Building a chicken coop is a rewarding project, and if you’re an inexperienced builder, there are plenty of helpful plans to guide you. If you’re planning for 6-8 chickens, a small to medium-sized coop should offer plenty of space for your girls to roam.
Here are five chicken coop plans for 6 to 8 chickens to help you get started. Plus, we’ll compare these with Tractor Supply’s most popular coop.
Small Chicken Coop Plans for 6 to 8 Chickens
The following plans are perfect for up to eight chickens depending on their size.
1. Chicken Coop Plans – CoopExpert (Etsy)
The Chicken Coop Plans from Etsy’s CoopExpert is a best-seller, and it’s easy to see why. The design is simple but functional and beautiful. It’s just the right size for 6 to 8 chickens, and it won’t take up too much space in your yard.
Here’s a quick rundown of this plan’s specs and the coop’s features.
Coop Specs
- Dimensions: 5’ W x 6’ D x 6’11” H
- Interior Height: 5’ at peak
- Interior Space: 24 square feet
Coop Features
- 5 large nesting boxes
- 3 roost rails
- Hinged lid for egg gathering
- Large front door for easy access
- 2 Window
What Does the Plan Include?
- 30 pages
- CAD drawings with 3D diagrams
- Step-by-step instructions
- Materials & Tools list
- Printer-friendly design
CoopExpert estimates the build cost to be $900-$1200 on average. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee with this plan, so if you’re not happy with the outcome, you can request a refund.
CoopExpert offers free email support, so if you’re confused about the plans or having trouble following them, you can get free guidance and support.
2. The Garden Coop – TheGardenCoop (Etsy)
The GardenCoop’s plan of the same name features a walk-in design and a spacious run. The plans are designed to serve as a solid foundation, so you can make adjustments and add features quickly and easily.
Coop Specs
- Dimensions: 10’ W x 6’ D x 8’ H
- Henhouse: 15 square feet
- Run: 50 square feet
Coop Features
- Double nest box
- A couple roosts
- Walk-in design with a full-size door
- Spacious run
- 360-degree protection from predators
- “Open” roof design
The coop is made primarily from:
- Lumber
- Polycarbonate roofing
- Hardware cloth
- Siding of your choice
TheGardenCoop estimates that the materials should cost $900-$1,050, depending on your location. It should take about 2-3 weekends to build this coop if you’re working alone.
What Does the Plan Include?
- 45 pages with step-by-step instructions
- Diagrams
- Measurements & Cut lists
- Materials & Tools list
- Construction tips
The seller offers email support, so if you’re having trouble at any point during your build, you can reach out for help. The coop uses simple tools that you probably have on hand or can borrow from a friend.
3. Shed Chicken Coop – Ana White
Looking for a free chicken coop plan? Look no further than Ana White’s Shed Chicken Coop. With its sloping roof and full-size door, this coop will look great in your backyard.
It comes together quickly, too, especially if you have some friends to help out.
Coop Specs
- Dimensions: 98 ¾” W x 51” D x 96” H
- Approximately 34 square feet.
Coop Features
- Nest box
- Window for ventilation
- Full-size front door
- Sloping roof design
The Shed Chicken Coop only requires simple tools to build. While the plans call for 2x4s, you can get away with using 2x3s to cut back on costs a little without affecting the coop’s structural integrity.
At approximately 4 feet wide by 8 feet, the design will house 8 laying hens comfortably.
These plans are relatively easy to follow, but they may be challenging if you’re a beginner.
4. My Mid Life Crisis Coop
This chicken coop is a bit different from the other plans on our list. There are no formal plans, per say, but the creator of this coop, Todd, goes through his process to explain how he built this oh-so-fancy home for his chickens.
Coop Specs and Features
- Dimensions: 6′ x 8′
- Height of roof tower peaks: 14’
- Run: 8’W x 14’L x 7’H
- Vinyl siding
- Nest box
- Several roosting poles
Affectionately called the “Taj-Mahal” chicken coops by the builder and his friends, it was a labor of love. The plan was created to house 8 to 12 Silkies. Since the Batam breed is smaller, they used a guideline of 2 square feet per bird, instead of four.
Todd goes over his list of materials and costs. In 2010, it cost him about $550 to bring this project to life. The cost today will likely be much higher.
5. Easy Chicken Coop Plans
This Easy Chicken Coop plan truly is easy, and this is another free plan that offers step-by-step instructions. There is also a premium version of the plan that is incredibly affordable (less than $8), but it includes a plan for a connecting chicken run.
Coop Specs and Features
- 4×8 Chicken Coop
- Gable Roof
- Large Access Door
- Plenty of Ventilation
- Room for Nesting Boxes
The free version is still a great option, though. The plans include a detailed shopping list of everything you’ll need to build this coop. You’ll also find a helpful tools list. You don’t need anything out of the ordinary to bring these plans to life.
The plans include 3D diagrams with measurements and written instructions. The free version of the plan has only four steps, sufficient for an experienced builder. The premium version includes additional step-by-step instructions, with 3D diagrams, and is printer-friendly.
MyOutdoorPlans.com says that it takes about a day to build this coop. If you’re experienced or have some help, it may come together that quickly. However, you can expect to spend more time if you’re inexperienced or building this alone.
Tractor Supply’s Best-Selling Coop for 6-8 Hens
Tractor Supply’s best-selling coop – the Superior Construction Chicken Coop – features:
Coop Specs and Features
- Run Dimensions: 72” L x 42.25” W
- Solid wood construction
- Three internal nesting boxes; a rear nesting box door
- 2 internal and 1 external roosting bar
- Ventilation in the rear
This coop has a durable plastic roof and a tall cleaning tray for easy cleaning, and a deeper bedding layer.
The Superior Construction Chicken Coop has a simple but attractive design. The wood comes unstained, so you can paint it or stain it as you please.
Pros of This Coop
- Everything you need is included in the building kit – no guesswork
- Plenty of nesting boxes and roosting bars
- Ventilation is built-in
- Easy to clean
Cons of This Coop
- The henhouse is smaller than other plans on our list and will hold about six chickens. We’d suggest an added run or to free-range the chickens during the day.
Overall, the cost of this coop is likely lower than other plans on this list, but if you want a more unique coop or a bigger henhouse, you may be better off using one of the plans above. For convenience and ease of building, this coop can’t be beat.
Summary
Choosing a chicken coop plan is a personal decision. As long as there’s enough room for your chickens to live comfortably (with plenty of ventilation), you’re free to get as creative as you want with your designs.
These five plans can help you get started, or you can choose the coop kit from Tractor Supply if you want a simpler solution.