15 Cheap Chicken Coop Ideas That Work
Discover 15 affordable chicken coop ideas that maximize flock happiness while minimizing costs—from upcycled furniture to DIY pallet designs.
Have you ever noticed how the most contented chickens don't seem to care whether they're living in the poultry equivalent of a five-star hotel or a humble countryside cottage? Our feathered friends have relatively simple needs: protection from predators, shelter from the elements, comfortable nesting spots, and enough space to express their chicken-ness. Yet somehow, the moment we decide to welcome these egg-laying companions into our lives, we find ourselves staring at chicken coop designs with price tags that make our eyes water. I've been raising backyard chickens for over a decade, starting with a makeshift repurposed doghouse and eventually building multiple coops across different properties, and I've discovered that resourcefulness trumps budget every time. Through countless conversations with fellow chicken enthusiasts, I've realized that the most successful and affordable coops share key principles: they repurpose existing materials, simplify construction while maintaining functionality, and focus investment on the elements that truly matter for chicken health and happiness. In this guide, I'll walk you through fifteen budget-friendly chicken coop solutions that have proven successful for real backyard chicken keepers—ideas that protect your flock without plucking your savings account clean. Whether you're housing a couple of backyard layers or a larger rural flock, these approaches demonstrate that with a bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can create a chicken haven that serves both the birds' needs and your budget constraints. Ready to build a coop that your chickens will love without breaking the bank? Let's explore options that make both your flock and your wallet sing!
1. Repurposed Garden Shed Transformations
Transform an old or second-hand garden shed into a spacious chicken mansion for a fraction of pre-built coop costs. This approach gives you substantial ready-made structure to work with, requiring just a few chicken-specific modifications. Install roosts using scrap 2×4 lumber positioned at different heights, and section off a dark, quiet nesting area using plywood dividers. Cut and cover windows with hardware cloth for ventilation (chickens need airflow but not drafts), and add a hinged clean-out door near the floor for easy maintenance. The existing human door provides convenient access, while you'll need to add a small chicken-sized door with a secure latch. The beauty of shed conversions lies in their ample interior height, allowing you to enter comfortably for cleaning and chicken care. This approach particularly shines when you find damaged sheds with cosmetic issues that don't affect structural integrity—often available for minimal cost or even free.
2. Pallet Wood Coops for Ultimate Budget Building
Construct a sturdy, functional coop using free wooden pallets that businesses typically discard. This approach requires only basic tools: a pry bar, hammer, saw, and screws. Begin by selecting clean pallets (avoid those that transported chemicals), preferably heat-treated rather than chemically treated (look for "HT" stamping). Deconstruct some pallets for lumber while keeping others intact for structural walls. Three intact pallets create a U-shaped base; add a fourth for the roof support. Use deconstructed pallet boards to fill gaps, create nesting boxes, and build the roof. Cut door openings for both human and chicken access, and cover windows with hardware cloth secured with heavy-duty staples. The resulting structure costs almost nothing beyond fasteners and hardware cloth, while providing solid protection. For moisture resistance, apply an animal-safe sealer to exterior surfaces. This approach works beautifully for small to medium flocks, offering tremendously satisfying cost-to-functionality ratio for the budget-conscious chicken keeper.
3. Converted Playhouse Structures for Dual-Purpose Use
Repurpose an outgrown children's playhouse into a charming and functional chicken coop that maintains your yard's aesthetic appeal. These structures often become available cheaply (or free) on marketplace sites as families' children mature, providing solid, weatherproof foundations for chicken housing. The child-sized doors and windows already built into playhouses conveniently match the scale needed for a coop. Add roosting bars across the interior at varying heights using dowels or branches, and convert toy shelves or build simple boxes for nesting spaces. Replace any plastic or glass windows with hardware cloth to ensure proper ventilation while maintaining predator protection. Install a dropping board beneath roosts for easier cleaning, and consider adding external nesting box access by cutting through an exterior wall for convenient egg collection. The whimsical design elements of playhouses—like shutters, flower boxes, and decorative trim—create a visually appealing coop that enhances rather than detracts from your outdoor space.
