Wyoming wind is not forgiving of shoddy construction work. I enjoy having chickens but didn’t see it being worth it if it would be too expensive. Thankfully, I found this insulated playhouse on craigslist for $350. We were able to build the chicken run for around another $350.

If you’d like to build a chicken coop run like ours, here are instructions. Since we were building to fit the playhouse, your measurements may be different.

• 2x6x10 treated boards: 2 pieces
• 2x6x8 treated boards: 2 pieces
• 2x4x10 treated boards: 2 pieces
• 2x4x8 treated boards: 16 pieces

• 4 Anchors
• Pocket-hole jig
• Screws
• Hinges and latch for the door
• Welded wire fencing
• Poultry staples

• Drill
• Wire-cutters or pliers to cut fencing
• Saw
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Construction square
• Hammer

1. Cut the 2x6x8 boards to 6 feet 3 1/2 inches in length. These will be the short sides of the base.
2. Lay the two 2x6x10 boards parallel to each other 6 feet 3 1/2 inches apart.
3. Attach the 2x6x8 boards (cut to 6 feet 3 1/2 inches) to the ends of the 2x6x10 boards, forming a rectangular base (10 feet by 6 feet 3 1/2 inches). Use a square to check corners, then screw the boards together with the pocket screw template.

1. Lay the two 2x4x10 boards parallel to each other 6 feet 3 1/2 inches apart.
2. Cut two 2x4x8 boards to 6 feet 3 1/2 inches.
3. Attach the cut 2x4x8 boards to the ends of the 2x4x10 boards, forming another rectangular frame (10 feet by 6 feet 3 1/2 inches). This will be the top frame.

1. Cut 6 pieces of the 2x4x8 boards to 4 feet and 7 1/2 inches in length. These will be the vertical supports.
2. Attach four of these vertical supports to the inside corners of the base frame, securing them with pocket screws.
3. Attach one of the remaining vertical supports at the midpoint of the longer side of the frame using the pocket screw template.
4. Attach the last vertical support 2 feet and 6 inches to the right of the other long side’s corner post. This is where the door will latch.

1. Lift the top frame and position it on top of the vertical supports.
2. Secure the top frame to the vertical supports using pocket screws, ensuring the structure is level and square.

1. Cut four 2x4x8 boards to fit between the vertical posts on the three sides that aren’t touching the hen house.
2. Place the supports at the middle height of the structure. Attach these supports with pocket screws to add stability.

1. Cut two 2x4x8 boards to 4 feet 7 inches. Make three more pieces that measure 22 3/4 inches.
2. Assemble these into a rectangle using pocket screws, with the shorter pieces on the top and bottom.
3. Attach horizontal bracing inside the rectangle to add strength to the door.
4. Attach the hinges to one side of the door and the latch to the opposite side.
5. Attach the door to the frame using the hinges. Ensure the door swings freely and securely closes with the latch.

Use scrap pieces to make corner bracing.

We have an automatic solar-powered door installed on our chicken coop. It isn’t perfect, but it is definitely convenient.

1. We added two 5′ 11 1/4″ boards to the top for attaching fencing to the roof. Our feeder and waterer hang from one.
2. Starting at the top frame, unroll the fencing and attach it to the frame using poultry staples, ensuring it is taut and secure. We extended the fencing out a foot and a half or so to prevent predators from digging in.
3. Continue attaching the fencing around the sides, cutting to fit as needed, and overlapping where necessary.
4. Attach fencing to the door, ensuring it is secure and leaves no gaps.

Be sure to anchor your coop properly! The wind pushed our coop and run back a whole foot before we were able to anchor it down.

• Base Frame: 2×6 boards (10′ by 6′ 4″)
• Top Frame: 2×4 boards (10′ by 6′ 4″)
• Vertical Supports: 2×4 boards (4′ and 7 1/2″ tall)
• Horizontal Supports: 2×4 boards (cut to width)
• Door Frame: 2×4 boards (2′ 6″ by 4′ 7″)
• Door: 2×4 boards (2′ 6″ by 4′ 7 1/2″)

We used $6 closet organizer bins for nesting boxes.

Thankfully, we’re getting enough eggs from our six hens to put some in the freezer for later. It’s a nice way to repurpose glass food jars. I just crack 4-6 eggs into a labeled jar.

We got free bedding from a local farmer who was giving away imperfect hay. Bales put around the chicken run provided the hens with a little wind protection.