Small Chicken Coop with Integrated Nesting Box

Make your small flock happy with this integrated nesting box, insulated design, and predator-proof run. It's all about the little touches.
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[@cpet5048]

I made this last year for 3 chickens. I made a few adjustments installing vents etc and it's fantastic! Well done, I have happy chickens

[@metaspencer]

Great to hear! I heard from a few others who suggested vents and it sounds like it worked out for you. A small flock like that is really nice :)

[@Esther-kn4ru]

I will most definitely wear my backpack when I'm going to make my chicken coop. It feels like a necessity. Great video. Thanx👍

[@metaspencer]

haha ... absolutely! backpack is actually my icewater pack :)

[@Esther-kn4ru]

@@metaspencer 👌 that's simply genius!! Thanx for this extra tip you handed me.

[@Goatmama2000]

Bahahaha

[@jayderwin1]

@@metaspencernow that’s a hard worker doesn’t even take a water break haha

[@williamkeehn3637]

I learned something new today thanks

[@gambiarrasobressalente4457]

🔝

[@metaspencer]

Excellent

[@cherylangel1714]

Wow, this is exaclty the coop I had in mind that I wanted to make! 4x4, insulated, off the ground with a caged area! Wood is so expensive though :(

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, prices are nutty high ... this one ended up costing me more than I was paid for the job

[@cherylangel1714]

@@metaspencer Oh no, that's not good. My van isn't running either, so I can't go get lumber anyway :( I've already been waiting for a few years for a chicken coop, but it looks like I will have to keep waiting! I hope costs don't keep going up. Even used lumber is expensive! Crazy.

[@cherylangel1714]

@@metaspencer Well, I got some baby chicks so I have to make something :)

[@metaspencer]

Chickens can be happy with very little

[@destinytraders]

I knew u were connected via military when you said squared away. The Camelback was confirmation. Great video bro thank you.

[@metaspencer]

And thanks to YOU for checking out the build ... I stopped by and saw the birds a few weeks ago: they seem happy (for chickens)

[@cpet5048]

Well done, very proud of you. Nice work xx

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking out the build

[@danielsalach1234]

The turtle was inspecting your work lol nice work.

[@metaspencer]

Yup: wise old turtles :) thanks man

[@tonij9089]

I need this for my bantams.. good idea

[@metaspencer]

Bantams! What great birds

[@lv143582]

I don’t want to sound like a jerk, and the coop was built good, but is missing vents. You most have vents or you can run into health problems with the chickens.

[@metaspencer]

Yep! The door is the main air source and others could be added

[@hopeup2792]

There are not any vents which is very important for Chickens because the ammonia from their poop has to vent or they can get sick. I think the v at the top of the coop could be hardware wire and that would take care of it. I appreciate your video of the build because now I think I might have a chance at building one because I am not a contractor.

[@metaspencer]

I've heard that from a few people ... good to have air flowing through that open door :)

[@hopeup2792]

The other thing I was told when researching before I got my chicks, is they can deal with cold way better than heat, they have don’t do well in heat… the added ventilation is good for that too.

[@metaspencer]

@@hopeup2792 Yep you said it: they can handle sub zero temps in most situations (not too wet) but heat is rough on them. An insulated coop is cool in summer and an elevated one gives them shade

[@martagillette5474]

@@metaspencer They won't have an open door when they go in for the night. Need window with chicken wire over them on two sides to get air flow through. In a warmer climate they'll just suffocate from the heat. Nice build.

[@junegoguen6961]

@@martagillette5474 I was worried about air flow and too much insulation. I watched a lot of stuff on coops, and not one of them had insulation but had plenty of ventilation.

[@SantaMuerteWorldwide]

Thank you so much for this!!! Great visual and idea. Can you please make the plans available for this? Puleeeeze

[@metaspencer]

Thanks! You're gonna love it! I haven't finished the plans yet ... sorry!

[@nicholas058]

Still no plans 😭. Going to have to try and figure it out from the video haha

[@metaspencer]

Sorry buddy

[@karijames381]

great job! really like the fore thought of using measurements of material so there isn't any waste. i see the cat is enjoying the space you made for him in the background.

[@gambiarrasobressalente4457]

🔝

[@metaspencer]

Yeah the cats love their catio ... glad one made it into the vid

[@carljensen5730]

Nice, simple design.

[@martinspilovsky9071]

cool stuff, which naisl have you used ?

[@metaspencer]

I tend to use an array of nails for different applications and construction screws for holding the box/frame together

[@monique4218]

Great coop it seems like the most straightforward way to build a coop. I have been trying to draw up plans based off your video but it’s a lot more difficult to draw than I thought but do you by any chance have drawn up plans you would be willing to share? :)

[@metaspencer]

I have a lot of plans over on www.metaspencer.etsy.com, but I haven't drawn up these coop plans yet ... thanks for the idea! good luck

[@monique4218]

No worries. Thanks for getting back to me :) I would if I were you I have literally watched hundreds of videos on building a chicken coop and think this is by far the most basic for those of us who aren’t builders but want a nicely built coop. Thanks for posting the video :)

[@jayderwin1]

Why insulate?

