Easy to build small coop ideas

[NatJ]

The fourth side is more garden, that will be how I can access the coop since the coop won’t be in the run. I will have to walk all the way round the shed to get from the run to the coop.

Maybe you could make the coop with two doors, so you can access it from both sides (the run side and the other side.)

My mother has said she would like it to be something we can move so no using the shed or fence to make a coop, and there is a tree next to the fence.

Excellent reasons

 

[SpotTheCat]

Maybe you could make the coop with two doors, so you can access it from both sides (the run side and the other side.)

I will see when we get the run built, but I think the pole in the middle of the side of run might get in the way.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I am looking for ideas for a small easy to build preferable cheap coop for 3-6 bantams, The space I have is 4ft by 4ft at maximum It can only be 3ft by 4ft if it is not walk in.

I am thinking of turning a plastic play house in to a coop what are the pros and cons of doing that?

4’ x 4’ would be a good size because plywood comes 4’ x 8’ and then you would only need a couple pieces cut in half.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

By easy I mean none fancy box or converting something else in to a coop like a shed or play house, prefabs are ridiculously expensive for what they are.
most coops I can find are too complicated or have other problems like not enough ventilation, nesting boxes same hight as roosts and too small or too big.
Also I have no building or chicken experience, I am not sure what is a bad idea and what isn’t, I am hoping people who have built and used different coops can help me, so I hopefully don’t need to do the same mistakes they have.

Sometimes you can find free coops on craigslist if you have the time and the patience. Then you just need to power wash it and paint it and maybe make a couple repairs. I just saw a free little coop on there yesterday.

 

[64peeps]

I'm building one from pallets, they are 40" x 48". Mine is 4' x 6'. Just roofed it, I need to finish the sides, then the roots, etc. All free wood and the door. Shingles are extras from my 3 year old roof replacement.

 

[MisterJ]

I definitely can help you with a 4x4 design; however as my wife would put it... It's Built Like Fort Knoxs (and not very price effective). Included a few pics below:

Now if I had to redo it and if I was on a budget, I would probably do something with Cow Panels and there are two great videos Id suggest watching below:

and

Materials Suggested
Feedlot Panel (Cow Panel), 16 ft. L x 50 in. H ($22 each)
I would get 4 panels (2 for coop and 2 for a run)
2 gives you 100" (8.3') and slightly overlap panels.
Treated 2x4x9's ($8.27 each - Need 4 just for coop
Chicken Wire - (Wrap Cow Panel) - 36x150' = $69.99
Tarp 16'x20' = Cover Top of Coop = $31
Overall it should be about $200 or less

Basically, build a wooden box and keep the spacing 8'
and bend panel (which will give you a head clearance of 6.13')
Clip together (as in video) and use scrap 2x4's as roost bars.

For those interested, here is the spacing (arch bend) to head clearance for a 16' cow panel
14' = 3.5'
12' = 4.83'
10' = 5.63'
8' = 6.13'
6' = 6.63'

 

[Lilokieescorter]

The easiest for a person with limited construction skills is a hoop coop.

Is 4'x4' the total space for coop and run or just the coop?

I made a hoop coop & I'm fixingto make another

 

[crystallight87]

I am looking for ideas for a small easy to build preferable cheap coop for 3-6 bantams, The space I have is 4ft by 4ft at maximum It can only be 3ft by 4ft if it is not walk in.

I am thinking of turning a plastic play house in to a coop what are the pros and cons of doing that?

We made an A frame for our bantams, i think my bf just googled the instructions for it. It was fairly cheap and easy to build

 

[rosemarythyme]

We made an A frame for our bantams, i think my bf just googled the instructions for it. It was fairly cheap and easy to build

A-frames are sadly not ideal for the amount of floor space they take up, and OP is already working with a limited amount of space so really need to maximize every inch. Usually the coop section ends up being too small due to the fact that they sit up higher where the floor space gets pinched by the inward sloping sides, and the angling of sides also makes it harder to weatherproof them.

 

[Double Yolked]

I'm coming to this discussion really late, but, if you are in the UK, you may find this video informative

The lady who made it some years back had limited space as you do and needed to DIY and jury rig with recycled materials. Her coop is the inspiration for my first coop I built out of used fence boards. Hers was made out of an old desk.