10 Pallet Chicken Coop Ideas & Plans - Get Inspiration For Your Next Build (2024)

Building a chicken coop out of pallets is an easy, affordable option even for a novice DIYer. Plus, since you are recycling the pallets, it is also an eco-friendly choice.

The pallets can be used in the foundation and supporting structures of the building. They can also be a huge timesaver when putting your chicken coop together from scratch.

To help you get started, we have put together a list of the best pallet chicken coop plans.

10 Ideas To Build A Chicken Coop From Pallets

Want to build a chicken coop out of pallets and other cheap supplies? Check out some easy pallet chicken coop plans anyone can build.

1. Pallet Chicken Coop With Shingles

This post in Instructables teaches you how you can build a chicken coop using 8 pallets, several 2x4s and 4x4s, some weatherproof plywood, 3 bundles of cedar shakes, a roll of tar paper, and a couple of rolls of chicken wire.

While there are no “plans” with diagrams, the builder lists their supplies out in full and gives detailed step-by-step instructions.

The Design

The design uses two pallets to create the floor, raised on cinder blocks with a two by four to make it level. For the walls, there are two pallets in front and back, with a single pallet on each end.

The front two pallets are hung from a roof beam so they open completely.

Basic Features:

• Simple design using 8 pallets
• Base measures a little bit more than 38” x 70”

Tips for the Pallet Chicken Coop With Shingles

The builder suggests that you back-bury the fence if there are predators in your area.

Best For:

If you want a weather-resistant chicken coop that is quick and easy to build with simple supplies, this project may be worth a try.

That said, it is not the most secure plan (the builder had issues with predators).

2. A Ranch Mom DIY Pallet Chicken Coop

This design comes from the blog A Ranch Mom. The author, Kay, built it out of three pallets and a number of reclaimed 1x4s.

If like her, you have some old boards lying around that you could upcycle, you might like to follow along with her design and try to replicate it.

Basic Features:

• 3 pallets, reinforced with 24 8-foot reclaimed boards
• Plastic clear roofing
• Room for 9 chickens

Tips for the Ranch Mom DIY Pallet Chicken Coop

There are no exact instructions on the post, but if you read along carefully and check out the photos, you can see most of what she did to build the walls and the entrance.

She also talks about using clear roofing to add light in the coop since it didn’t have windows. It should not be too hard to build your own.

Best For:

The author mentions that she bought 9 chickens, so presumably, this design can support that many.

3. Summers Acres Pallet Chicken Coop

If you want to build a relatively large chicken coop using pallets, you can try following the instructions for the Summers Acres Pallet Chicken Coop.

Like most of the other entries in this list, this one does not include a detailed layout blueprint with measurements, but the author lists the measurements and supplies along with step-by-step instructions.

Basic Features:

• 4’ x 8’ footprint
• Walk-in design

Tips for the Summers Acres Pallet Chicken Coop

The author advises the use of a reciprocating saw for tearing down pallets. You may find this helpful regardless of whether you build this coop or another on this list.

Other lessons learned from the build?

• Create a larger door if you plan on having roosters
• Make it big enough to walk inside
• Always plan for adding more chickens than you start with

Best For:

If you want a walk-in chicken coop, this project may be ideal for your needs.

4. Roots & Wings Furniture LLC DIY Pallet Coop

If you want a compact pallet coop that is easy to build, this design from Roots & Wings Furniture LLC might fit the bill. The builder has included a full set of instructions, though as usual, no blueprint with measurements written on it.

Basic Features:

• Compact design
• Homey look

Tips for the Roots & Wings Furniture LLC DIY Pallet Coop

This builder also urges the use of a reciprocal saw but says that if you do not have one, you can get away with a circular saw.

You can use tin or plastic for the roof. Plastic is the way to go if you are worried about cutting your fingers.

Best For:

Use this plan if you want to build a cute, homey-looking little coop for your chickens. With its compact design, it can sit in a narrow lot, so it is perfect for suburban yards.

5. Heather’s Chicken Coop Made from Recycled Wood Pallets

Heather, the designer, and builder of this chicken coop pallet did the entire project on her own with no prior building experience. She also had no plan, and just figured out the details as she worked.

The directions are not as detailed as we would like, but the photos make it pretty easy to follow what she did.

Basic Features:

• Suitable for 4 chickens
• Pallets created the frame
• Set up on cinder blocks
• A donated window adds light

Inside the coop, nesting boxes are created from milk crates and green saplings were used for the roosting perches.

As a finishing touch, she mounted a window box with a few hanging plants and a big hosta out front. She notes that her chickens love the hosta!

Tips for the Heather’s Chicken Coop Made from Recycled Wood Pallets

While metal or wood could be used for the chicken run posts, the builder suggests going with metal so that they will not rot.

Best For:

Even without detailed directions, we would say this is an approachable project for a beginner.

The finished result is aesthetically pleasing, and the builder took care to protect the chickens from predators with the design.

6. A Vision to Remember Pallet Coop

Need to build a larger chicken coop?

