If you’re thinking of building a DIY chicken coop but don’t want to break the bank, there are several cost-effective options to consider. We’re homesteaders on 3 acres, now we raise goats, pigs, rabbits, but it all started with chickens! They’re the gateway animal for everyone’s homestead. Here are some tips to help you build the best DIY chicken coop on a budget:
- Use recycled materials: Look for free or cheap building materials on websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can repurpose pallets, old sheds, or scrap wood to build your coop.
- Keep it simple: A basic chicken coop is often all you need to keep your birds safe and happy. Don’t worry about adding unnecessary features that may increase the cost.
- Build a smaller coop: If you’re only keeping a few chickens, you don’t need a huge coop. A smaller coop will cost less to build and maintain.
- Utilize natural light and ventilation: Consider building a coop with windows and vents that allow for natural light and ventilation. This will help keep your chickens healthy and reduce the need for electricity.
- Consider free ranging to avoid needing to buy fencing for a run.
By following these tips, you can build a cost-effective chicken coop that will provide a safe and comfortable home for your feathered friends!
Best DIY chicken coop ideas – materials to use
Here are some chicken coop ideas and materials you can consider:
- A-frame coop made of wood or PVC pipes. We love simple A frame structures and use them for our pigs and goats too!
- Portable chicken tractor made of wire mesh and PVC pipes.
- Converted shed or playhouse, our current chicken coop is a shed that we added an automatic opening chicken door and a simple door to allow access to their nesting boxes.
- Recycled materials such as pallets or old barrels
- Metal or plastic coops
Remember to prioritize the safety, comfort, and accessibility of your chickens when designing your Best DIY chicken coop ideas. Good luck with your project!
Written by, Brittany, the geek behind the blog. Sharing tips and stories from the trenches on navigating life homeschooling and homesteading as a stay at home mom.