Walk-in chicken coops are revolutionizing backyard poultry keeping. Nowadays, such coop ideas have become popular for hobby farmers. Why this? Because These spacious structures offer numerous benefits for both chickens and their keepers.
From classic barn styles to modern A-frame designs, walk-in coops come in various styles to suit any taste. Building a walk-in chicken coop requires careful planning and consideration. You’ll need to factor in space requirements, choose appropriate materials, and incorporate essential components like nesting boxes and roosts.
Want a clearer answer about walk in chicken coop? Let’s share every single detail about such kind of coop ideas along with building steps!
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15 Walk In Chicken Coop Designs
When it comes to walk-in chicken coops, the sky’s the limit for creative designs. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or looking for inspiration for a custom build, these 15 options are best!
1. The Classic Barn Style
Let’s kick things off with a timeless favorite.
Picture a miniature barn, complete with those iconic red walls and a white trim. It’s not just adorable – it’s practical too! The steep roof helps shed rain and snow, while the spacious interior gives you plenty of room to tend to your feathered friends.
Plus, who doesn’t love the rustic charm it adds to your backyard?
2. Modern A-Frame Wonder
For those who lean towards contemporary design, an A-frame coop is where it’s at. With its sleek lines and efficient use of space, it’s a real head-turner. The sloped sides make cleaning a breeze, and you can easily add windows for ventilation. It’s like a tiny chicken chalet!
3. Repurposed Shed Conversion
Got an old shed gathering dust? Give it new life as a chicken coop!
This option is great for upcycling enthusiasts. With some creative modifications – adding nesting boxes, roosts, and a secure run – you can transform that neglected space into a chicken paradise. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-friendly repurposed coop!
4. The Cottage Coop
Imagine a charming little cottage, but for chickens. We’re talking cute window boxes filled with flowers, a little porch, maybe even some gingerbread trim. It’s a whimsical option that’ll make your chickens feel like they’re living in a fairy tale. Your neighbors will be green with envy!
5. Mobile Chicken Tractor
For the chicken keeper who likes to shake things up, a mobile coop on wheels is the way to go. It allows you to move your flock to fresh pasture regularly, which means healthier chickens and a healthier lawn. Talk about a win-win!
6. The Greenhouse Combo
Why choose between a greenhouse and a chicken coop when you can have both?
This clever design combines a chicken coop with an attached greenhouse. The chickens provide natural fertilizer and pest control, while the greenhouse offers some extra warmth in winter. It’s like a little ecosystem in your backyard!
7. Upcycled Vehicle Coop
Got an old vehicle you’re not using? Whether it’s a vintage truck, a school bus, or even a boat, with some creative modifications, you can turn it into a truly unique chicken coop. It’s a conversation starter and a cozy home for your chickens all in one!
8. The Tower Coop
For those with limited ground space, think vertical! A multi-story tower coop maximizes your square footage while giving your chickens different levels to explore. It’s like a chicken high-rise!
9. The Hobbit Hole
Fancy a Lord of the Rings inspired coop? A rounded, earth-sheltered design not only looks magical but provides excellent insulation. Your chickens will feel like they’re living in the Shire!
`10. The Geodesic Dome
For the architecturally adventurous, a geodesic dome coop is both striking and functional. Its shape provides great strength with minimal materials, and it’s surprisingly spacious inside. Plus, it looks like something from the future!
11. The Saloon-Style Coop
Give your coop a Wild West makeover with swinging saloon doors, a false front, and maybe even a little water trough out front. It’s a fun theme that’ll make collecting eggs feel like stepping into an old Western.
12. The Treehouse Coop
If you have a sturdy tree in your yard, why not elevate your coop – literally? A treehouse-style coop keeps your chickens safe from ground predators and makes use of vertical space. Just make sure to include a ramp for easy access!
13. The Castle Coop
For chickens with regal aspirations, how about a miniature castle? Complete with turrets, a drawbridge, and maybe even a little moat (filled with sand for dust baths, of course). Your chickens will be laying golden eggs in no time!
14. The Eco-Friendly Green Roof Coop
Combine functionality with sustainability by adding a green roof to your coop. Plant it with sedum or other low-maintenance plants to provide extra insulation and absorb rainwater. It’s great for the environment and looks pretty cool too!
15. The Convertible Coop
Last but not least, consider a coop with a convertible roof. This design allows you to open up the top on nice days for extra ventilation and sunlight, then close it up when the weather turns nasty.
How to Build Walk-In Chicken Coop
Ready to build your dream walk-in chicken coop? You’re in for a fun and rewarding project! Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of creating the perfect home for your feathered friends.
Planning Your Walk-In Chicken Coop
First things first, let’s talk about planning.
This is where the magic begins! Start by considering how many chickens you’ll be housing. A good rule of thumb is about 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 10 square feet per chicken in the run.
So, if you’re planning on a flock of 6 chickens, you’re looking at a coop that’s at least 24 square feet with a 60-square-foot run.
