BEST Chicken Coop for ANY Budget + Tips for Designing a Chicken Coop

We will take a look at 6 urban chicken coop ideas so that you can find the right fit for you. Everything from the best affordable chicken coop to one that is expensive but built to last with all the convenience features you could want and everything in between. I will also share tips for designing a chicken coop with emphasis on chicken coop ideas for hot weather since these are all backyard chickens in Florida.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction urban chicken coop ideas
01:20 Free chicken coop and run
02:23 Prefab affordable chicken coop
04:43 Open air chicken coop
06:08 Simple cattle panel chicken coop
07:28 Compact walk in chicken coop
08:43 Built to last enclosed run chicken coop

[@bhess1212]

I built mine and as you said modified it through the years. One thing I will always recommend is the water nipple method. They can be made or bought with a 5 gallon bucket. The water stays clean and can go days or weeks if needed without changing. They kinda have to be taught to use them but learn from each other.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Those are nice, we have them to try out (using refillable cups now).

[@Dawn_______]

The nipples are fantastic. They aren't a good option in winter if you live in freezing climates. The water in the nipples tend to freeze solid. If you have electricity in your coop and can have a heater in your water vessel then you'd be alright.

[@bhess1212]

@@Dawn_______ I never even thought of that! I guess living in Florida you forget about things like that.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Ours always had slow leaks but we did use that in our original coop. Bucket got algae in the summer heat too.

[@rockspinners4131]

So glad you highlighted the importance of open air coops in the Florida heat! It's so easy to get enamored with the cute chicken house designs that seem so popular but are really geared more towards colder and less humid climates. In the 3 years I have been keeping chickens in Florida it has become very apparent they are much more stressed during intense heat vs the cold temps we occasionally get here. A little more about wind mitigation mind be helpful. My coop is open air on three sides with one side a solid wall which gives them some protection during windy days. I do also add some tarps during windy cold evenings to help with drafts. I really loved this more realistic tour of coops you put together!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I'm glad, that was the goal. Keep it simple and real!

[@luapbopbop]

I like the manure collection area in your coop! I’ve built several coops over the years. One “must have” that I incorporate is the ability to collect eggs from the outside. But instead of lifting the roof, I like to have a swinging door (either to the side or downward) to expose the nests. I think it’s advantageous to not mess with the roof (with can be heavy) and by exposing the back, it makes it easy to clean out the nest boxes. In one box I made, the nest box floor hinge down dropping all the nesting material out.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

nice feature!

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Great ideas! Years ago when I had a coop I would use the old bedding in my compost bin. Ans every year I would harvest cherry tomatoes from the compost, deom tomatoes that had been fed to the hens the year before. I had so many that I shared them with several of my elderly neighbors!

[@sleeplessinthecarolinas8118]

This overview of the various styles along with their pros and cons was very helpful. Thank you!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

You bet!

[@Anythingforfreedom]

It’s very cool to see you hanging with your daughter. I’m happy for you!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Thank you!

[@roboram9725]

Im grateful i've found this video. Since the coop i have was given from a friend along with 4 chickens and the run is not enclosed but they usally are free range sadly we lost 3 of those due to predators but we are getting 3 more and i didnt know much on how to create a enclosed run and on a budget so i like the idea of those pre built runs and coop thank you for showing me the different styles and ways to get them 👍

[@tealeaf4451]

I am raising chickens for the first time this year and I am designing a coop now. It was so helpful to see all of the different styles and to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of each one. Thank you!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Absolutely! So glad it was helpful!

[@solovable1ify]

I used my kids old playhouse. Easy conversion. The hens love it.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

that works wonderfully!

[@user-by9mx2ep8i]

Thank you so much for your videos, I live in Pompano Beach and have learned a ton from you! I ordered my seeds for next season from you and look forward to more videos! Also, thank you, thank you, thank you for introducing me to Geoff Lawton! ❤

[@mariebrumer3440]

Some great ideas. Thanks for sharing. 💖 🙏✌️

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Thanks for watching!

[@EatSeeRV]

Great to see such a wide variety of chicken coops for ideas. Glad you asked what they would change if they had to do it again. Lots of lessons there. Love your new automated feeder + water for your coop! P.S. Loved your shirt at the end 😉

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

always room to learn and grow!

