Chicken Pen Plans

This step by step diy project is about chicken pen plans. I have designed this simple to build chicken pen so you can keep the hens outside in the sun and with natural grass at their feet. The structure for the chicken pen is made mainly from 2×4 lumber. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Building-a-chicken-pen

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A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 120″ long, 2 pieces – 96″ long SKIDS
B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 120″ long, 6 pieces – 81″ long BACK WALL
C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 120″ long, 7 pieces – 81″ long FRONT WALL
D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89″ long, 5 pieces – 81″ long 2xSIDE WALL
E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 18 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 120″ long TOP RIDGE
F – 12 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 52 1/4″ long RAFTERS
G – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 78″ long, 2 pieces – 32″ long, 1 piece – 29″ long DOOR
H – 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 120″ long, 2 pieces – 96″ long, 18 pieces – 81″ long, 12 pieces – 52 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 48 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 22″ long TRIMS
I – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 78″ long, 2 pieces – 32″ long, 1 piece – 29″ long DOOR TRIMS

2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10′
2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
28 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
12 piece of 2×2 lumber – 6′
4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 10′
32 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8′
15 piece of 1×2 lumber – 6′
chicken wire mesh
hinges, latch
8d nails, 1 5/8″ screws, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

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Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

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One day

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Large Chicken Coop Plans

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How to build a chicken pen

Building the base skids

The first step of the project is to build the base frame for the chicken pen. Make notches to both ends of the beams, as shown in the diagram. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then get the job done with a circular saw set at 1 3/4″ deep. Make the parallel cuts and then remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the surface with sandpaper.

Assembling the base

Lay the beams on a level surface and align the edges flush. Make sure the corners are square, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the beams together tightly.

Back-wall-frame

Continue the project by framing the back wall for the chicken pen. Cut the components at the right dimensions from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush. Place the studs every 24″ on center.

Assembling-the-side-walls

Frame the side walls for the chicken pen in the same manner described above. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.

Front-wall-frame

Last but not least, you need to frame the front wall of the chicken pen. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to leave enough space for the door opening. You can adjust the size of the opening to suit your needs. Use the same techniques described above to assemble the wall frame.

Assembling the frame of the pen

After assembling the 4 frames for the chicken pen, you need to lay them over the base. Align the edges flush and use a spirit level to plumb them. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the base beams. Moreover, you need to lock the adjacent walls together tightly with screws.

Fitting the top ridge

Fit the 2×4 ridge beam into place. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the center of the top plates with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and insert the screws to lock the top beam into place tightly.

Building the rafters

Build the rafters for the chicken pen from 2×4 lumber. Make the angle cuts to both ends of the beams with a miter saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper for a professional result.

Fitting the rafters

Fit the rafters to the top of the pen, every 24″ on center, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Chicken wire

Cover the structure with chicken wire and staple it into place tightly. Remove the wire around the door opening.

Door frame

Build the door frame for the chicken coop from 2×2 lumber. Cut the components at the right dimensions and align the edges flush, making sure the corners are square. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the frame together tightly.

Door trims

Staple chicken wire over the frame of the door. Afterwards, attach 1×2 trims over the frame and lock them into place with 1 5″ screws.

Back wall – Trims

Fit the 1×2 trims to the sides of the chicken pen. Align the trims with attention and then drill pilot holes, before inserting the 1 5/8″ screws.

Front wall – Trims

Fit the trims to the front of the chicken run, in the same manner described above.

Side wall – Trims

Fit the doors to the sides of the pen, using the same techniques described above.

Fitting the roof trims

Last but not least, attach the 1×2 trims to the roof of the pen.

Fitting the door

Fit the door inside the opening and then secure it to the frame of the pen with hinges. Install a latch, so you can lock the door into place tightly.

Chicken pen plans

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and let them harden for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper and round the exposed edges with a router. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to protect the lumber from the elements and to enhance the look of the project.

Free chicken pen plans

This chicken pen is very easy to build and it is the perfect solution if you want to keep the hens outside so they grow healthy and can bask in the sunlight.

This woodworking project was about chicken pen plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.