The blogger who shared the Vision to Remember Pallet Coop said her family built this coop to house 14 chickens. They used it to replace a store-bought one that only fit 4-6 chickens.

So, if you have a dozen or more chickens, this design might work for you.

Basic Features:

• Suitable for 14 chickens
• Includes a chicken door and ramp
• A vent on top plus a window adds ventilation
• The nesting box door latch is a piano hinge
• Painted with barn paint from Home Depot that is animal friendly

Tips for the A Vision to Remember Pallet Coop

Large, heavy pallets are used for this project. So, you will probably find it easier to manage if you have a second person working with you.

Best For:

If you want a large, attractive coop that is raised off the ground with a run underneath, this chicken coop is a great choice.

7. Recycled Pallet A-Frame Chicken Coop

For something a little different, consider this chicken coop design that uses just three pallets. While the site does not offer detailed instructions, replicating the design should be easy given its simplicity.

Basic Features:

• There is a shelf in place of a nesting box
• A-frame design

Tips for the Recycled Pallet A-Frame Chicken Coop

Consider adding doors on both sides to make it easy to clean the interior.

Best For:

If you favor an A-frame design for a chicken coop, this is a great way to build it out of old pallets.

8. Morning Chores (Practically) Free Chicken Coop

Some of the best-organized instructions we have found for a chicken coop build are located at Morning Chores.

The materials and tools are listed clearly, and the blogger has provided a simple 8-step process you can follow to build your own cost-effective chicken coop.

Basic Features:

• Adaptable size
• Rustic look and feel

Tips for the Morning Chores (Practically) Free Chicken Coop

Since there are no stated dimensions for this project (see below), the builder mentions specifically that it helps if you at least choose pallets that match in size.

Best For:

If you have a fenced-in yard and no problems with predators, this is a great simple design.

The builder did not provide specific measurements for this project at all. The idea is that it should be easy to size up or down as needed for the number of chickens you have.

9. Budget Coop Scoop Pallet Coop

One of the most detailed sets of instructions we have found for constructing a pallet chicken coop is this one posted at Community Chickens.

This is a project that allows you to build a big coop with a division for keeping two different types of chicken separate from each other.

Basic Features:

• Roomy enough for up to 24 chickens

Tips for the Budget Coop Scoop Pallet Coop

When you set up the cinder blocks and place the floor pallets on top of them, make sure that the blocks are covered entirely. If you do this, the rain will not get on them. If they stay dry, the bottoms of the pallets will too (this tip is applicable to other projects in this list as well).

The author also gives some great advice about using pallets. And tells folks not to worry about the rumors about pallets being treated with chemicals. He said those are normally painted with bright colors and re-used at the factory since they are expensive.

The pallets to use for your chicken coop that are donated or given freely from local retail stores are just fine.

Most pallets are unpainted and have been heat-treated to kill bugs (look for “HT” stamped on the pallet if you’re concerned).

Frank Hyman

Best For:

If you want to keep a lot of chickens, this is the project for you!

10. Pallet Palace

Looking for another set of plans to build a very large chicken coop? You will love the beautiful red and white chicken coop made of pallets by user jjamerb on BackYard Chickens.

Basic Features:

• Back wall – 8 pallets = 8′ x 16″
• Side walls – 4 pallets = 8′ x 8′
• Front wall – 6 pallets = 8′ x 16′
• Up to 18 nesting boxes

Tips for the Pallet Palace

The builder emphasizes that it is vital that you figure out where to put the windows before you build the interior walls, and that you cut and frame them at that time.

Best For:

Those wanting to house many chickens in a huge walk-in coop complete with a run will find these plans very useful.

Pros & Cons of Building a Chicken Coop From Pallets

The Advantages of Using Pallets

• You can probably find free pallets somewhere nearby. Costs are low for a pallet chicken coop project.
• By using pallets and other reclaimed materials, you are reducing your eco footprint.
• Pallets are, in a way, prefab components. You have less construction to do when you use them.
• Wood pallets are sturdy and can stand the test of time.

Drawbacks

• The rough texture of wood pallets makes them susceptible to stains. It is hard to keep them clean.
• You need to watch out for wood rot and mold.

Is a Pallet Chicken Coop Right for You?

If you want to save money and build a strong, eco-friendly chicken coop the fast and easy way, then yes, building a pallet chicken coop could be perfect for your needs.

Pallet Chicken Coop Design Tips

• Use as many reclaimed materials as you can to save money—but make sure they are sturdy.
• Feel free to size plans up or down. Doing so is usually pretty easy.
• If the pallets will be outward facing, take time to clean them up, removing any protruding nails and sanding down rough spots.
• Be mindful of predators in your area, and bury chicken wire in the ground if you need to in order to keep your chickens safe.
• You will find building a pallet chicken coop easiest with the right tools. A reciprocal saw goes a long way.

Pallet Chicken Coop Plans Make It Fast, Easy and Affordable to Build Your Own Coop

Now you know more about the pros and cons of pallet chicken coops, and you have some simple pallet chicken coop plans that you can use to build your own DIY coop.

Have fun providing your chickens with a safe and cozy new home.