[@RevAcres01]

Great video and variety to learn from. I like the manure collection area. Thanks

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@marywaechter]

This was so helpful, thank you so much! I love that you give several different examples and explained the benefits and downsides of each. I am a newbie looking into beginning chicken-raising and am so excited, but of course a bit nervous haha. Lots to learn! Do you think the first coop you showed would be ok to start with, even in FL heat (I live in St. Pete)?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

All of these coops are in Florida and the chickens are just fine. Its never the perfect set up (always room for improvement) but I think they all function well. Its just a balance of time, money, experience with construction, etc

[@jonblazejc]

Always remember to check the grade of treated wood. Not all treated wood can be used with ground contact. A lot of people go wrong buying "above ground" grade wood and use on or in the ground. It'll last longer than untreated wood, but if you really wan't it to last, use "below ground" or "ground contact" grade!!!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Great tip! We usually elevate on blocks in addition.

[@Patricia-bd4lv]

I’ve had the same coop for 25 years. I sank PT wood a foot into the ground and hardware cloth equally so. It’s approx.10’ x 30’ and is 7’ tall, tapering to 6’ with a proper roof. Barn board from an old shed covers the cornered roosting area to provide protection. The nesting boxes are on the ground - that’s the one major change I would make. I hate the chicken wrestling every time I go inside!

[@MickSupper]

Your coop definitely gave me the most inspiration. The worst design is having a chicken run only a couple of feet tall because when chickens inevitably lay eggs in there, how are you going to get them out? Glad that was tip number one. (I commented before I even watched the video, so I was spot on.). Unless you want to spend all of your time on your hands and knees, even just to get the eggs out of the nesting boxes, I would stay away from that coop.

[@lancesudberry209]

This materials i need thank you for sharing🎉❤

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@betty8173]

We are looking to make just a coop, separate from a run area. We may use an old camper. I have seen a few designs, and hope this works. Thank you for great ideas, comparisons and upgrade ideas.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

You're welcome!

[@susanamilhem6265]

Great info as always! Didn't see the link at the end, where you mentioned a video about raising chickens.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

hmm ill check... its this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKO2k4Oogrd8pck

[@adriennsuto5045]

Wow! Those boots! I love Them! :)

[@Damselfly54315]

We are building ours from my design, and no its not cheap but have to consider ALL seasons since it gets VERY cold in winter here...its fully enclosed in hardwire cloth, lots of space and features for happy chickens to include grazing boxes, and outdoor perches, but indoors for night well secured due to chance of predators...and there's a lot of those...

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Sounds great!

[@SalTuberKH]

I will learn from you, thanks for sharing

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Glad to hear that

[@legalyzeit]

"coop fits 4-6 chicken" or 1 small child. great video thanks for sharing very cute kiddos too

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

lol thanks!

[@mohammedomerhussain9033]

i love your setup dear from India

[@myheartcries9906]

BTW, Jacqueline from wild Floridian KZbin mentioned you in one of her videos a few videos back... Thanks for this information , I really enjoy watching videos from my "local" youtubers (I'm in NE Florida).I think you two are around the same area, SW Florida.... love you both!!✌✌✌👍👍👍❤🦩🦩🦩🦩

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Yes both sharing the Florida gardening vibes 😊 have a bountiful day!

[@oreopaksun2512]

Never thought I would have chicken envy, but there you are. Had a good laugh thinking of my HOA neighbors' faces as they wake to sounds of clucking, that would be so great, but alas! Enjoyed your video, though impossible for me.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

😁

[@andirobbins2541]

Can you put links to the nesting boxes, feeder and waterer you use? Thanks!

[@charlottenoble9421]

It's been a while since you posted this video, but I wonder if you have considered (or already have and I didn't find it?) a video on your coop build, or if you have plans for sale, etc? We are on the cusp of a coop build and I am really grateful for all of the info in this video for features to consider!

[@sharonsunshine2532]

We have four coops. Two for our "extra" roosters i hatched over the past year or so (i couldn't cull them)🥴. The other two are for our 25 hens. We are in north Florida and we keep fans in our coops for fresh air/ventilation. We have five fat cats to help with mice problems. 😁

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

lol sounds like they get the job done well for you.

