Raising your own chickens has never been more popular, and for good reason. Aside from the joy of watching your feathered friends roam freely in your backyard, a DIY chicken coop gives you access to fresh, organic eggs and a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune. With a little ingenuity and less than $100, you can build a fully-functional chicken coop that your chickens will love.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from planning your coop to caring for your hens and saving big. Whether you’re an experienced homesteader or a beginner looking to dip your toes into raising chickens, you’re in the right place.

✅ 👉 Start Building Your Coop Today

Why Build Your Own Chicken Coop?

Before we dig into the steps, let’s quickly explore the benefits of building your own chicken coop. Here’s why this project is worth your time:

1. Cost Savings

Store-bought coops can cost upward of $300, and that’s not even accounting for additional setup or modifications. Building your own coop for under $100 means keeping more money in your pocket while still giving your chickens a cozy, safe space.

2. Fresh Eggs

There’s nothing quite like cracking open an egg laid fresh that morning. When you raise your own chickens, you control what they eat, ensuring higher-quality and nutrient-packed eggs for your family.

3. Healthier Lifestyle

Feeding your chickens organic, all-natural food lets you avoid the chemicals and additives often found in factory farming products. Plus, caring for chickens gets you outdoors, which is great for your physical and mental well-being.

Planning Your Chicken Coop

1. Size Matters

A good rule of thumb is to allow about 4 to 5 square feet of indoor space per chicken. For a small flock of 5 chickens, aim for at least 20 square feet. Factor in additional space for a small outdoor run.

2. Pick the Perfect Spot

Choose a location in your yard that gets some shade and has good drainage. Too much sunlight can overheat your chickens, while poor drainage can lead to muddy and unhealthy conditions.

3. Affordable Materials

To keep your costs under $100, focus on reclaimed or budget materials:

• Wood: Look for reclaimed pallets or scrap wood from local hardware stores.
• Chicken Wire: Essential for keeping predators out while allowing ventilation.
• Roofing Materials: Use leftover shingles or metal sheets to waterproof your coop.
• Basic hardware like nails, screws, and hinges.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Coop

Grab your tools and follow these steps to create your chicken coop in just an afternoon:

Step 1: Gather Affordable Materials

Start by collecting all the materials you’ll need. Check local thrift shops, Facebook Marketplace, or friends’ garages for free or cheap supplies.

Step 2: Build the Frame

Using scrap wood, create a rectangular frame that will serve as your coop’s foundation. Ensure it’s sturdy and stable.

Step 3: Enclose the Coop with Chicken Wire

Securely attach chicken wire around the frame to create the coop’s walls. Ensure there are no gaps where predators could sneak through.

Step 4: Add a Door

Build a simple wooden door with a latch that allows you to easily access the coop for cleaning and egg collection.

Step 5: Add a Roof

Cover the top of your coop with waterproof material, such as metal sheeting or old shingles. This ensures your chickens are safe from rain and excessive sunlight.

Step 6: Create Nesting Boxes

Fashion nesting boxes out of leftover wood for your hens to lay eggs. A simple design works fine—think shoebox-sized compartments placed inside the coop.

Step 7: Elevate the Coop

To improve ventilation and keep pests at bay, raise the coop off the ground using wooden blocks or bricks.

That’s it! With just a little effort, you’ve got yourself a functional, affordable chicken coop.

✅ 👉 Start Building Your Coop Today

Caring for Your Chickens

Once your coop is up, keeping your chickens safe, happy, and productive is easy:

1. Daily Care

Spend 10 minutes every morning checking their food, water, and nesting boxes. Clean up waste weekly to prevent odor or health issues.

2. DIY Organic Feed

Save on feed costs by making your own natural, organic chicken feed. Combine grains, seeds, and kitchen scraps for a nutritious mix that helps boost egg production.

3. Egg Production Tips

Maximize egg output by providing proper nutrition, clean water, and a stress-free environment. Also, ensure your hens get enough sunlight and calcium supplements.

Additional Benefits of a DIY Chicken Coop

1. Save on Groceries

With your flock producing fresh eggs daily, you’ll spend far less at the store. Bonus: the eggs taste better, too!

2. Reduce Feed Costs

By following tips like making your own feed or allowing your chickens to forage, you can reduce feed costs by up to 50% (or more!).

3. Earn Extra Income

If your hens are prolific layers, you may even produce more eggs than you can eat! Sell surplus eggs to neighbors or at farmer’s markets for some extra cash.

Start Building Your Coop Today

Creating your own chicken coop for under $100 is achievable, rewarding, and a step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Not only will you enjoy consistent access to fresh eggs, but you’ll also save money and gain the satisfaction of completing a DIY project that serves your family for years to come.

Ready to take the plunge? Head to TheEggsFactory.com to get more resources, including free blueprints and bonus guides. We’ll help you build your dream coop and take the first step toward fresh eggs and a healthier life.

Happy building!