9 Chicken Coop Ideas Under $150 for Beginners: Budget-Friendly Barns

Thinking about keeping hens without blowing your budget? These ideas prove you can build style, function, and a little shade on a shoestring. Let’s dive into simple, practical coop concepts you can actually pull off this weekend.

1. Cozy Brooder Box Upgrade on a Dime

Start with a solid brood box that doubles as a beginner-friendly coop. A little DIY love goes a long way here, and your first layer of hens will thank you with happy, healthy munching and laying.

Why it rocks: cheap materials, quick setup, and you can repurpose items you already own.

Key Points

• Use a sturdy tote or small dog kennel as the base
• Ventilation slots with hardware cloth
• Quiet, safe enclosure to ease into chicken keeping

Tip: Add a low perch and a small nesting area. You’ll have less mess and happier birds. FYI, simple is elite here.

2. Pallet Barndominium—Repurposed Wood Magic

Pallets are the unsung hero of budget coop designs. If you’ve got a bit of patience and a paintbrush, this approach yields a sturdy, rustic-looking home for your flock.

Why it rocks: low cost, high customization, and you’ll feel like a DIY rockstar once it’s done.

What to Gather

• Used pallets (untreated wood)
• Outdoor paint or sealant
• Hinged door for cleaning access

End note: Keep it predator-proof with hardware cloth lining and secure latches. This setup grows with your flock as they mature. Seriously gratifying results, trust me.

3. The No-Frills A-Frame That Flat-Out Works

Minimalist, sturdy, and surprisingly stylish—an A-frame coop brings great ventilation and easy access for cleaning.

Why it rocks: super affordable if you reuse materials, and it’s easy to expand later.

Design Perks

• Sloped roof for rain runoff
• Raised base for damp ground protection
• Exterior nesting boxes for quick egg collection

Tip: Place it on a slight incline to prevent puddles after rain. The birds will love the bright, airy interior. Trust me, you’ll be obsessed with the layout.

4. Mini Tractor Run—Movable Coop on Wheels

Portability with purpose. A small, wheeled coop lets you rotate the flock over fresh grass and helps manage parasites naturally.

Why it rocks: keeps pasturing costs down, reduces waste buildup, and you can move it fast when the ground gets muddy.

What to Know

• Lightweight frame on sturdy casters
• Simple locking mechanism to protect from predators
• Gridded floor to make cleaning a breeze

Application note: Move weekly if possible. Your lawn will forgive you and your hens will appreciate the fresh greens. FYI, the wheels aren’t just for show—they’re a lifesaver.

5. The Screened Solarium Runner—Ventilation as a Feature

Give your chickens a bright, breezy space with a screened-in run and a compact coop. It feels upscale without the price tag.

Why it rocks: fresh air means fewer odor problems and healthier birds, plus you get a sunlit space for happy chickens.

Materials Spotlight

• Hardware cloth for the run enclosure
• Plywood or pallet walls
• Hinged access doors for cleaning

Bottom line: a well-ventilated coop reduces moisture and dampness. Use a removable tray for easy cleanup. Seriously convenient, and the birds will vibe with it.

6. The Painted Cottage Style Coop—Curb Appeal Meets Comfort

Painted exteriors can transform a basic structure into a charming focal point. A cottage-inspired finish makes your backyard feel welcoming to both humans and chickens.

Why it rocks: affordable paint jobs, cute details, and higher property value for your yard vibes.

Tips for a Cozy Look

• Soft exterior color with a darker trim
• Shingled roof or corrugated panels for texture
• Decorative gables or small overhangs

Benefit note: a pretty coop doubles as backyard décor and a practical home for your hens. It’s a win-win when guests say, “That’s adorable!”

7. Upcycled Desk-turned-Nesting Station—Compact and Clever

Repurpose an old desk or sewing table into a nesting area. It’s small, organized, and surprisingly practical for new keepers.

Why it rocks: reuseception—you’re saving money and giving clutter a new life.

How to Set It Up

• Remove drawers, install a waterproof tray
• Laminate or seal the top for easy cleaning
• Install simple dividers for nest boxes

Note: Keep it at chicken eye level so you can monitor eggs without bending over constantly. It’s tiny but mighty—great for beginners.

8. The Shelter-In-Place Coop with Added Lean-To

Think of a small main coop with a lean-to shelter for rain protection and extra roosting space. It’s adaptable and surprisingly roomy for its footprint.

Why it rocks: extra shade and a dry area means happier hens, fewer fights, and less weather drama.

What to Include

• Lean-to roof extension with rain cover
• Extra roosts along the wall
• Simple feeder and waterer setups inside

Bottom line: the lean-to provides a buffer against wind and rain, making your coop feel like a fortress for beginners. Seriously worth considering when you’re designing on a budget.

9. Balcony-Sized Coop That Packs a Punch

Small footprint? Big function. A balcony-style coop fits even tight yards and gives you a scalable base for future expansion.

Why it rocks: you can deploy in tight spaces, and it’s easy to clean with a removable panel system.

Smart Add-Ons

• Removable shower-curtain-style panels for cleaning
• Vertical ladder roosts to maximize space
• Secure locks and predator-proof mesh

Think ahead: this one is perfect if you’re renting or anticipate upgrading later. It grows with your flock’s needs and your space. FYI, compact can be incredibly chic.

Are you pumped yet? Each idea keeps cost under $150, but you gain big-time returns in ease, health, and egg-cellent pride. By using repurposed materials, clever layouts, and small but mighty enhancements, you create a coop that suits your yard and your budget. Seriously, you’ve got this.

Ready to start? Pick one option that sounds easiest, gather a few supplies, and set a realistic timeline. Your chickens will be grateful for the home you built on a budget—and you’ll be hooked on how fun beginner projects can be.