[@kchaganis]

What watering system do you use? I have tried many different ones and the chicken mess them up daily. Thanks

[@lillielederer6672]

What chicken waterer do you use?

[@lancesudberry209]

I really like not do something again so if i do invest materials im looking into acoustic ceiling tracks are something along lines galvanized or piping tubes aluminum im going to city scrapyard 👌

[@urbangardeningandchickenke1018]

Excellent 👍

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Many thanks!

[@tierneylogan5943]

I didn’t really understand the hoop one. How did he make it that shape?

[@s19aboomar91]

Nice video

[@Towanda99]

I have a coop from a store... and it sits inside a 10'x20' run. I can walk into the run but the chicken nesting area is the store bought similar to the one you showed.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

That’s cool. Easy to construct but still accessible to walk in.

[@TheBramanteChronicles]

I am in Polk county and we have subterranean termites everywhere. Do you find that the pressure treated wood helps with that or should I go with something else for the base of my coop?

[@IntentionalHomesteading]

Have termite stations put in around your coop like you do around the house and you should be fine.

[@cosmicbackwoods]

I built a 4x8 coop with an enclosed 15x15 run for free using pallets and materials gathered from friends. let people know you need stuff and it will show up. great video, good tips

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

That is awesome! Love it when the build out can be free.

[@cosmicbackwoods]

@@TheUrbanHarvest me too, a good deal of it was recycled too so after i got done it felt special. i was also super broke at the time so theres that too lol

[@TheThriftedPlanter]

Great video! Your daughter is sooooo cute!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Thank you 😁

[@boonmsgt]

@TheUrbanHarvest Great video. Noticed you haven't done anything on ducks. I have 21 Khaki Campbells. I have a nice setup. Duck eggs are great and the ducks lay their entire life at approximately 1 a day. However, ducks are a little messy but if done right are great. If you think you would like to do a video on them I wouldnt mind. We also have a nice chicken coop set up. Im also looking for some help with other homestead projects and ideas. Lakeland FL.

[@MichaelBeirneVettedCapital]

great video as always and relevant, we want as maintenance free as we can get but at 10$/doz eggs coming fast, we'd like to get 4-5 chickens a laying soonest! thanks elise!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Yes it’s been building for a year now. Many are definitely starting to feel the pricing.

[@bhess1212]

You can buy grown hens on craigslist. They go from $25 to $40. I usually go that route because mixing babies and hens is difficult.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

@@bhess1212 they are yes, my last coop we had two separate living areas so we could more easily integrate flocks.

[@l.reignbeauty7685]

Can you include plans

[@TXTeacher1111]

That Aivituvin Prefab Coop looks very, very similar to Becky's Homestead original design. I wonder if she knows that. I have built that coop according to Becky's design and use it for my new, young chickens after about the 5-6 weeks chicks are inside, and it's a wonderful coop. I use it each Spring for my new chickens until they are big enough to join the flock.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Not sure on plan sourcing for them. It’s a nice small set up. That’s a great idea for the chicks!

[@markmurrell1894]

I'm starting to build mine using an old children's playhouse made from cedar. Is that ok to use? I plan to make the run area out of PT wood

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Almost everything is fair game! Cedar works well for coops and gardens. It will eventually rot but such is life!

[@kayt4019]

I like the coop except for the hen house with the wire underneath where they would walk. They should have bedding.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

The droppings fall through to a layer of bedding underneath. Its a faster form of composting for us to use around the property. Take off from a Geoff Lawton concept.

[@kayt4019]

@@TheUrbanHarvest yea but they shouldn't be (or have to) walking on wire just because you want "a faster" way.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

@@kayt4019 They use the roost bar above it and aren't standing or walking on it much at all if any. Just a hop to the roost.

[@joylee7493]

What are your thoughts on a chicken tractor, like the Eglu?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

They work well if you have a very large yard to move them around on. But if they stay in an area too long or you have to many for the space they will quickly tear up your yard. But provided you have the space then they work with regular maintenance of moving it.

[@joylee7493]

I think we aren’t ready to build any new permanent structures plus I have a lot of unfenced yard. Just going to start with 2 probably. Thanks!!!