[@metaspencer]

I've built coops both ways: insulated and uninsulated. In this area winter temps get down below zero so the homeowners were worried about frozen birds. With a small coop the chickens can usually keep it warm

[@gambiarrasobressalente4457]

NICE 🔥 NICE 🔥 NICE 🚴🏽‍♂️🇧🇷✍️

[@gailmadsenclayton1769]

Ventilation!

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, it has the door open during the days but we'll have to see in the summer if it needs a few air vents. Thanks for the idea!

[@BoriPR82]

The only thing you missed was the ventilation

[@metaspencer]

I few people have said that ... the open door does a lot but I can see your point

[@itahayes6165]

Roof height and ventilation is very important to allow the ammonia from the chicken poop to escape…

[@metaspencer]

yep! gotta have that air flow

[@tamrastewart7338]

Is there vintalshon

[@metaspencer]

guillotine door is open all day, but vents might be needed ... we'll see next summer

[@yazbethtorreblancahernande5678]

Thanks so much for sharing the entire process I have 0 knowledge about working with wood, so this gives me a clearer idea of the process.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out! Chickens are forgiving ... just about any coop will work for them. Good luck!

[@SteampunkSteve]

Very nice

[@gambiarrasobressalente4457]

🔝

[@metaspencer]

Thanks man

[@treerat6959]

That coop is a raccoon or coyote dream they will get right under that netting since you don't have a 2x4 bottom rung and that door to the run they will easily figure that out real quick. I know because I did the same thing you did thinking if I bury it down 8-10 inches I'd be fine nope lost all my 8 hens then got new hens and again so didn't buy any more chickens that year but revamped the run the following year and 3 years now no problems

[@metaspencer]

Sorry to hear about your birds! It all depends on the area and local predators ... I've built several coops in this same area with no problems. Good to know you found a method that works in your area!

[@treerat6959]

@@metaspencer I'm less than half mile from town to at that time

[@gailmadsenclayton1769]

Add ventilation.

[@metaspencer]

Ventilated through the chicken door 18 hours a day, but a vent couldn't hurt

[@eleanorerosanova7538]

If you added a run on the other side they could plant grass, and when the chickens finish it, they can plant veggies ( Lady Dalfour's method / John Seymour)

[@metaspencer]

Yeah but these guys use that area for turtles and dogs

[@lavernabouzspain]

Wow! Metaspencer, your video has been very informative and interesting! I was and am on a search for informative videos like yours this afternoon as I prepare to relocate my girls into another coop and larger fenced run. Thank you for sharing and God bless!

[@metaspencer]

good luck with the move! a happy flock is a wonderful thing

[@Feathery7178]

Awesome looking, but not ventilated! You have to have a coop that is ventilated. 1. The amonia from the chicken poop has to be able to escape to prevent sickness in chickens. 2. To let moisture out (especially important in the winter to prevent frostbite).

[@metaspencer]

fortunately the open door keeps the air flowing

[@juliajohnson6022]

Predators are definitely a problem where I live in midday Tennessee……mainly opossums, hawks and foxes here😮.

[@metaspencer]

good to keep those birds safe!

[@annabaez2818]

Are there any plans available?

[@metaspencer]

I didn't end up making any for this coop

[@ronf948]

Nice ... another "Love Shack" :)

[@gambiarrasobressalente4457]

🔝

[@metaspencer]

Absolutely

[@dondoinstuff5169]

Great Video. Can you supply the link to the plans? Thanks.

[@metaspencer]

No plans yet ... great coop though!

[@LuisAguilar-vj7wl]

Dude you made it look so simple!! Greta job man!will it be too much to ask if you can reply on my comment the list of the materials please and how much will you charg to build something like this? Thank you in advance!

[@metaspencer]

Hey man, thanks for checking it out. Definitely a fun project. I didn't charge much for this job and just kinda did it to help the people out, but keep in mind that materials are much more expensive now than they were back then. I haven't made a detailed plan of this one .... sorry. Good luck with it!

[@jamesturner7728]

Tell me why do you have a bag on your back And the roofing sheets. Are the wrong way to the roof slope

[@metaspencer]

Ice water in the bag and the roofing works for a coop I think 👍

[@aromaofhope]

Very nicely done, and that is a great tip about planning your building according to the size of your materials. My son and I, who never built anything, were faced with the challenge of partitioning off a corner of our old garage to make a chicken enclosure, and somehow I came up with that idea on my own, lol. We made it 4 ft. by 8 ft. and 6 ft. tall. We were able to place a regular piece of osb on top for the "roof" and construct the walls with pre-cut pieces. So there wasn't a whole lot of cutting. Our doors aren't the best, but the whole thing has worked for 6 months or more. Anyway, nice video! And those turtles are adorable.

[@metaspencer]

Sounds like you did a good job. I have a buddy with a chicken enclosure like the one you describe, and it works great. Enjoy those eggs!

[@kristofwouters4583]

Nice little, easy to clean, no nonsense coop! Great job! BUT, I don't think it's a good idea to put insulation in the floor. It won't be long before rats and/or mice will nest in there. The previous owner of our house did this in the walls of the shed. And when I took it down, there were mountains of mice- and ratdroppings in the insulation.

