14 DIY Chicken Coop Ideas Easy Cheap

So, you’re dreaming of fresh eggs and adorable feathered friends, but your wallet is giving you the side-eye?

Totally get it. Building a chicken coop doesn’t have to drain your savings or require a degree in carpentry.

We’ve rounded up some seriously clever, budget-friendly, and surprisingly easy coop ideas to get your flock clucking without the financial fuss.

1. Pallet Paradise Coop

• Best For: Beginners, upcycling enthusiasts, small flocks.
• Vibe: Rustic chic, resourceful.
• Why it works: Pallets are often free and provide a sturdy base for construction.

Grab a few free pallets from local businesses – seriously, just ask nicely. Disassemble them for planks, or use them whole for walls. A simple A-frame design works wonders and keeps things breezy for your hens. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together with a drill and some screws.

Pro Tip: Look for heat-treated (HT stamped) pallets, not chemically treated (MB stamped), for your flock’s safety.

2. Repurposed Dog House Haven

• Best For: Instant gratification, tiny flocks (2-3 chickens).
• Vibe: Cozy, ready-made.
• Why it works: It’s already a structure; just add the chicken-specific bits.

Got an old dog house gathering dust? Bingo! This is practically a coop in waiting. Just add a roosting bar inside and a nesting box on the side. Paint it a cheerful color, maybe a sunny yellow or barn red, to really make it pop. Your hens will appreciate the snug quarters.

Pro Tip: Ensure the dog house is well-ventilated; drill extra holes if needed and cover with hardware cloth.

3. Play House Coop Conversion

• Best For: Growing families, suburban backyards.
• Vibe: Whimsical, kid-friendly.
• Why it works: Playhouses offer ample space and weather protection already.

If the kids have outgrown their plastic playhouse or wooden fort, give it a new life. These structures are often surprisingly spacious and tall enough for easy cleaning. Add a secure door, some interior roosts, and cut out windows for ventilation. You can even keep the original bright colors for a fun look.

Pro Tip: Secure the base firmly to the ground to prevent predators from digging underneath.

4. PVC Pipe Perch Palace

• Best For: Lightweight and movable designs, urban gardeners.
• Vibe: Modern, minimalist.
• Why it works: PVC is cheap, easy to cut, and weather-resistant.

Think outside the wooden box with a frame made from PVC pipes. Connect them with fittings, then wrap the structure in chicken wire. You can even fashion a roof from a tarp or corrugated plastic sheeting. This design is super lightweight, making it easy to relocate around your yard for fresh foraging spots.

Pro Tip: Use schedule 40 PVC for better durability, especially if you plan to move it frequently.

5. Tarp & Frame Shelter

• Best For: Temporary setups, very tight budgets.
• Vibe: Utilitarian, no-frills.
• Why it works: Extremely low cost and quick to assemble.

For the ultimate budget-friendly option, create a simple frame from reclaimed lumber or even sturdy branches. Drape a heavy-duty tarp over it for instant shelter from rain and sun. Secure the tarp tightly with bungee cords and zip ties. This works great as a temporary solution or a secondary run cover.

Pro Tip: Angle the tarp sharply to prevent water pooling, which can lead to sagging and leaks.

6. Old Shed Makeover

• Best For: Larger flocks, those with existing structures.
• Vibe: Established, practical.
• Why it works: A shed provides robust shelter and plenty of room.

That neglected garden shed in the back? It’s begging for a coop glow-up. Clean it out, add some ventilation windows with hardware cloth, and build in some sturdy roosting bars at varying heights. Paint the interior a light color for better visibility and a cleaner feel. This offers serious protection from predators and weather.

Pro Tip: Ensure the floor is predator-proof; consider adding a layer of hardware cloth under any bedding.

7. Wire Mesh A-Frame

• Best For: Mobile coops, small spaces, predator-heavy areas.
• Vibe: Functional, sleek.
• Why it works: Easy to move and provides excellent predator protection.

Construct a simple A-frame using 2×2 lumber, then cover the entire thing with strong, small-gauge hardware cloth. Add a solid roof made from plywood or corrugated metal. This design is surprisingly sturdy and can be outfitted with wheels for a “chicken tractor” effect, letting your flock fertilize and weed your garden beds.

Pro Tip: Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth to deter even the smallest predators like snakes and weasels.

8. Trash Can Nesting Boxes

• Best For: Adding nesting spots to existing coops, creative upcycling.
• Vibe: Quirky, industrial.
• Why it works: Plastic trash cans are cheap, durable, and easy to clean.