[@morgandarity4964]

One thing that sticks out is that your actual coop isn’t completely enclosed. Back in Sacramento, our coop had a single small door with light ventilation…but it’s an arid climate. I was going to build my new one here in St. Pete similarly but am now wondering if I should instead make something more open. Is yours always so open or was part of the wood panel missing for the sake of the video?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Nope that's intentionally open for ventilation. The one unpainted plywood piece is just for a bit of draft protection in the winter. 3/4s of the year that piece is removed and the whole thing is wide open.

[@rebeccadees2300]

Do you recommend the chicken tractor?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

IF you have a large open space they work good but most residential backyards do not have a great set up for it. They also need to be moved very regularly or they will destroy the grass.

[@bettynickelson779]

What automatic systems did you use and how did you collecy.eggs.when traveling

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

We have a roll away nest box which collects the eggs away from them. We can go days without collecting. The water is hooked up to our city water and fills their water cups as they drink it. The feeder we can put half a bag in which feeds them for weeks. And because it’s an attached run we don’t have to let them in and out every day.

[@jennifernorris4807]

Hi there! Great video! How did you set the waterer up with a hose? How do the watering cups work with the pressurized water? Which feeder do you utilize? I currently have a 55 gallon drum with ports for food but it attracts so many mice.

[@dailynature3712]

subscribed

[@deborahpinkey1264]

You said that your coop (the last one shown) was not cheap to build. Would you mind sharing approximately what it cost you and whether that was before the inflated lumber prices and inflationary expenses caused just about everything to skyrocket in price? Thanks.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Around $1000 in 2019. So pre inflationary prices. Pt is expensive but hardware cloth is also a huge portion of that cost.

[@deborahpinkey1264]

@@TheUrbanHarvest Thanks for the reply.

[@Monkchip]

#1 Genius idea making your coop portable!! Do you sell your Coops?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

lol thanks! no we don't. we cut the 2x4s down to 6' so we didn't have to buy more hardware cloth. each section is 6x8 and he basically built it like framing a house.

[@lynneblow1447]

@@TheUrbanHarvest Maybe you can sell plans:)!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

@lynneblow1447 Ill add it to the great idea list : )

[@J8n3eyr3]

Could your friend build side walls to elevate her coop so she could walk in to clean it?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

That would be a possibility yes. Take quite a bit of figuring but it could be done.

[@shibibi1]

Personally I hate wood prefabs. Most are hard to clean without moving, but the wood is soft and every time you move them, they just get flimsier. The small prefabs that are mostly for safe night lockup and are light are fine for small backyard flocks, but if you want more than 3-5 birds... I don't recommend prefabs. And prefabs are best if you're letting them free range. Because I breed and have multiple separate breeding flocks my chooks don't get to full free range every day. Means their outdoor runs need regular cleaning to make sure they're not scratching around in their own poop and shed feathers. So for me the entire coop needs to be easy to clean, not just the roosting/nesting area, and of course it needs to be large! Each coop should be able to house 7 adults and have space for a small tractor inside for introducing new birds, or housing mum and chicks on the rare occasions I let a mum hatch her own clutch or give a broody hen babies.

[@larryhenry719]

Friend of mine has the astralorps he says there laying good.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I usually do mixed flocks. Australorps are nice big birds pretty quite. So many eggs layer breeds to choose from!

[@agussetiawan8192]

👍👍👍

[@Alexxx---101]

Another idea is to look out for a children's playhouse and adapt it for chickens. Quite often you can get them free.

[@tealeaf4451]

Which chicken breeds would you suggest for Florida? I am seeing conflicting information online.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I use McMurry hatchery for chicks. They have icons to tell which beds are heat tolerant. I use that guidance. Over the years I’ve tried a lot of breeds. I’m not a fan of Rhode Island reds. They are usually loud and rather pushy. Orpington are the sweetest herbs but they always seem to die from one thing or another so I stopped getting them.

[@adnan9520]

If not using PT wood then plz paint your coop wood with exterior paint. It'll last.

[@marilynearl2562]

Wish I lived in a county that allowed backyard chickens

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Your in county or city? Its typically governed by the city unless you’re unincorporated.

