Raising chickens in your backyard can be both fun and rewarding, but you need a cozy space for them to thrive. Whether you’re an urban farmer or have a rural homestead, finding the right chicken coop that fits your space can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 17 small chicken coop ideas. These coops not only provide a safe home for your chickens but also add charm to your outdoor living space. From modern designs to rustic charm, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for creating a home your chickens will love.
1. Portable Chicken Tractor
A portable chicken tractor is perfect if you’re looking for flexibility. This coop sits on wheels, making it easy to move around your backyard. The idea behind the chicken tractor is that you can allow your chickens to graze in different areas of your yard without having to build multiple coops. Most designs are small but still provide ample space for your chickens to roam.
These mobile coops come with built-in runs, so your chickens can get their exercise and fresh air while being protected from predators. You’ll often see this type of coop made from lightweight wood and wire mesh, making it easy to push or pull from one spot to another. Not only is this design space-efficient, but it also helps with yard maintenance. The chickens will naturally fertilize your lawn as they graze, keeping both your chickens happy and your grass green.
Whether you have a small backyard or a larger farm, a portable chicken tractor is a great option for those who want a functional yet versatile coop.
2. Rustic Barn-Style Coop
If you love the look of old farmhouses, then a rustic barn-style chicken coop is a great choice. This coop design adds a touch of countryside charm to your backyard while providing a secure and cozy environment for your chickens. You can use reclaimed wood for an authentic, weathered look, and add traditional barn-style doors and windows for ventilation.
The barn-style coop is usually larger than other designs, but there are plenty of small versions that fit well in smaller spaces. The slanted roof helps with water runoff, ensuring the coop stays dry, while the raised platform keeps it safe from predators. You can also customize the coop with features like nesting boxes, roosting bars, and a small run to give your chickens a bit more freedom to explore.
With its timeless look and practical design, this coop is a great addition to any backyard, especially if you’re going for a farmhouse aesthetic.
3. Minimalist Modern Coop
For those who prefer a sleek and simple look, a minimalist modern chicken coop is ideal. This design focuses on clean lines, neutral colors, and functionality, fitting perfectly in a modern backyard. Often constructed from sturdy materials like metal or treated wood, these coops are built to last and require minimal maintenance.
The minimalist coop often features a compact, rectangular design that maximizes interior space while minimizing the overall footprint. A flat or slightly angled roof adds to its modern appearance, and you can choose to paint it in neutral tones like gray, black, or white for a chic, understated look. Many modern coops also come with automated features like timed feeders or solar-powered lights, making chicken care even more convenient.
If your home has a modern back porch or patio, a minimalist chicken coop can blend seamlessly with your outdoor decor while providing a stylish home for your flock.
4. Upcycled Pallet Coop
If you’re into DIY projects and want a sustainable option, consider building an upcycled pallet coop. Pallets are often easy to find, inexpensive, and can be transformed into a sturdy and attractive coop for your chickens. This design not only gives you a chance to recycle materials but also allows you to create a custom coop that fits your exact specifications.
To build this type of coop, you can use pallets for the walls and roof, adding chicken wire for ventilation and security. You can get creative with the design, adding windows, a small door, and even a cute chicken-themed sign. While the structure is simple, it’s effective at keeping your chickens safe and comfortable.
Not only does an upcycled pallet coop help reduce waste, but it also adds a rustic, eco-friendly vibe to your yard. This budget-friendly option is perfect for those who love DIY projects and want a unique, one-of-a-kind coop.
5. A-Frame Coop
The A-frame chicken coop is a classic design that’s both functional and easy to build. Its triangular shape provides excellent stability and weather resistance, making it a great choice for areas with harsh weather conditions. The steep roof allows rain and snow to slide off easily, keeping the inside of the coop dry and comfortable for your chickens.
This compact coop design is perfect for small spaces, as it takes up minimal room while still providing enough space for a small flock. You can easily add a small run to the side or below the coop for your chickens to roam during the day. Many A-frame coops come with hinged roofs or doors that make cleaning and egg collection a breeze.
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and space-saving chicken coop, the A-frame design is a great option to consider.
6. Greenhouse Chicken Coop
A greenhouse chicken coop combines the best of both worlds, offering a warm, protected space for your chickens while also giving you the ability to grow plants. This unique design features a small chicken coop inside or adjacent to a greenhouse structure, allowing your chickens to benefit from the warmth and shelter provided by the greenhouse.
