How much does it cost to build a chicken coop is a bit like asking how long a piece of string is. Chicken coops come in a wide range of sizes and designs; from small, A-frame chicken tractors, designed to hold 3-4 chickens, which can be put together in a few hours for less than $100, to large, palatial structures designed to hold dozens of chickens, costing in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.
When figuring out how much it costs to build a chicken coop, a big factor is whether you buy one pre-made, or build it yourself. You can go online and buy premade chicken coops, or ready-to-assemble kits, in a variety of sizes and styles, with prices ranging from $150 to over $5,000. This broad range of cost is generally driven by the size of the coop, quality of building materials used, and by features like removable trays and adjustable windows.
If you are looking at the cost of building a do-it-yourself chicken coop, here are a few things to consider.
Size
It probably is obvious that the bigger the coop, the more money it will cost in materials. The optimal size of a chicken coop depends on how many chickens you have, and how large they are, and also how much space you have for the project. Bigger costs more.
Features
At minimum, a chicken coop needs to contain nesting boxes, and roosts for sleeping. But you may also want to add storage solutions for feed and cleaning supplies, temperature control for extreme heat or cold, an egg catcher, shutters for light and ventilation control… there are dozens of optional features that can make the coop more comfortable for the chickens, or more convenient for you. But of course, all that comfort and convenience comes at a price.
Materials
Some people build chicken coops out of reclaimed wood pallets, so their material cost is very low. Most people make their coops out of 2×4’s or 4×4’s and plywood or particle board, but some use PVC pipe, or tin sheets. While chicken coops can also use chicken wire to protect the enclosure, hardware cloth made of galvanized steel is more durable and secure from predators. Chicken coops can also be repurposed from materials previously used in garden sheds or garages, which is a good way to save money.
Furnishings
A chicken coop will need at least one feeder, and at least one source of water. It’s also common to add plants and décor to make it more charming. But some people add lighting, human seating, and even art. If you want to make a chicken coop that doubles as a living space, it’s possible, but expensive, to do so.
Additional costs for building a chicken coop
Before building a chicken coop, you should always check your city regulations. You may need to pay for a permit or license to keep chickens and may need to secure a building permit for a chicken coop above a certain size.
It’s important to also consider your own ability and the tools you have at hand. Building a chicken coop often requires the use of a drill, a circular saw, wood staples, and more sturdy designs call for mixing and pouring concrete. Use of these tools requires safety equipment like safety glasses. If you don’t have ready access to these tools, you may need to factor in the cost of renting them. If you are uncomfortable with your ability to safely use these tools, you should consider hiring a reputable handyman or contractor who can build the structure for you.
Consult chicken coop plans
For a good idea of what your coop will cost, review plans for chicken coops online. Many sites will give free coop plans, that will include a materials list and step-by-step instructions as well as time and cost estimates.
Even if you don’t use one of the published plans, reviewing them will help you better plan and assess the scope and cost of your own chicken coop project. If you want a larger chicken coop, it’s also worth looking at plans for storage sheds, and seeing if a shed building structure could be modified for you and for your chickens.
Keeping it within budget?
Essentially, the most basic of chicken coops are very simple structures that can be made by a relatively skilled person in a fairly short amount of time, for a very small investment. If you have more complex design, need a coop that will hold a large flock of chickens, or a coop that will house your chickens all year long, or need special customization, the cost will increase accordingly. If you don’t have the necessary tools or space in which to use the tools, you may need to factor in the cost of buying them, renting them, or hiring a professional to build a chicken coop for you.
Many experts advise starting small, with a flock of three chickens and a coop large enough to keep them healthy. That way you can decide if keeping chickens is right for you, and also learn over time what features you really want and need in a coop. As time goes on and your flock grows, you can begin to design, define, and save for the chicken coop of your dreams. In the meantime, look at plans online, find inspiration, do research, and evaluate how much space and money you can devote to keeping chickens.
Keeping chickens is a fun and rewarding hobby. Chickens make affectionate, charming pets, are fairly easy to take care of, and reward you and your family with eggs. If you want to spend the time and money to make a truly impressive chicken coop, with enough space, convenience, and features to keep your birds thriving for years to come, then plan carefully and have fun.
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