8 DIY Cute and Functional Small Chicken Coop Plans

Raising chickens can be both fun and rewarding, plus you'll enjoy fresh eggs every morning. While chickens require minimal care and can even free-range, you'll need a coop to keep them safe from predators at night. If you have a small backyard and are working with limited space, raising chickens is still possible as long as you start with the right coop.

Whether you are a new chicken owner who needs to build a coop to start your backyard chicken flock, or you need a second small chicken coop so that you can add to your flock, these eight cute and functional small chicken coop plans can help you to get started. 

We even included a free plan for a portable chicken coop, also known as a chicken tractor.

Choosing the Right Coop

The small chicken coop designs on this list are designed to hold four to seven chickens (some only four, some up to seven). With coops this small, you will need to let your chicken's free-range a bit or provide a spacious outdoor chicken run so they aren't always "cooped up." If you plan to own more chickens, we'll have a future post on medium and large chicken coops.

Remember, a really good, functional chicken coop for your backyard hens is predator-proof with a chicken door and well ventilated; there is easy access to clean and collect fresh eggs, the right amount of coop space and roosting bar space, and there are enough nesting boxes, made of non-toxic materials, for the number of chickens you have. Read our backyard chicken coop checklist to really make sure you cover it all.

Here are some chicken home improvement ideas that each come with an extensive materials list and step-by-step instructions, so you can build your own chicken coop!

1. Tiny Cottage Coop for 2-3 Chickens

2. Super-Cute Small Chicken Coop Plan Based on Williams Sonoma Coop for 2-3 Chickens

3. Modern and Mobile "Stagecoach" Chicken Tractor Plans ($) for 3-4 Chickens

READ MORE: Learn About the Moveable Chicken Coop

4. Tucked on the Garage DIY A-Frame Chicken Coop Plan for 4-5 Chickens

5. Mini Coop for 5 Chickens (good urban chicken coop)

6. Versatile Coop & Run for 4-5 Chickens

7. Mini Barn Wooden Chicken Coop for 4-6 Chickens

8. Small Palace Chicken Coop Plan for 5-7 Chickens

Points for Style

We also like the following backyard chicken coops, but they don't have material lists or plans. There are some good hen house ideas here, but you'll have to "wing" it in building. In comparison, the good chicken coops listed above have much more detailed plans.

Check these three bonus coops and don't forget to add an outdoor run with protective chicken wire or hardware cloth.

When considering which coop is right for you, think about how it will be used on a daily basis. A simple chicken coop is affordable and easy to build, but some upgrades can make a coop much more effective. Nest boxes with lids that lift off can make egg collection easier, and access doors can make for easier cleaning, too.

Do you have a favorite DIY chicken coop plan? Let us know in the comments below!

WATCH NOW: How to Have the Best Tasting Eggs from Your Backyard Chickens