Have you thought about building a chicken coop, but held off because you didn’t know what kind of material to use, how to put the material together to make the coop, or because you thought it might cost more than you wanted to spend?
There are free chicken coop instructions, and they’re available to you in this very article.
Building a chicken coop doesn’t have to dent your bank account, and some of the best things in life are still free. To keep down the cost of building a coop, the material you use can be anything that will provide shelter.
Some people have even used old lawnmower sheds. If you’d rather have a nicer coop, you can create a structure without relying on something already standing.
Check out this bloggers tips for converting a shed into a chicken coop.
If you like Youtube videos here is a video on converting a shed into a chicken coop.
Tips for Building a Chicken Coop
Go to a lumberyard or an area where new homes are being built.
Ask if you can have the scrap pieces of lumber they won’t use. Yes, many lumberyards and home construction companies actually throw unused wood away.
Not only could you get the material accessible, but you’d help keep the scrap wood out of the landfills.
While at the home construction site, ask if you can have any leftover shingles, too. Most of these end up in the garbage as well.
Some cities have a waste exchange program where members can exchange or buy good, secondhand items that typically end up as trash.
For the chicken roosts, you can either nail up wood such as a two-by-four or two by two-by-two or use small tree branches nailed in place.
Don’t build the roosting perches directly above where you’ll need to reach in to gather eggs (for smaller coops) or where you’ll walk in (for larger coops).
You can find old windows that aren’t suitable for a house but are perfect for a coop at some thrift stores. The first thing you need to do is to build the frame for the walls and floor.
Check your local Habitat for Humanity’s restore- it’s like a Home Depot, and the proceeds go to support the nonprofit.
The frame and size of the walls depend on how large or small you want your chicken coop. The front and back wall of the coop are usually longer, and the sides smaller. Secure the walls and frame to the flooring.
The materials used to build a coop can be old wood boards or plywood if you don’t have enough boards. Install the nesting boxes once the building is complete and the perches are in place.
Inside the boxes, place straws for the eggs. Below, you will find free chicken coop instructions, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying your new chickens fast!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHICKEN COOPS AND PLANS
The Pallet Coop
This chicken coop is made out of pallets and is one of the most inexpensive coops you can make. It’s perfect for those new to raising chickens and wanting to start with something simple.
You can find free and easy-to-follow instructions online that provide step-by-step guidance on how to build this type of coop. You can also personalize and make the coop your own by painting it and putting on some finishing touches.
The A-frame Coop
This type of coop is another affordable option that can be built using some basic tools and supplies. You can find free and easy-to-follow instructions online or in books, which will help you create a cozy and comfortable home for your birds.
The A-frame-shaped coop is relatively easy to move around, making it perfect for those who like to keep their chickens on fresh grass. We shared a roundup of really cool a frame chicken coops here.
The PVC Coop
If you’re looking for a more modern and efficient way to build a chicken coop, consider using PVC pipes for the frame and mesh for the roofing. This type of coop is surprisingly sturdy and can be assembled in a matter of hours.
You can find accessible and easy-to-follow instructions online with pictures to help you create a functional and stylish home for your chickens.
Watch this video of the PVC chicken coop.
The Reclaimed Wood Coop
Are you into recycling and repurposing? If so, then a reclaimed wood coop might be the right choice for you. This is a great option for those accessing old wood from barns, sheds, or pallets.
You can find free and easy-to-follow instructions online that will guide you in creating a unique and rustic chicken coop that will add character to your homestead.
The Mobile Coop
If you like to move your chickens around to different areas of your property, or if you have a small backyard, then a mobile coop might be just what you need.
There are free and easy-to-follow instructions online that will provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to build a mobile coop. The best thing about this type of coop is that it’s highly customizable, and you can add wheels, handles, or other features to make it more functional.
Raising chickens can be both rewarding and entertaining, and building your own chicken coop can be a rewarding experience, too. As we’ve shared in this blog post, there are many free and easy-to-follow instructions available online that can help you create a safe and comfortable home for your feathered friends.
Remember to make it personalized and unique by adding special touches, no matter which type of coop you choose to build.
And always keep in mind the comfort and safety of your chickens. We encourage you to share your own experiences with chicken keeping and building coops in the comment section and ask any questions you may have. Let’s create a sense of community and help each other build prosperous homesteads!
What goes along great with building a chicken coop for free?! Cheap chicks! Every year, all our local farm stores have chickens on clearance- especially meat birds. We’ve seen meat birds down to 50¢ each at Tractor Supply.
Call your local farm stores and ask when they put these birds on clearance.
For more tips on how to raise chickens cheap tap here.
How to Build a Chicken Coop on a Budget
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