[@metaspencer]

I've seen similar mouse infestations, so you might be right. To keep them out I tried to eliminate any openings into the cavities, but those darned mice can get into most places. Anyway, thanks for checking it out!

[@juliajohnson6022]

I like the guillotine door. Keeps you from having to go into the coop.

[@metaspencer]

yep, they work well

[@melanierae9087]

excellent chicken house and run. Great explanation too.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@nancyportillo7341]

What are the exact measurements? And can you list all everything needed to make this.

[@metaspencer]

sorry, but I haven't developed plans for this one yet

[@gyrfalcon513]

Nice video, you make it look so simple and straightforward..

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out! Gotta house those birds! :)

[@brooktanzania4201]

Can you make me one of those in miniature for my little village please?

[@metaspencer]

Sounds like a great little village!

[@brooktanzania4201]

@@metaspencer it is, it's the Little House in the prairie Ingles home and barn, and now I need the little chicken coop. Can you make me one in miniature please?😁🙏.

[@metaspencer]

@@brooktanzania4201 I only make BIG stuff! :)

[@brooktanzania4201]

@@metaspencer okay well thank you and you make wonderful stuff. I really wish I was able to keep Real chickens, but I can dream. Lol :)

[@sapelesteve]

Very well done! I am planning on building one similar to that only bigger.....👍😉

[@metaspencer]

You're gonna love it ... good luck with that build!

[@rose-qo3iy]

please beware red mites will love the installation,

[@metaspencer]

Thanks. Never had mite problems but sounds tough

[@Dj4991]

Can you please share the plan in description?

[@metaspencer]

sorry but never finished drawing up a formal plan for this one. I've built a few other coops on my channel ... most designs work well

[@loganrodgers1724]

How much did this build cost in materials?

[@metaspencer]

As I recall $500 but that was before the pandemic jacked up prices

[@laureneck2177]

not the guillotine ToT

[@metaspencer]

whatever you say

[@laureneck2177]

@@metaspencer ToT is a crying face which is used by young internet users rather than the laughing face emoji I just was too lazy to find the emoji so I typed it

[@metaspencer]

@@laureneck2177 Thanks for the explanation! :)

[@ohske]

😯👍👍👍👌♥️

[@hazelpartimeangel-lingerie3367]

love it so simple and secure in all matters

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks!

[@imposter1069]

How much does it cost totally ?

[@metaspencer]

Between $200 and $400 for materials, depending on where you are and what you buy

[@carolinegray3150]

Good chicken build👨‍🔧

[@metaspencer]

Thanks! It worked out

[@JackofAllCarbinc]

nice

[@metaspencer]

Thanks man

[@ahmedreda-iw2kh]

it is not small

[@amelkam7567]

Hi! What dimensions does this chicken coop have? Really nice video :)

[@metaspencer]

4’x4’ footprint

[@amelkam7567]

@@metaspencer Thank you very much for your answer!😄🐔

[@garychiao9521]

@@metaspencer Could you tell me the full height and the second floor height of it?

[@Clothis64]

It’s a little chicken palace :) 👍

[@metaspencer]

Hope so!

[@riam5429]

Lovely and simple

[@metaspencer]

Thanks!

[@TheCmjesquire]

this one is awesome

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks man

[@khari_music]

Beautiful yard man! 👌

[@metaspencer]

Thanks buddy

[@Skeeterweezer]

Props 🤜🤛

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out

[@briandavis9975]

Looks great nice design. So how is the bus doing brother?

[@metaspencer]

Oh man, the bus has been great in this heat with the AC ... I've been staying out there and guess it's time to paint it, but I keep putting it off

[@briandavis9975]

@@metaspencer I bet it's a huge task but you'll be glad when it's done I've got my own to still paint but that's way down the line still have a great 4th stay safe.

[@metaspencer]

@@briandavis9975 you too man: nice to have a weekend to chill :)

[@EndothermiCamel]

​@@briandavis9975 what are you doing with a bus? Why is it beneficial to own a bus? Thank you and God bless.

[@kevnrps]

Awesome looking coop

[@metaspencer]

Thanks man

[@henrikkarl25]

Size is 4 by 4 in floor ? Is that 4 feet by 4 feet ?

[@metaspencer]

Yes, 4 feet so one sheet of plywood can be cut in 1/2

[@henrikkarl25]

@@metaspencerawesome. If I were to build a coop with a one sqaure meter in floor size, could it house 6 chickens or more ? My plan is to let them room freely around outside during the day.

[@metaspencer]

@@henrikkarl25 that sounds a little small for the coop and 6 chickens

[@henrikkarl25]

@@metaspencer so what would you recommend in size ? For 5 hens and 1 rooster

[@metaspencer]

@@henrikkarl25 it's hard to say specifically because it all depends on how much space you have on your roosting poles ... I guess I'd say that a coop that size would work out well for 6 birds if it has plenty of roosting space and ventilation

[@carolinegray3150]

Nice tortises

[@metaspencer]

The older one is about 75 or 80