Okay, so this isn’t a full coop, but it’s a fantastic idea for nesting boxes. Cut a hole in the side of a plastic trash can, lay it on its side, and secure it inside your coop. Add some straw or pine shavings, and voilà! Instant, easy-to-clean nesting spots. Choose a neutral color like grey or black.

Pro Tip: Make sure the trash can is food-grade plastic, or thoroughly clean a non-food-grade one before use.

9. Crate & Barrel Coop

• Best For: Urban homesteaders, small backyards.
• Vibe: Charming, compact.
• Why it works: Wooden crates are readily available and stackable.

Combine a few sturdy wooden crates (think old fruit or shipping crates) for the main structure. Stack them to create different levels for roosting and nesting. For the “barrel” part, a plastic rain barrel cut in half can make a fantastic, weather-resistant roof. Secure everything with screws and add chicken wire for the run.

Pro Tip: Sand down any rough edges on the crates to prevent splinters for both you and your chickens.

10. Hoop House Hatcher

• Best For: Larger flocks, those wanting a more open design.
• Vibe: Greenhouse-inspired, airy.
• Why it works: Provides a spacious, covered run with good ventilation.

Similar to a small greenhouse, a hoop house coop uses flexible PVC pipes or metal conduit bent into arches. Cover the frame with heavy-duty greenhouse plastic or tarps for the roof, and hardware cloth for the sides. This offers a generous amount of space for your birds to roam while staying protected. It feels surprisingly professional.

Pro Tip: Bury the bottom edge of the hardware cloth several inches deep to deter digging predators.

11. Refrigerator Coop Conversion

• Best For: Serious upcyclers, extreme weather protection.
• Vibe: Industrial chic, super secure.
• Why it works: Excellent insulation, incredibly sturdy, and free.

Yes, a refrigerator! Remove the door, shelves, and any hazardous components. Lay it on its back, cut out openings for a pop door and ventilation. This provides fantastic insulation against heat and cold. Paint the exterior a fun color, perhaps a bright teal or sunny orange, to hide its past life. It’s surprisingly spacious for a few birds.

Pro Tip: Ensure proper ventilation is installed to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause respiratory issues for chickens.

12. Old Dresser Nesting Station

• Best For: Adding functional charm, easy egg collection.
• Vibe: Shabby chic, repurposed elegance.
• Why it works: Drawers are perfect, ready-made nesting boxes.

Another fantastic nesting box idea, or even a mini-coop for a single broody hen. Remove the drawers from an old dresser. Place it on its back, and the drawer openings become perfect nesting cubbies. You can even use the top as a flat surface for feed or water. Paint it a distressed white or pastel blue for a charming look.

Pro Tip: Line the drawers with removable plastic bins for super easy cleaning of bedding and droppings.

13. Milk Crate Condo

• Best For: Small urban spaces, temporary brooder, minimalist design.
• Vibe: Modern, stackable.
• Why it works: Milk crates are strong, stackable, and often free or very cheap.

Stack a few sturdy plastic milk crates, securing them with zip ties or small bolts. Cover the openings with hardware cloth for security. A simple piece of plywood or corrugated plastic on top acts as a roof. This is a surprisingly sturdy and customizable option for a couple of bantams or as a grow-out pen for chicks.

Pro Tip: Choose crates with smaller holes to prevent chicks from squeezing through and to offer more protection.

14. Tree House Coop

• Best For: Predator deterrence, unique aesthetics.
• Vibe: Elevated, adventurous.
• Why it works: Keeps chickens off the ground, away from many predators.

If you have a sturdy tree, consider building a small coop elevated off the ground, accessible by a ramp. Use reclaimed wood for the main structure. This design offers excellent predator protection and keeps the coop drier. Paint it a natural green or brown to blend with the foliage. It’s definitely a conversation starter.

Pro Tip: Build a secure, gentle ramp with horizontal cleats for easy chicken access and grip.

Our Top Recommended Finds

• A reliable cordless drill: Essential for quickly assembling frames and securing materials.
• Heavy-duty hardware cloth (1/2 inch): Crucial for predator-proofing windows, doors, and runs.
• Galvanized screws and zip ties: Your best friends for securing everything tightly and resisting rust.

Which of these will you try first?

See? Building a fantastic home for your flock doesn’t require a trust fund or professional carpentry skills. Just a little ingenuity and some elbow grease. Now go forth and get those hens clucking!

Tell us in the comments which easy, cheap coop idea caught your eye!