4. The "Chickshaw": Mobile Coops from Repurposed Wagons
Convert old wagons, garden carts, or wheelbarrows into mobile "chickshaws" that provide housing that moves with minimal effort. This approach works particularly well for small flocks (2-4 birds) and creates multi-functional structures that serve as both shelter and chicken tractor. Start with a sturdy wheeled base—children's wagons, garden carts, and construction wheelbarrows all work well. Build a simple frame using 2×2 lumber attached to the wagon edges, creating a pitched roof shape. Cover this frame with hardware cloth for a secure daytime run, then add exterior-grade plywood to half the structure for a sheltered sleeping area. Include hinged doors for access and cleaning, plus secure latches to foil predators. The beauty of this design lies in its mobility; move it daily to provide fresh foraging while distributing chicken manure across your yard or garden. These compact coops maximize space efficiency and allow chickens to enhance your garden through pest control and soil improvement.
5. Modified Dog Houses for Small Flocks
Transform an unused or second-hand dog house into a cozy coop perfect for 2-3 chickens, creating an ideal starter setup for minimal investment. This approach works particularly well for bantam breeds or in urban settings with limited space. Start with a solid dog house (plastic or wooden), ensuring adequate size—approximately 4 square feet of interior space per bird. Install a roosting bar across the back using a wooden dowel or branch, and convert the entry point to a chicken-sized door with a secure latch system. Add nesting boxes in one corner using repurposed plastic containers or small wooden boxes filled with straw. Create additional ventilation by cutting small windows near the top of the structure and covering them with hardware cloth. For cold climates, add extra insulation to the roof interior using foam board. Elevate the structure slightly on cinder blocks to prevent ground moisture and extend its life. This compact solution provides the essential elements of safe chicken housing while requiring minimal materials and construction expertise.
6. Upcycled Furniture Nesting Solutions
Transform discarded furniture pieces into functional, aesthetically pleasing nesting and roosting solutions that reduce coop construction costs. Old dressers provide ready-made nesting boxes when you remove the drawers and add dividers, while bookshelves create instant roost-and-nest combinations when you add perching bars. Bedside tables with their doors removed offer perfect individual nesting spots, and old entertainment centers convert to complete mini-coops with separate nesting and roosting areas. To implement this approach, cruise free listings, thrift stores, and college move-out days when furniture items become readily available. Focus on solid wood pieces (avoid particleboard which deteriorates quickly with moisture) and clean thoroughly before introduction to your flock. Apply food-safe sealants to surfaces for longevity and easy cleaning. These furniture conversions work brilliantly as components within larger coop structures or as standalone elements under existing shelters. Beyond budget benefits, these conversions prevent usable items from entering landfills while adding unique character to your chicken housing.
7. Rabbit Hutch Conversions for Bantam Breeds
Repurpose rabbit hutches into perfect starter coops for bantam chickens or as growing spaces for chicks transitioning from brooders. This approach offers immediate housing with minimal modifications, often at significant savings compared to purpose-built chicken structures. Start with a solid hutch featuring separate enclosed and open-air sections, ideally with a wire floor in the run portion and solid flooring in the enclosed area. Replace any wire flooring in sleeping areas with solid material to protect chicken feet, and add a simple roosting bar using a wooden dowel. Convert the rabbit nesting box for chicken use by enlarging the entry slightly, or add small wooden boxes filled with nesting material. Ensure all openings are covered with hardware cloth with openings smaller than 1 inch to prevent predator access. The elevated design of most hutches provides built-in protection from ground predators while wire components offer excellent ventilation. This solution works particularly well in mild climates or as seasonal housing for small flocks.
8. Hoop House Designs for Expandable Space
Create flexible, expandable chicken housing using the hoop house concept, providing substantial space at minimal cost. This design uses curved PVC pipes or cattle panels as the structural framework, covered with heavy-duty tarps, greenhouse plastic, or garden fabric. For a basic structure, drive rebar stakes into the ground in two parallel rows, then slide 10-foot PVC pipes over these stakes, creating arches. Connect these arches along the top with a straight PVC pipe as a ridge line, and secure your covering material using UV-resistant zip ties. For greater durability, substitute cattle panels for PVC, creating stronger arches that withstand weather challenges. Add a wooden frame at one end to mount a secure door, and create enclosed nesting areas inside using straw bales or repurposed furniture. This approach excels in cost-effective space creation—a 10'×10' hoop house costs approximately $100-$150 in materials while housing 10-15 chickens comfortably. The design allows for easy expansion by simply adding more hoops as your flock grows.
