Photo and coop plan by Backyard Chickens member Trictle

8 DIY Cute and Functional Small Chicken Coop Plans

Raising chickens can be both fun and rewarding, plus you'll enjoy fresh eggs every morning. While chickens require minimal care and can even free-range, you'll need a coop to keep them safe from predators at night. If you have a small backyard and are working with limited space, raising chickens is still possible as long as you start with the right coop.

Whether you are a new chicken owner who needs to build a coop to start your backyard chicken flock, or you need a second small chicken coop so that you can add to your flock, these eight cute and functional small chicken coop plans can help you to get started. 

We even included a free plan for a portable chicken coop, also known as a chicken tractor.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Choosing the Right Coop

The small chicken coop designs on this list are designed to hold four to seven chickens (some only four, some up to seven). With coops this small, you will need to let your chicken's free-range a bit or provide a spacious outdoor chicken run so they aren't always "cooped up." If you plan to own more chickens, we'll have a future post on medium and large chicken coops.

Remember, a really good, functional chicken coop for your backyard hens is predator-proof with a chicken door and well ventilated; there is easy access to clean and collect fresh eggs, the right amount of coop space and roosting bar space, and there are enough nesting boxes, made of non-toxic materials, for the number of chickens you have. Read our backyard chicken coop checklist to really make sure you cover it all.

Here are some chicken home improvement ideas that each come with an extensive materials list and step-by-step instructions, so you can build your own chicken coop!

1. Tiny Cottage Coop for 2-3 Chickens

Best Small Chicken Coop Plan

Photo and coop plan by Backyard Chickens member Trictle

2. Super-Cute Small Chicken Coop Plan Based on Williams Sonoma Coop for 2-3 Chickens

Small Chicken Coop Plan

Photo and detailed coop plans: Ana-White.com

3. Modern and Mobile "Stagecoach" Chicken Tractor Plans ($) for 3-4 Chickens

Small Chicken Tractor Plans

Photo and plans from Chicken Mobile Stage Coach

READ MORE: Learn About the Moveable Chicken Coop

4. Tucked on the Garage DIY A-Frame Chicken Coop Plan for 4-5 Chickens

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Photo and chicken coop plans from Backyard Chickens member rpchris

5. Mini Coop for 5 Chickens (good urban chicken coop)

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Infographic from The Tangled Nest

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Image and coop plans: The Tangled Nest

6. Versatile Coop & Run for 4-5 Chickens

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Image and coop plans from Backyard Chickens member LittleFeat

7. Mini Barn Wooden Chicken Coop for 4-6 Chickens

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Photo and plans from Instructables member Robbtoberfest

8. Small Palace Chicken Coop Plan for 5-7 Chickens

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Photo and plans from Steamy Kitchen

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Another version of the Palace coop, photo from Morning Chores

Points for Style

We also like the following backyard chicken coops, but they don't have material lists or plans. There are some good hen house ideas here, but you'll have to "wing" it in building. In comparison, the good chicken coops listed above have much more detailed plans.

Check these three bonus coops and don't forget to add an outdoor run with protective chicken wire or hardware cloth.

When considering which coop is right for you, think about how it will be used on a daily basis. A simple chicken coop is affordable and easy to build, but some upgrades can make a coop much more effective. Nest boxes with lids that lift off can make egg collection easier, and access doors can make for easier cleaning, too.

Small Chicken Coop Plans

A modification of the Palace Coop (#8)? Photo: Backyard Chickens member 8MerryHens

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Dream Coop by Backyard Chickens member Consdrss

Small Chicken Coop Plans

Photo: Backyard Chickens member Bluebetweens

Do you have a favorite DIY chicken coop plan? Let us know in the comments below!

WATCH NOW: How to Have the Best Tasting Eggs from Your Backyard Chickens