Think About Location
You want a spot that’s well-drained and gets some shade during the day. Remember, chickens aren’t fans of extreme heat or cold. Also, consider the convenience factor for you – you’ll be visiting this coop daily, so make sure it’s easily accessible.
Don’t forget to check local zoning laws and HOA regulations. The last thing you want is to build a beautiful coop only to find out it’s not allowed!
Building Materials
Now, onto the fun part – shopping for materials!
Wood is the most common choice for chicken coops. Cedar is great because it’s naturally rot-resistant, but it can be pricey. Pine is a more budget-friendly option, just make sure to treat it to protect against moisture.
For the roof, consider corrugated metal or asphalt shingles. They’re durable and will keep your chickens dry.
For the floor, you could go with –
- Concrete (great for predator-proofing but can be cold)
- Wooden slats (allows droppings to fall through)
- Packed earth covered with sand or straw (comfortable for chickens but requires more cleaning).
Don’t forget hardware cloth for windows and vents – it’s sturdier than chicken wire and will keep predators out. And speaking of predators, invest in good-quality latches for your doors. Raccoons are surprisingly clever!
Essential Components of a Walk-In Chicken Coop
Alright, let’s talk about the must-haves in your coop. First up, nesting boxes. Plan for one box per 3-4 hens. They don’t have to be fancy – a wooden box about 12x12x12 inches will do the trick.
Next, roosts. Your chickens need a place to sleep, and they prefer to be up high. Provide about 8-10 inches of roost space per chicken. A 2×4 board with a 4-inch side facing up makes a comfy perch.
Ventilation is crucial. Chickens produce a lot of moisture when they breathe, and good airflow helps prevent respiratory issues. Add windows or vents near the roof, but make sure they’re not creating drafts on your chickens.
Don’t forget about lighting. Chickens need about 14-16 hours of light per day to lay eggs consistently. If you live somewhere with short winter days, you might want to add some artificial lighting.
Security Measures
Now, let’s talk about keeping your chickens safe. Predators are a real concern, whether you live in the country or the suburbs. Your coop should be like Fort Knox for chickens!
Start with a solid foundation. If you’re not using concrete, consider burying hardware cloth around the perimeter of your coop to prevent digging predators.
For the walls and roof, make sure there are no gaps or weak spots. Use strong wire mesh on windows and vents – remember, raccoons can tear through chicken wire like it’s tissue paper.
Doors are a potential weak point, so invest in predator-proof locks. A carabiner clip or a sliding bolt latch works well. For extra peace of mind, consider an automatic coop door that closes at dusk and opens at dawn.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Let’s face it, chickens are messy. But with some smart design choices, you can make cleaning your coop a breeze.
Consider a dropping board under the roosts. This catches most of the night-time poop, making daily clean-up quick and easy. Just scrape it off each morning.
For bedding, many chicken keepers swear by the deep litter method. This involves adding fresh bedding (like wood shavings or straw) on top of the old. The bedding composts in place, and you only need to clean it out a few times a year.
Make sure you can easily access all parts of the coop for cleaning. Removable roosts and nesting boxes can be super helpful. And don’t forget to plan for good drainage if you’ll be hosing out the coop.
Enhancing Comfort for Your Chickens
Happy chickens are productive chickens, so let’s talk about some comfort upgrades.
A dust bathing area is a must. Chickens love to roll around in dirt or sand to keep clean and parasite-free. If your run doesn’t have a natural dusty spot, provide a shallow box filled with sand or dirt.
In hot weather, shade is crucial. If your run doesn’t have natural shade, consider adding a shade cloth or a small shelter.
Chickens get bored easily, so provide some entertainment. A xylophone made of PVC pipes, a cabbage tetherball, or even a mirror can keep them amused.
Cost Considerations
Now, let’s talk money. The cost of building a walk-in chicken coop can vary widely depending on size, materials, and how much work you’re willing to do yourself.
For a ballpark figure, let’s say we’re building a 6×8 foot coop with a 10×12 foot run for 6 chickens. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Lumber (including framing, siding, and roofing): $500-$700
- Hardware (nails, screws, hinges, latches): $100-$150
- Roofing materials: $150-$200
- Hardware cloth and chicken wire: $100-$150
- Nesting boxes and roosts: $50-$100 (if building yourself)
- Miscellaneous (paint, caulk, etc.): $100-$150
Total estimated cost: $1000-$1450
Keep in mind that this is for a pretty basic setup. If you want to add automatic doors, fancy nest boxes, or solar-powered lights, your costs will go up.
On the flip side, if you’re handy and can repurpose materials, you could potentially cut these costs significantly.
Anyway, have a look at the given video of walk in chicken coop!
FAQs
Still have questions to build and to pick the right coop design? This question-and-answer section has some more to share!
Final Word
Walk-in chicken coops are a fantastic mix of practicality and flair for those who love keeping chickens in their backyards. There are so many design choices available, and you can easily customize your coop.
Investing in a sturdy walk-in coop is a smart move for both your flock’s well-being and your ease as a chicken owner. Whether you opt for a traditional barn design or a trendy eco-friendly green roof, you have it here! So, pick the one you love to build for your flocks!
