Evytor Daily

DIY Chicken Coop: Building the Perfect Home for Your Urban Flock

By Evytor Daily•August 6, 2025•Homesteading

DIY Chicken Coop: Building the Perfect Home for Your Urban Flock


So, you're thinking about raising chickens in your backyard? 🐔 Fantastic! Fresh eggs, natural pest control, and endless entertainment await. But before those fluffy butts arrive, you need a safe and comfortable home: a chicken coop. This guide walks you through building your own DIY chicken coop, perfect for an urban setting. Let's get clucking! ✅


Planning Your Coop: Size and Location


Size matters! 📏 A general rule is 4 square feet of coop space per chicken and 8-10 square feet of run space. Consider the number of chickens you plan to keep. For example, a coop for 4 chickens should be at least 16 square feet. Think ahead – you might want to expand your flock later!


Location, location, location! ☀️ Choose a spot in your yard that's relatively flat, well-drained, and offers both sun and shade. Avoid low-lying areas that could become waterlogged. Proximity to your house is convenient, but consider potential noise and odor. Check local ordinances regarding backyard chickens before starting!


Gathering Your Materials and Tools


Here's a basic list of materials you'll likely need:


  • Lumber: Pressure-treated for the base, untreated for the rest.
  • Plywood or OSB: For walls and roof.
  • Hardware cloth: To enclose the run and prevent predators.
  • Roofing material: Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or even reclaimed materials.
  • Nails, screws, and staples: Galvanized for weather resistance.
  • Hinges and latches: For doors and nesting boxes.
  • Chicken wire: An additional layer of protection for the run.

Essential tools include:



Building the Coop: Step-by-Step


  1. Build the base: Construct a rectangular frame using pressure-treated lumber. Ensure it's level and square.
  2. Frame the walls: Build the wall frames using 2x4 lumber. Include openings for the door, windows (if desired), and nesting boxes.
  3. Attach the walls to the base: Secure the wall frames to the base using screws.
  4. Sheath the walls: Cover the wall frames with plywood or OSB.
  5. Build the roof: Decide on a roof style (gable, shed, or flat). Frame the roof and cover it with roofing material. Ensure proper overhang to protect the walls.
  6. Build the run: Enclose the run area with hardware cloth, burying it at least 12 inches deep to prevent predators from digging under.
  7. Install the door and nesting boxes: Hang the door using hinges and install a secure latch. Build or purchase nesting boxes (one for every 3-4 hens) and place them inside the coop.
  8. Add roosts: Chickens need a place to roost. Provide sturdy roosting bars inside the coop.

Finishing Touches and Chicken-Friendly Features


Now, let's make it a 5-star chicken hotel! 🌟


  • Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and ammonia odors. Add vents near the roofline.
  • Bedding: Use straw, wood shavings, or shredded paper as bedding. Clean the coop regularly (at least weekly).
  • Food and water: Provide easy access to fresh food and water inside the coop and run.
  • Dust bath area: Chickens need to dust bathe to keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. Provide a designated dust bath area in the run.
  • Decoration: Add some personality to your coop with paint, decorations, or even a chicken swing! 💡

Going Further: Pro-Tips for a Happy Flock


  • Consider an automatic chicken coop door. It opens and closes automatically based on a timer or light sensor.
  • Install a solar-powered light inside the coop to encourage egg laying during the winter months.
  • Plant chicken-friendly herbs and flowers around the coop and run.
  • Join a local chicken-keeping group for advice and support.
  • Regularly check your chickens for signs of illness and consult a veterinarian if needed.

Building your own DIY chicken coop is a rewarding project that provides a safe and comfortable home for your urban flock. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a little elbow grease, you can create a coop that meets the needs of your chickens and enhances your backyard. Happy building, and even happier chicken keeping! 🎉 Now that you've read through this guide, what features are you most excited to incorporate into your own coop?


A brightly lit, wide-angle photograph of a newly built chicken coop in an urban backyard. The coop is well-designed, clean, and functional, with chickens happily pecking around the run. Include elements of a typical urban garden in the background, like raised beds and fruit trees. The overall tone is cheerful and inviting, emphasizing the joy of urban homesteading.