Building a chicken coop on your own isn’t just affordable, but it is fun and rewarding experience for first time chicken owners.
Though internet is filled with different chicken coop ideas, it’s important that you have a solid plan to build your chicken coop.
Prior planning, which includes assessing available space, choosing the right material and setting boundaries ensures that your chicken stays safe and healthy.
Depending on the weather conditions in your region, you can choose wooden blocks, meta fencing or durable plastic to build chicken coop for 20 chickens.
In this article, am not going to give a overwhelming list of chicken coop design ideas. Instead, I’ll assists you with the planning, preparation and building of a chicken coop.
Based on it, you can labor your creative mind to make a home for flocks.
How to Build a Chicken Coop for 20 Chickens?
Depending on number of chickens your about to raise, start with assessing the space needs.
In short:
Each chicken bird requires about 3–4 sq ft indoors and 8–10 sq ft in an outdoor run, so plan for at least 60–80 sq ft inside and 160–200 sq ft outside.
Choose a well-drained, shaded location, and design the coop with proper ventilation, predator-proofing, nesting boxes (1 per 3–4 hens), and roosting bars.
Use durable materials like treated wood or metal roofing, ensure easy access for cleaning, and include secure fencing around the run to keep the flock safe.
Before proceeding to the construction phase, I’d suggest to plan, prepare and build.
- Planning: Space assessment & visualize the design
- Prepare: Gather durable material based on the height and size of chicken coop
- Build: DIY or take help of a carpenter to build the layout and install the fence
Let’s elaborate each section.
Step:1 Planning Your Chicken Coop
Space Assessment
The first step is determining how much room your 20 chickens will need. Each bird requires at least 3–4 square feet of indoor coop space, meaning your coop should measure around 60–80 square feet.
The outdoor run should provide 8–10 square feet per chicken, so a fenced area of 160–200 square feet is ideal. Adequate space helps prevent stress, disease, and aggressive behavior among your birds.
Check this: 6 Best Ground Cover for Chicken Run
Designing the Layout
When designing, think about the chickens’ daily routine. Include nesting boxes (one for every 3–4 hens), roosting bars at different heights, and an easy-to-clean floor plan.
- Position windows or vents for proper airflow while ensuring the coop remains draft-free in colder months.
- Doors should be large enough for easy access—both for chickens and for you during cleaning or feeding.
- Hangers for feeders and drinkers help keep food and water off the ground, reducing waste and contamination.
Also Read: How to Clean and Disinfect the Chicken Coop?
Height and Size Considerations
A coop should be tall enough for you to enter comfortably. A height of 6–7 feet allows you to move around without bending too much, making maintenance easier.
For the chickens, elevated roosting bars should be placed about 2 feet above the floor with enough spacing to prevent overcrowding.
Remember to allow extra space for storage of feed and supplies if you want a more self-sufficient setup.
How Big of a Coop for 20 Chickens?
When planning a coop for 20 chickens, space is the first thing to get right. Each chicken needs about 3–4 square feet inside the coop, which means you’ll need at least 60–80 square feet of indoor space.
For the outdoor run, allow 8–10 square feet per bird, giving you 160–200 square feet where they can scratch, forage, and roam freely.
A good setup could be a 10×8 ft coop paired with a 16×12 ft run, but going bigger is always better.
More room reduces stress, keeps chickens healthier, and makes cleaning easier for you. Think of it as an investment in both their well-being and your convenience.
Step:2 Preparing for Construction
Choosing Materials
Durability and safety are the top priorities when selecting materials. Treated wood is often the best choice for framing because it resists rot and weather damage.
For the roof, metal sheets or asphalt shingles work well, offering long-lasting protection from rain and heat.
Wire mesh or hardware cloth is crucial for fencing and ventilation—it’s sturdier and more predator-proof than regular chicken wire.
Essential Tools and Supplies
Before starting, gather the necessary tools such as a saw, hammer, drill, tape measure, nails, screws, and hinges.
Stock up on exterior-grade paint or sealant to weatherproof the wood. Having all materials ready beforehand will make the building process smoother and prevent interruptions.
