Build Your Own Chicken Coop with Pallet Wood: Free Plans and Tips

Introduction

Raising your own chickens and having a fresh supply of eggs and meat is becoming increasingly popular, especially with more people moving towards self-sustainability. However, buying a ready-made chicken coop can be expensive. In this article, we will show you how to build your own chicken coop using pallet wood, which can be sourced for free from various places.

Why Pallet Wood?

Pallets are often made of sturdy and durable wood such as pine, oak or poplar, making them an excellent choice for building chicken coops. As they are typically discarded after use, they can be sourced for free from supermarkets, factories, and other businesses, reducing the overall cost of your project.

Choosing Your Pallets

Not all pallets are suitable for building chicken coops. Look for pallets that are clean and free from chemical treatments, as these can be harmful to your chickens. Avoid pallets made from pressure-treated wood or those with nails that cannot be easily removed.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Pallets (around 4-6, depending on the size of your coop)
• Circular saw or handsaw
• Hammer
• Nails
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Drill
• Screws
• Wire mesh
• Hinges
• Latch

Building the Coop

Before you start building your coop, make sure you have enough space for your chickens to move around comfortably. Aim for a minimum of 4 square feet per chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Pallets

Use your circular saw or handsaw to cut the pallets to size for the walls, roof, and floor of the coop. Make sure the pallets are similar in size so that they fit together neatly. Remove any nails that are sticking out and trim any rough edges.

Step 2: Build the Frame

Using nails, hammer together the pallets to create the frame of the coop. Start with the walls and attach them to the floor. Then, add the roof, making sure it's secure. You may need to reinforce the frame with additional lumber if you have any large gaps.

Step 3: Add the Door and Windows

Using your drill, create a hole in one of the walls to serve as the door. Attach hinges and a latch to keep the door securely shut. For the windows, cut out open spaces in the walls and attach wire mesh to keep out predators.

Step 4: Install the Perch

Chickens need a place to roost, so installing a perch is essential. You can make one out of a sturdy tree branch or use a 2x4 piece of lumber and attach it to the frame of the coop. Make sure it's about 2-3 feet off the ground and has enough space for all your chickens to rest on.

Finishing Touches

Once you've built the basic structure of the coop, you can add some finishing touches to make it more comfortable for your chickens. Use additional pallet wood to create nesting boxes and line the floor with straw or sawdust. You can also build a small run attached to the coop to give your chickens space to exercise.

Conclusion

Building your own chicken coop with pallet wood is an inexpensive and rewarding DIY project for homesteaders. By following our free plans and tips, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your chickens to thrive in. Happy building!