[@marilynearl2562]

@@TheUrbanHarvest I am in uncoprrated lee(n ft myers)

[@catemc2323]

🌈💚🍀

[@protectork9831]

Fun fact nobody calls pressure treated lumber PT

[@MarcoPolo-gs5uu]

I don't know if you know about the history of biochar for gardening look it up make some biochar and cush some up for children and all animals honey bees hummingbirds then take the rest of it and activate it with manure and put on garden pass it on

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Very familiar with it and use it our yarden! Great stuff!

[@DianaKayUSA]

🐓🩷

[@papajeff5486]

Chicken math…

[@dontbea7237]

Mine is similar to the cattle attached to an arrow shed for the interior and then has a 2 foot plastic sewer pipe that leads into an atrium I built out of a trampoline it is three times the natural type of the trampoline I can stand up inside and put my hand up almost the bounce was perfect the trampoline with perfect just missing the outer spring covers I then wrapped it twice with 76-in chicken wire used a little less than 100 ft roll 33 chickens

[@yermom420]

I hate to be the one to say it but they're junk they may last a season but you're lucky if you get that out of them. I've tried them all for rabbits and chickens Im ashamed of the amount of money I've spent on these kinda coops

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

Everyone should stop using chicken coop wire and instead use hardware cloth as you said. Chicken wire is too weak and any animal can bite though.

[@BaliFoodTreePlanter]

You are creating mite problem by not cleaning manure out often. #asiflifeonEarthMatters

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

I don’t like the store bought coops. They don’t last as long.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

No they definitely don’t. But depending on folks skill levels it can be a way to get them their hens. Time, money, skills trade off.

[@MissChievousRN]

Consider climate when buying a prefab coop. They WILL NOT LAST long in any wet and/or windy climate and they are NOT predator "proof". They ARE flimsy. That being said, they will buy you some time if you have $300 to blow on temp housing. They will also serve as a quarantine coop for new birds or grow outs or injuries. I repurposed mine for my rabbits, inside my secured run, and all co-exist in the same area with day ranging. Cheaper, easier, more secure, is a cattle panel coop over a 2x4 frame. Cheap and easy to construct by yourself or as a 4h project, kid project. Keep it as a movable chicken tractor, or permanent structure, or break it down and use the panels and wood for other projects. (Doug and Stacy have a great tutorial)

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I’ve seen a similar set up to that before. I like working with those panels.

[@MissChievousRN]

@@TheUrbanHarvest I use them for EVERYTHING.... cold frames for my garden and trellises for peas and tomatoes and melons.... only problem is getting my husband to bring them home for me!!😂

[@MosaicHomestead]

None of those coops fit what I was looking for, I have watched lots of coop videos, none of the videos I've watched have what im looking for...What am I looking for?...A coop I can stand up in (I'm not talking about the run area) , A elevated coop, A coop with buit in power and water infrastructure, Totally sustainable off grid and can stand up to a category 5 hurricane 🌀 like nothing...I'm building it now, im calling it the chicken bunker, Hurricane Maria killed 95% of my birds...This can't happen again.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Just take an idea or point from all the videos and turn it into your own design. Unless your doing prepack all of them will be unique to best fit your needs. Good luck!

[@deborahpinkey1264]

You should check out Hollis and Nancy's Homestead for their chicken coop ideas and plans. They now live somewhere in Florida and his coop operation is about as elaborate as you seem to be wanting.

[@MosaicHomestead]

@@deborahpinkey1264 will check out, but I doubt their build is as crazy as mine lol, im calling mine the chicken bunker lol

[@MosaicHomestead]

@@deborahpinkey1264 they have a big beautiful property, but none of the necessary features I posted, A direct Cat 5 hurricane 🌀 would tear that place down, hurricane proof is non negotiable, it has to be hurricane proof.

[@deborahpinkey1264]

@@MosaicHomestead You must live on either coast. Are you building your chicken bunker underground? or at least partially so? Or are you reinforcing it all around with poured concrete?

[@faltio69]

Dump coop! 🤦‍♂️

[@robertkattner1997]

Nice homestead fake thumbnail. Useless for most of the people.

[@harryhoesch3793]

The noise and smell of the chickens, doesn't seem neighbor or house value friendly. Better suited for off gridders. I liked what you were doing until you disrespect your community. We do need to consider others. Up until the chickens, I respected you're blending with nature, but now not community.

[@PcolaProServices]

he could just add a tarp wall to keep dust out of the storage as well