9. Build-in-Place Using Recycled Construction Materials
Construct a custom coop using recycled building materials that contractors and remodelers typically discard, combining durability with extraordinary savings. This approach requires more construction knowledge but delivers professional-quality results at fraction of new-material costs. Source materials from building site dumpsters (always ask permission), demolition sales, and contractor friends—looking for partial sheets of plywood, unused lumber ends, surplus roofing materials, and leftover hardware. Focus your scavenging on weather-resistant materials for exterior use and non-treated woods for interior elements like roosts and nest boxes. Begin with a simple rectangular design with shed-style roof for easiest construction. Use concrete blocks or treated posts for the foundation to prevent ground contact deterioration. This approach particularly suits larger permanent coops, as the substantial materials create structures with 10+ year lifespans. The resulting coops often cost 75-90% less than comparable new-material constructions while keeping usable building materials from landfills.
10. Modified Plastic Storage Shed Coops
Transform affordable plastic storage sheds into surprisingly effective coops that offer excellent weather resistance and minimal maintenance requirements. Basic plastic storage sheds (often available for $150-$300 on sale) provide solid waterproof structures that require only chicken-specific modifications. Start by securing the shed to a pressure-treated wood base slightly larger than the shed footprint, creating stable flooring and preventing predator entry from below. Cut and frame windows covered with hardware cloth for ventilation, focusing on cross-ventilation near the roof to remove ammonia buildup. Install roosts using 2×4 lumber positioned across the interior, and add nesting boxes made from plastic storage containers secured to the walls. Cut a chicken-sized entry door near the floor with a secure closure system. The plastic construction provides built-in resistance to mites and parasites while offering excellent cleaning properties—simply hose out as needed. These structures particularly excel in rainy climates where wood coops face constant moisture challenges, and their pre-finished nature eliminates painting and sealing requirements.
11. Cattle Panel Arched Structures with Tarp Coverings
Create an inexpensive, spacious chicken shelter using cattle panels bent into arch shapes and covered with heavy-duty tarps, combining excellent space utilization with minimal material costs. This approach requires minimal construction skill while providing substantial protected area. Purchase 16-foot cattle panels (approximately $20-25 each) and create arches by securing the ends to a wooden base frame made from 2×4 lumber. Three panels create a structure approximately 8 feet wide by 15 feet long—enough for 15-20 chickens. Cover the arched panels with heavy-duty UV-resistant tarps secured with strong zip ties, overlapping sections for water resistance. Add end walls using additional cattle panels covered with tarps, including a framed door for access. Inside, use straw bales to create elevated nesting areas, and install simple roosts using tree branches or 2×4 lumber. This design creates excellent overhead space for chickens' flying comfort while the curve naturally sheds snow and rain. The entire structure typically costs under $200 while providing substantial, predator-resistant housing that can be disassembled and moved if needed.
12. A-Frame Chicken Tractors for Mobility and Simplicity
Build a classic A-frame chicken tractor that combines sleeping quarters and mobile run space in one simple, affordable structure perfect for small flocks. This time-tested design uses minimal materials while creating functional housing that allows chickens to access fresh ground daily. Construct the frame using 2×2 lumber for the upper A-frame sleeping area and 2×3 lumber for the base run portion. Cover the upper section with plywood or repurposed signs for weather protection, leaving the lower run section enclosed with hardware cloth. Install wheels on one end and handles on the other for easy movement. Add a roosting bar across the center of the A-frame section and attach simple nesting boxes to the enclosed end. The entire structure typically requires less than $100 in materials while housing 3-5 chickens comfortably. The sloped sides create self-cleaning roosting as droppings naturally fall through to fertilize the ground below, while the compact footprint suits smaller yards. This design particularly benefits gardens, allowing chickens to prepare and fertilize growing areas while remaining safely enclosed.