In this design, the chickens can help fertilize your plants by naturally turning over the soil and providing valuable nutrients through their droppings. You can also grow herbs and vegetables in the greenhouse to feed your chickens, creating a self-sustaining system. The greenhouse coop works well in cooler climates where chickens need extra warmth during the winter months.
This multi-functional design is perfect for gardeners who want to integrate their chicken-raising and gardening efforts into one efficient, eco-friendly system.
7. Victorian-Style Chicken Coop
For a truly elegant and decorative chicken coop, consider a Victorian-style design. These coops feature intricate details like scrollwork, decorative trim, and arched windows, giving them the look of a tiny, charming cottage. While they may look fancy, they’re also practical and functional, providing a safe and cozy home for your chickens.
Victorian-style coops are usually raised off the ground to protect against predators and flooding, and they often come with spacious interiors that include nesting boxes and roosting bars. The design can be as simple or elaborate as you like, with many homeowners adding painted shutters, flower boxes, and other whimsical details to make the coop stand out in their backyard.
This design is perfect for those who want their chicken coop to be a centerpiece in their outdoor living space, blending beauty with functionality.
8. Reclaimed Wood Coop
Reclaimed wood chicken coops are not only eco-friendly but also have a unique, rustic charm. Using reclaimed wood from old barns, fences, or pallets, you can create a one-of-a-kind coop that has a story behind it. This design is perfect for those who want a sustainable option while adding character to their backyard.
The wood can be treated or painted to match your outdoor decor, and you can add features like windows, a small run, and nesting boxes to make it functional for your chickens. The reclaimed wood gives the coop a weathered, vintage look that adds a touch of history and charm to your yard.
If you’re passionate about sustainability and want a chicken coop that reflects that, a reclaimed wood coop is the perfect choice.
9. Urban Chicken Coop
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For city dwellers with limited space, an urban chicken coop offers a compact and stylish solution. These coops are designed to fit in small backyards or even rooftop gardens, making them perfect for urban chicken keepers. Urban coops often feature a vertical design, with multiple levels for roosting and nesting, maximizing space without compromising on comfort.
Many urban coops are built from modern materials like metal and plastic, which are easy to clean and maintain. They often come with secure doors and windows to protect chickens from city predators like raccoons or stray cats. You can also add a small run or rooftop garden to provide your chickens with a bit of outdoor space.
With its sleek design and space-saving features, the urban chicken coop is a great option for those raising chickens in the city.
10. Cottage-Style Chicken Coop
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A cottage-style chicken coop brings a bit of fairy-tale charm to your backyard. With its quaint design, complete with a peaked roof, small windows, and a painted exterior, this coop looks like it belongs in a storybook. Cottage coops are typically small but provide enough space for a few chickens, making them ideal for small backyards.
This design often includes a covered run to give your chickens some outdoor space, as well as a raised platform to keep the coop dry and safe from predators. The cottage-style coop is not only functional but also adds a touch of whimsy to your outdoor decor, making it a great conversation piece.
If you love the idea of having a charming, picturesque chicken coop in your yard, the cottage-style design is the way to go.
11. Urban Balcony Coop
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For those living in an urban environment with little to no backyard, an urban balcony coop could be the perfect solution. This type of coop is specifically designed to fit on a balcony, patio, or small rooftop, offering city dwellers the chance to raise chickens without needing a traditional backyard.
These coops are typically compact, made of lightweight materials like wood or plastic, and often feature removable trays for easy cleaning. Some even include small runs or play areas that fit neatly within the space available. Ventilation is essential in these coops due to the confined spaces, so mesh sides or small fans may be integrated to keep your chickens comfortable.
Although small, urban balcony coops still provide your chickens with the necessary shelter and security, making them perfect for city-dwellers who want to enjoy fresh eggs without sacrificing too much space.
12. Cottage-Style Chicken Coop
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If you want to combine charm and functionality, the cottage-style chicken coop is for you. This design mimics a small cottage or farmhouse, complete with adorable windows, shutters, and even flower boxes, giving your backyard a quaint, storybook feel. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the cottage-style coop is also incredibly practical.
