DIY Chicken Coop: 5 Chicken Runs for Any Sized Property

From small coops to large hen houses, these birds have been spoiled with all the essential features.

When it comes to building the perfect chicken coop, few things beat the feeling that comes from milling your own lumber for the job. It becomes more than just a shelter for hens but something you can look at and be proud of. Below are 5 sawyers who did just that - milled their own wood and turned it into something that was both practical and beautiful.

Hens require a safe and secure chicken run to protect them from predators and harsh weather conditions. A well-designed coop with proper ventilation, nesting boxes, and roosting bars will ensure the well-being of your flock. By providing a comfortable and secure environment, you can enjoy the benefits of raising chickens, including a steady supply of fresh eggs and the joy of watching your feathered friends thrive. No two coops are the same, and whether you have a tiny plot of land or acres to spare, there is something that will fit your space.

The Hen House Saloon; Return on Investment

Joel's chickens are getting a creative upgrade with this saloon style chicken coop. The chickens prefer their new coop which has a lot more floor space than the "jail" next door where they used to be housed. Not to worry, the jail house will not go to waste since it is the perfect place to store chicken feed supplies. Joel plans on making a new chicken roost but for now has borrowed one from their old coop.

Joel didn't have to purchase wood for this project because he milled all of the lumber himself including the beautiful live edge siding that gives it that western movie vibe. Within 18 months of purchasing his HM126 portable sawmill it had already paid for itself.

"I made my money back with just things [I've] made for myself without buying lumber from the store."

The Red Cedar Mansion; A Gift to his Daughter

When Cam's daughter asked him to build a coop for her birds, he did not "chicken out". This is no small coop! With red cedar milled on his HM122 portable sawmill he created a stunning 4 level coop with a big screened in chicken run. The big doors to the coop make for easy maintenance. There is a sturdy ladder in front so that the hen house is easily accessible for his daughter and the birds have their own ramp with cleats to help them get through their chicken sized door from the chicken run. Cam had fun making this beautiful home for his daughter to raise chickens. I'm sure he will get lots of fresh eggs for his efforts.

Tarred and Feathered; Utilizing Your own Trees

There are multiple reasons why it is so special to make a project with trees from your own property. Not only does it save money, but the pride that comes from making something from scratch is hard to beat. Brian put this 7'x12' chicken coop together with lumber pulled straight off of his HM126 portable sawmill. The only exception are the posts which were milled the year before and then burned and coated with wood tar from the tractor supply store. Wood tar can be used as a natural preservative by protecting against moisture and certain insects. With plenty of room in the hen house for laying eggs and sleeping, Brian began working on the outside and constructed a 10'x16' chicken run. The shade in the hot weather and protection from predators should make raising chickens here a breeze.

Housing a Small Flock; Thoughtful Design

This chicken coop is on the smaller size at 4'x8', perfect for someone who does not have space for a huge run on their property. Kevin planned this hen house to house a smaller flock comfortably. Inside the coop, he has built a cozy space with nesting boxes for egg laying. Kevin put a lot of thought into proper ventilation for the coop and with a large window and vent, his feathered friends will be happy campers during those hot summer months. The chicken coop is made almost entirely out of hemlock that he milled himself on his HM130MAX portable sawmill. It is clear that Kevin put a lot of thoughtful planning into the design of this hen house to ensure the well being of his chickens.

Quality Chicken Coop; Upcycling Fallen Timber

Tad’s first project with his HM126 portable sawmill turned into an ambitious three-month endeavor: a chicken coop palace! Store bought lumber? Not for Tad! His hen house is made entirely from blown down timber off of his property in South Central Kentucky. Free timber does not mean poor quality! The siding is a beautiful blend of red and white oak, while the roof combines poplar with recycled metal roofing. White oak 6"x6" posts provide sturdy support, and the framing is crafted from a mix of poplar and white pine. While the chicken coop protects the hens against predators, the 50/50 mix of used oil and diesel protects the wood against the elements and insects. Using fallen trees and recycled items kept the cost for this project low without compromising on quality.

"This thing should last an eternity".

These 5 DIY chicken coops are more than just a place for hens to roost - they are the result of patience, hard work, and a real love for doing things the right way. Being able to create your own lumber gives you the freedom to let your imagination go wild without worrying about the cost of supplies or having to sacrifice the quality of your work. There really is something satisfying about building something yourself one board at a time. So whether you build a small coop for only four chickens or have enough nesting boxes for a huge flock to lay fresh eggs, when you build it yourself, you are guaranteed to keep your chickens comfortable. No matter your property size or woodworking experience, you can build a custom coop your hens will be happy to nest in.

We hope these projects sparked a few ideas and showed what is possible when you start with raw wood and a clear vision. For more inspiring projects like these ones visit our Facebook Community.