13. Hardware Cloth and Reclaimed Window Coops
Create charming, functional coops using old windows and doors as structural walls, connected with lumber framing and enclosed with hardware cloth for a blend of security and vintage aesthetic. This approach transforms items often available for free into beautiful, practical housing. Collect old windows from renovation projects, remodelers, or habitat restoration stores (typically available for $5-10 each). Design your coop as a basic rectangular structure, using windows for walls and solid material for the roof. Frame between windows using 2×3 lumber, then enclose any non-window sections with 1/2-inch hardware cloth secured with galvanized staples. Install a hinged window or door for human access, and cut a small chicken door near the floor level. Add roosting bars and nesting boxes inside using repurposed materials. The windows provide excellent natural lighting and ventilation when open, while creating charming visual appeal. This approach typically costs $100-$200 in materials while providing a unique structure that enhances your backyard aesthetics. The plentiful light makes these coops particularly pleasant for winter egg-laying.
14. Straw Bale Construction for Temporary or Permanent Housing
Harness the insulating properties and affordable availability of straw bales to create naturally insulated chicken housing perfect for cold climates. This approach uses bales (typically $4-8 each) as both structural walls and insulation, requiring minimal additional materials. Arrange bales in a rectangular pattern, staggering joints for stability and leaving spaces for doors and windows. Create a simple roof structure using lumber for rafters and corrugated metal or salvaged plywood for covering. For temporary structures, simply stack bales three high, while permanent coops benefit from stucco coating over the exterior for weather resistance. The interior requires only roosting bars and nesting boxes, as the straw walls naturally create nooks chickens love exploring. This design excels in temperature regulation—keeping birds cool in summer and warm in winter without supplemental heating in most climates. At the end of a temporary structure's life, the straw breaks down into garden material, creating a zero-waste housing solution. This approach particularly benefits northern climate chicken keepers, saving substantially on both construction and heating costs.
15. Upcycled Boat or Vehicle Coop Conversions
Transform retired boats, vehicles, or recreational equipment into unique, weather-resistant chicken housing that provides instant structural integrity with minimal construction requirements. Old fishing boats, canoes, cargo trailers, small camping trailers, and even children's play vehicles offer solid outer shells that already incorporate weather resistance and security. For boat conversions, position the vessel upside down on secure supports, cut access doors, and install internal roosting and nesting structures. Vehicle conversions like cargo trailers offer instant walk-in coops—simply add roosting bars, nesting boxes, and ventilation by replacing portions of solid walls with hardware cloth-covered openings. These conversions typically cost only the price of the vessel (often free when non-functioning) plus basic modification materials. The pre-built nature eliminates most construction complexity while creating talking-point coops with distinct character. Beyond their visual appeal, these conversions often incorporate built-in security features like metal siding and lockable doors, providing excellent predator protection. These structures particularly benefit those with limited construction skills while creating Instagram-worthy backyard features.
Conclusion
Creating an effective, affordable chicken coop doesn't require specialized skills or substantial investment—just resourcefulness and understanding of basic chicken needs. These fifteen approaches demonstrate that successful coops come in countless forms, united by their focus on essential requirements: predator protection, appropriate ventilation, comfortable roosting, and accessible nesting areas. By repurposing existing materials and simplifying designs while maintaining functionality, you can house your flock for a fraction of commercial coop costs. Remember that chickens care far more about safety and comfort than aesthetics, allowing you to prioritize function over form while still creating a backyard feature you'll be proud to showcase.
Read next: 15 Chicken Coop Ideas for a Modern Backyard
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the absolute minimum size chicken coop I need for 4 hens?
Provide at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the run.
2. Can I use untreated pallet wood safely for chicken coop construction?
Yes, but seal it against moisture and avoid pallets marked "MB" which indicates methyl bromide treatment.
3. How do I protect my budget coop from predators?
Bury hardware cloth 12 inches around perimeters and use predator-proof latches that require opposing-thumb operation.
4. Do cheap coops require more frequent replacement than expensive ones?
Not necessarily—proper maintenance and weather protection extend the lifespan of any coop regardless of initial cost.
5. What's the most important feature to invest in for a budget coop?
Spend on quality hardware cloth and predator-proof latches—these protect your flock and your investment in the birds.