These coops often feature multiple nesting boxes, ample roosting space, and a small run, making them perfect for keeping a small flock happy. The enclosed run ensures that your chickens can get some exercise in a safe environment, while the interior is spacious enough for laying eggs and roosting at night. The cottage-style coop is perfect for homeowners who want their chicken coop to blend in with the overall aesthetic of their garden or backyard.
13. Minimalist Modern Coop
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For fans of modern design, the minimalist coop offers a sleek and stylish option that doesn’t sacrifice functionality. With clean lines, a simple color palette, and a minimalist layout, this coop looks like it belongs in a modern backyard or patio. These coops are usually compact, making them ideal for small spaces, but they still provide your chickens with everything they need.
The modern coop often incorporates innovative features such as automatic doors, solar-powered lighting, and rainwater collection systems, making it a low-maintenance option for the busy chicken owner. Despite its modern aesthetic, this type of coop still ensures that your chickens are protected and have adequate ventilation.
Perfect for small urban or suburban backyards, the minimalist coop adds a touch of contemporary design to your outdoor space while keeping your chickens safe and comfortable.
14. Tiny Coop for Two
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If you only have space for a couple of chickens, the tiny coop for two might be the perfect solution. These coops are specifically designed to house just two chickens, making them compact and easy to fit into small backyards or patios. Despite their small size, tiny coops are still fully functional, offering nesting boxes, roosting bars, and a small run for your chickens to stretch their legs.
This design is ideal for beginners or those who only need a couple of eggs each day. The tiny coop can often be purchased as a pre-made kit, or you can opt for a DIY project to customize the look and size to your liking. It’s an excellent option for those with limited space who still want to enjoy the benefits of raising chickens.
15. Cube Coop with Elevated Nesting Boxes
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Cube-shaped chicken coops are another great option for small spaces. This design is simple, compact, and easy to maintain, featuring a cube-like structure with elevated nesting boxes on the upper level. The lower area often includes a small run or open space for your chickens to roam.
The elevated nesting boxes make it easier to collect eggs without disturbing the chickens, and the compact size of the cube coop allows it to fit neatly in small yards or even patios. Additionally, the clean lines of the cube design offer a modern aesthetic, making it a great addition to any backyard.
The cube coop is perfect for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, stylish, and functional coop that fits into a small space without sacrificing the quality of care for their chickens..
16. The Convertible Coop with Run
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A convertible coop with an attached run is ideal for those who need flexibility. This design allows you to move the run around your yard to ensure your chickens always have access to fresh grass, which is perfect for smaller spaces or urban backyards. The coop itself is typically built on stilts to save space, with the run extending from underneath, creating a two-story effect.
This type of coop also offers a convenient, built-in nesting area above the run, giving your chickens privacy while they lay their eggs. The run usually features a secure, wired enclosure to protect your flock from predators and keep them contained in a specific area.
Another benefit of this design is that it’s portable, meaning you can relocate it easily to protect your lawn from overuse. A convertible coop allows you to take full advantage of small spaces, offering both a functional and aesthetically pleasing structure for your chickens.
17. A-Frame Coop with Roosting Bars
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The A-frame chicken coop is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Its triangular structure not only looks great in any backyard but also provides excellent shelter for your chickens. The slanted sides help water and debris slide off, making it an easy-to-maintain coop. With roosting bars inside, your chickens have plenty of space to perch comfortably at night.
The compact size of the A-frame design makes it perfect for smaller backyards or tight spaces. It’s also relatively easy to build for those who like a DIY project. You can customize it with a hatch door for easy egg collection and add a small run area under the sloped roof, ensuring your chickens get some fresh air and exercise without wandering too far.
Additionally, the A-frame design is easy to relocate if necessary, making it a versatile option for smaller homes or spaces that require frequent reorganization.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Small Chicken Coop
Whether you have a small urban balcony or a cozy suburban backyard, there are plenty of small chicken coop ideas to suit your needs. From sleek modern designs to charming cottage-inspired coops, each option provides a balance of aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that your chickens are comfortable and secure. When selecting the perfect coop, consider the size of your flock, available space, and how much effort you want to put into maintenance and mobility.
Raising chickens in a small coop doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. With innovative designs, you can create a comfortable home for your flock, whether you’re an urban gardener, a suburban homesteader, or a backyard chicken enthusiast.
