How Much Does It Cost to Build a Chicken Coop in 2025?
Chicken coops cost an average of $650
A professionally built chicken coop costs $650 on average, with most homeowners spending between $300 and $2,000.
Chicken coop costs depend on size, design, materials, and features.
Different types of coops include A-frame, tractor, walk-in, and all-in-one, each with varying costs.
Maintenance costs average $60 per month.
Hire a professional builder to construct your chicken coop for a safe and durable structure.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, a professionally-built chicken coop costs $650, with most homeowners spending between $300 and $2,000. However, prices can range from $100 to {MaxCosts} or more, depending on the size, design, materials, and any additional features. Hiring a professional to build your chicken coop ensures sturdy, durable construction for safely housing your chickens.
Chicken Coop Cost Factors
Alongside the type of coop you choose, the materials you use, the type of flooring you add, and any extra features, such as nest boxes and egg catchers, influence the total price you'll pay.
Material
The materials you choose affect both the cost and quality of your coop. Since chickens love to peck, it's important to avoid materials that could harm them if ingested. For example, pressure-treated lumber isn't ideal for walls and flooring because chickens may ingest harmful chemicals. However, it can be a budget-friendly option for roofing where chickens can't reach.
| Material | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood | $2–$3 per board foot | $2.50 per board foot |
| PVC | $5–$6 per linear foot | $5.50 per linear foot |
| Pressure-treated lumber | $7–$10 per board foot | $8.50 per board foot |
| Redwood | $10–$12 per board foot | $11 per board foot |
| Plywood | $10–$20 per sheet | $15 per sheet |
| Corrugated tin | $15–$20 per sheet | $17.50 per sheet |
| Plastic | $25–$30 per sheet | $27.50 per sheet |
| Mesh | $30–$40 per board roll | $35 per board roll |
Flooring
Installing proper flooring in your chicken coop is an investment that offers several benefits. It helps keep predators and insects out, ensuring your chickens stay healthy and safe. Good flooring also makes cleanup easier, adds insulation, and provides comfort for your chickens' feet, making their environment more comfortable.
| Floor Material | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $2–$8 per sq. ft. | $5 per sq. ft. |
| Wooden board | $7–$9 per board foot | $8 per board foot |
| Rubberized roofing material | $7–$9 per sq. ft. | $8 per sq. ft. |
| Plywood | $10–$20 per sheet | $15 per sheet |
| Wire | $35–$45 per roll | $40 per roll |
| Rubber mats | $45–$80 per sheet | $62.50 per sheet |
| Concrete | $75–$125 per cubic yard | $100 per cubic yard |
Temperature Control
Temperature control systems range from $50 to $200, depending on your coop's size and complexity. These systems automatically activate a coop heater when the temperature drops too low, based on your thermostat settings, and switch off once the desired warmth is reached. This helps maintain a comfortable environment for your chickens, especially in colder climates.
Backup or Quarantine Coop
Backup or quarantine coops cost $200 for a simple A-frame. Having a separate coop is essential if one of your birds gets sick, when introducing new hens to your flock, or if you need to address issues like mites that require isolating certain chickens and thoroughly cleaning the main coop.
Maintenance
You can expect to pay an average of $60 per month in chicken coop maintenance costs. Monthly expenses include feed, bedding, and any necessary health supplies. Keep in mind that the more chickens you have, the higher your monthly costs will be.
Chicken Coop Costs by Type
Most chicken coops range from $300 to $2,000. Size is one of the most important factors in determining cost, but the type of chicken house you go with also plays an important role.
| Type | Cost Range (All-In) | Average Cost (All-In) |
|---|---|---|
| A-frame | $200–$300 | $250 |
| Tractor | $300–$500 | $400 |
| Walk-in | $300–$1,000 | $650 |
| All-in-one | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000 |
A-Frame
A-frame chicken coops cost an average of $250, ranging from $200 to $300. Ideal for small backyard flocks of up to four medium hens or six bantam hens, these coops have a simple design with a nest box and limited space. Since A-frame coops don't provide much room for roaming, consider allowing your chickens to free-range in a secure part of your yard during the day and then secure them in the coop at dusk.
Tractor
Chicken tractors cost an average of $400, ranging from $300 to $500. These mobile coops are great for temporary housing for one or two birds or overnight shelter for free-ranging chickens. Designed with wheels for easy movement, chicken tractors allow you to rotate your flock to different areas of your yard, helping with soil aeration and pest control.
Walk-In
Walk-in chicken coops cost an average of $650, with a price range between $300 and $1,000. These coops are about the size of a small shed and can accommodate 16 bantams, 12 small hens, or eight extra-large egg-laying birds like the Golden Comet hybrid. Walk-in coops offer ample space and make cleaning and egg collection easier, providing a comfortable environment for your flock.
All-In-One
All-in-one chicken coops average $2,000, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 or more. These substantial coops include both a living area and a walk-in run, providing a comprehensive solution for your flock. If the attached run isn't large enough, consider allowing your chickens to free-range when possible or keeping a smaller flock to ensure they remain happy and healthy.
DIY Chicken Coop vs. Hiring a Professional
Smaller DIY chicken coop kits are relatively easy to assemble and can be a cost-effective option. However, handcrafted coops built by professionals usually last longer despite a higher upfront cost. Kits or DIY projects made with softwood might require more frequent resealing and upkeep.
Whether you're planning a small coop or a more elaborate setup, hiring a local carpenter or handyperson near you is a smart move. They can provide a price estimate and help you understand the scope of your project, ensuring your coop is safe and durable.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
One chicken needs between three and four square feet of space inside the coop. If you're planning to keep at least three chickens, aim for a coop that's nine to 12 square feet. If your chickens are smaller breeds or will spend most of their time outdoors, you can build a smaller coop. However, if they'll be in the coop most of the time, provide at least 10 square feet per chicken. Ensuring your chickens have enough space helps prevent stress and pecking behaviors due to overcrowding.
While you don't absolutely need a traditional coop to keep chickens, you do need to provide shelter and protection. In areas with extreme cold or heat, even free-range chickens require a shelter for temperature regulation. You'll also need secure fencing to keep predators out. Additionally, providing comfortable nest boxes makes it easier to find and collect eggs.
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