Step:3 Building the Chicken Coop
Constructing the Frame and Walls
Begin with a solid foundation—either concrete blocks, pavers, or a raised wooden base to keep the coop off the ground.
This prevents flooding and deters pests. Build the frame from treated lumber, then add walls, leaving space for doors, windows, and ventilation openings.
Ensure walls are sturdy enough to withstand wind and predators.
Also Read: What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop?
Adding the Roof and Flooring
Install a sloped roof to allow rainwater runoff, preventing leaks and water damage. A metal or shingle roof ensures durability.
For flooring, use plywood covered with linoleum, or hardware cloth beneath bedding to make cleaning easier and reduce rodent access.
Add a thick layer of bedding such as straw, wood shavings, or hemp for comfort and cleanliness.
Installing Doors and Windows
Every coop needs at least one human-sized access door and one smaller chicken door (pop door).
Fit doors with sturdy locks or latches to keep predators out. Add screened windows or vents on opposite walls for cross-ventilation while ensuring openings are covered with hardware cloth.
Fencing the Run
Chickens need outdoor space to forage, dust-bathe, and exercise. Use strong hardware cloth or welded wire fencing around the run, at least 6 feet high, to keep predators like raccoons, foxes, or stray dogs away.
Bury the wire at least 12 inches underground to stop digging animals. If hawks are common in your area, consider adding netting or wire mesh across the top.
A secure run reduces risks and gives your chickens the freedom to roam safely.
Also Read: How to Build Chicken Coop Out of Pallets?
Important things Every Chicken Coop Must Have
Nesting Boxes
Provide around 6–7 nesting boxes for a flock of 20 chickens. Line them with straw or shavings to keep eggs clean and cushioned.
Place the boxes in darker, quieter corners of the coop to encourage hens to lay.
Roosting Bars
Chickens prefer to sleep off the ground. Install sturdy wooden bars about 2 feet above the floor, spaced so each bird has at least 8–10 inches of roosting space.
Avoid metal pipes, as they can get too cold in winter and cause discomfort.
Ventilation and Light
Proper airflow is essential to prevent ammonia buildup from droppings. Add vents near the roofline to keep fresh air circulating without creating drafts at chicken level.
Natural light through windows supports healthy egg production, but artificial lighting can be added in winter to extend laying hours.
Easy Cleaning Features
Design the coop with maintenance in mind. Removable trays under roosting bars, wide doors, and smooth flooring all make cleaning quicker.
Cleanliness prevents parasites, disease, and bad odors, ensuring a healthy environment for your flock.
Also Read: How to Make Chicken Coop Smell Better?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skimping on Space
It’s easy to underestimate how much room chickens really need. A crowded coop doesn’t just look uncomfortable—it causes stress, pecking, and fewer eggs.
When in doubt, go bigger. Your flock will be happier, healthier, and more productive if they aren’t packed in too tightly.
Using Chicken Wire Alone
Chicken wire might look sturdy, but it’s really just good for keeping chickens in—not keeping predators out.
Raccoons, foxes, and even neighborhood dogs can tear through it with ease. Instead, invest in hardware cloth for the run, windows, and vents. It’s tougher, longer-lasting, and gives real protection.
Poor Ventilation
A coop without proper airflow turns into a damp, smelly mess, and that’s bad news for your birds’ lungs.
Good ventilation isn’t the same as drafts—think of it as fresh air moving through the coop without chilling the chickens. Placing vents high up along the roofline usually does the trick.
Difficult-to-Clean Designs
One mistake many first-time builders make is creating a coop that’s tough to clean.
If you can’t easily reach inside to scoop out droppings or change bedding, the coop will quickly become unpleasant for both you and your chickens.
Wide doors, removable trays, and simple layouts save a lot of hassle in the long run.
Also Read: How to Get Rid of Rats from a Chicken Coop?
Conclusion
Building a chicken coop for 20 chickens may take some planning and effort, but it’s worth it for the comfort and safety of your flock.
A well-designed coop makes daily care easier and keeps your chickens happy and healthy.
With enough space, the right materials, and smart features, you’ll create a secure home that lasts for years.
In return, your flock will reward you with fresh eggs and a thriving, lively backyard.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
