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Searching for the cutest chicken coop building plans? Look no further, this is it! Clear, easy to follow instructions make this a great DIY chicken coop!
*We used coop plans form Bee Jeweled Coop. Use my code TIDBITS15 to get 15% off your order.
Moving from our pole barn home to the Lavender Blue Cottage has been a big process. There have been many important logistics to work out, like – where will we put the chickens??
Mr. Tidbits and I love to design and make building plans, like this antique inspired baker’s rack plan, but sometimes it’s nice to just pick up a darling, pre-made plan and get the project rolling.
That’s exactly what we did for our new chicken coop. We found the cutest chicken coop building plans from Bee Jeweled Coop and built an adorable cottage-style coop to house our flock. I can’t recommend it enough! If you want a diy chicken coop building plan that looks amazing, has great features and easy to follow step-by-step instructions, then this is for you!
Table of contents
What I Love About this Chicken Coop
The coop plan that we chose was designed for 6-12 hens, which was perfect for our needs. Mr. Tidbits liked the detailed instructions and well-done graphics that guide the building process.
After construction was finished, we painted the coop a soft blue that was color-matched from our house and shed. We also used up some leftover wood shingles that match our home’s roof. Those shingles were found in our attic when we moved in and it’s the cherry on top of this darling chicken house.
The size, the shape, the details, the features – this chicken coop is a winner! It’s also adorable, if I do say so myself!
Where to Get the Chicken Coop Building Plans
Click the button below to get your chicken coop plans from Bee Jeweled Coop. While you’re over there, checkout the other coop plans, helpful tips and tutorials and the Coop Scoop which all make keeping chickens easier and more enjoyable.
Remember to use the code TIDBITS15 to get 15% off your order!
Designs and Materials We Used that were Different from the Chicken Coop Building Plan
We did end up making a few modifications based on what materials we had available and our specific needs.
Specifically, we chose to insulate our coop which wasn’t in the original chicken coop design, but felt like a good idea given our very cold winters. We did this by building a second frame inside the coop that was just a touch smaller than the outer frame. We insulated the area between the inner and outer walls to keep our chickens warm.
Another modification that we made was done to the roof line of the chicken run. In the original plan this has a center peak running down the center that slopes down on both sides.
I actually really, really loved that design, but because of the location where we planned to build our coop (beneath some trees) it worked better for us to do a slopped roof with only one angle and no center peak. However, looking back, I would have stuck with the original design because it is adorable!
As I mentioned earlier, we also used wood shingles for the chicken coop roof rather than asphalt shingles. For the chicken run, we used metal roof panels since that is what we had on hand.
Another thing worth mentioning is that we put up bead board panels on the exterior instead of plywood that make up the coop walls. We wanted this chicken coop to have a cottage feel. Along with the bead board, we trimmed out the large access door a little differently with decorative cottage-style framing.
What We’d do Differently and What We Need to Finish
If we were to build this chicken coop again, there are a few things I’d do differently based on personal preferences.
First, I’d probably leave off the two ventilation doors right above the nesting box and instead have a solid wall with insulation. I think that might work best for our climate where I’m more concerned about the cold than the heat. Especially since our chickens are almost always free range.
These diy chicken coop plans called for two small doors on the side of the nesting box. We didn’t do these and instead made the nesting box with a hinged roof that we can lift up when gathering eggs. Unfortunately, we didn’t take the weight of the roof and wood shingles into account. That hinged roof is heavy! If we were to build this coop again, I’d install the side doors on the nesting box.
Another mix up of ours happened when Mr. Tidbits was predator-proofing the chicken run with hardware cloth to keep out raccoons and other pests. He stapled the hardware cloth on the outside of the framing, rather than the inside.
Mr. Tidbits did a great job and it still provides a nice safe space for our chickens, but the hardware cloth would look better behind the framing. (Note to Self: Remember to consult with husband about cute vs. practical design decisions.)
Finally, we need to install an automatic door inside the run for the chickens. The goal is to have that done before winter sets in.
Shop for Chicken Coop Building Plans
Remember to use the code TIDBITS15 to get 15% off your order!
More Great DIY Projects
There is nothing quite like fresh eggs from your own chickens. It’s been so nice to have a dedicated spot for our flock that looks great and functions well.
If you’re looking for some fantastic, detailed plans for a backyard chicken coop then head over to Bee Jeweled Coop for plans and chicken coop ideas!
For more inspiration on diy projects, try:
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- How to Build a Cold Frame to Grow Vegetables in the Winter
- How to make a Kids Workbench with Tool Storage
- DIY Upholstered and Slipcovered Bed Building Plans
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- Antique Inspired DIY Baker’s Rack Building Plans
- Charming Cottage Landscaping Ideas
Can you give an idea of the budget needed to complete this build? I was thinking about building this one and the description on her site says estimated cost to build of 2100 but one of the reviewers said he spent over 9k!
Love the Coop. Might you just add some trim boards on the outside to cover the hardware cloth where it goes over the framing? Certainly seems more secure for predators on the outside though.
That is a really good idea actually! Thank you!