full - time now is that we at long last have time to undertake a few long - expect projects .
And this one has been on the back burner for about 5 days !
Ever since building and creating programme for our larger coop at the farm in 2013 , we get a steady string of emails asking if we could make a small-scale version for those with low flocks .
The tumid coop has always worked well for us . Especially since we normally have between 15 and 25 chickens . See : Building Our Original Coop
But at 12′ x 8′ , it certainly is n’t contributing or practical for small flocks .
So with a morsel of “ cooped - up ” clip from a wintertime that wo n’t seem to stop , we decided it would be a fun little project to finally undertake .
Creating A DIY Small Flock Chicken Coop From Simple 2 x 4’s
We wanted more than anything to keep the chicken coop simple , functional and attractive .
It demand to be easy to apply and clean . And admit a direction to collect the egg each day with ease from the outside .
But most of all , it needed to be strong , easy to build up , and not break the bank .
So many of the small-scale coops available commercially seem so cheap and flimsy . And yet , so expensive !
It always amazes me how some pocket-sized coops can betray for $ 300 to $ 600 and be build up from 3/4 plywood or coated subatomic particle board . And the 1 built with thick lumber are but astronomical to buy !
So with that in mind , we bend to our favorite lumber friend of all - time to serve us build a small flock coop that works – the humble 2 x 4 .
2 x 4 ’s really are underrated . Lightweight , durable , promptly usable and inexpensive , they are the spine of nearly all of our all - time favorite DIY shape .
Many of our projects like the Adirondack Chairs , Adirondack Bench , and Seed Starting Stand are all construct from sturdy 2 x 4’s . See our article : The Ultimate Outdoor Chairs – Durable , Comfortable And easygoing To build up !
In fact , we simply ca n’t await to reveal another project made altogether from 2 x 4 ’s in the coming weeks – a really cool and functional potting bench !
2 x 4 ’s simply hold up solid to the ultimate test of metre .
So with that enounce , permit ’s take a look at the building detail below for the modest flock coop .
Building The 2×4 Small Flock Chicken Coop
The entire framework of the pocket-sized hatful chicken coop is built from just fifteen ( 15 ) 2 x 4 x 8 ’s .
At $ 3.12 a piece , the intact hencoop frame was built for a elevated total of just $ 46.80 !
We built with the 2 x 4 ’s on closing instead of using a flat traditional frame method . It redeem on place and textile .
We started with a functional footprint for the coop of 5′ long by 3′ spacious . It is just under 50″ marvelous in the rear , and gradient to 36 at the front .
The size is more than big enough to treat humble flocks , but still tally well in even a small backyard space .
The coop is separated into two areas . A principal coop area that measures 4′ x 3′. And an additional 12″ x 3′ foot orbit on the right-hand side made into two nesting boxful area .
The main distance includes a full 48″ roosting bar , full - height screened - in window , and a large 28″ x 25″ door for easy access to clean .
On the opposite side of the testicle boxes , there is an additional hatch doorway that can attach to a runnel or external pen arena .
And about that testicle gather up ? The roosting box can be accessed with a simple pull up door to collect bollock .
The bottom can either be floor or shield . And , for those that desire to put the chicken coop up off the ground , it can easily be baby-sit on posts too ! * note : As always , we have staring plans available for exigent download on our DIY design Page : Small Flock Chicken Coop Plans
Finishing The Coop
We finished this sampling cage with shiplap and a alloy ceiling that we had on hand . It took about 60 board feet of 9 - 1/4″ wide shiplap to dispatch . And we were able to utilise a single 10′ long ceiling instrument panel for the roof .
The total price for everything follow in right around $ 130 . Not too spoilt for a hencoop that will last for years to amount !
Shiplap is so easy and inexpensive to work with . And metal roofing is elementary to install as well , and lasts nearly forever .
But the real beauty of this henhouse is the easy - to - work up 2 x 4 frame can be terminate easily with anything . Including alloy , forest siding , plyboard , or even shingle , stone , or brick . If all from new , it can most likely be build for under $ 300 .
It certainly is unattackable enough to be can be clad in any coating to match an live business firm or calculate with easiness .
Who knows , perchance someday we will downsize our spate as well . And we will be quick to tramp with the little flock chicken hencoop !
Here ’s to the joy of building and creating – and raising backyard chickens ! – Jim and Mary .
Jim and Mary Competti have been write gardening , DIY and recipe articles and rule book for over 15 years from their 46 Akka Ohio farm . The two are frequent loudspeaker on all thing garden and beloved to locomote in their spare time .
