Large stilt coop with covered space underneath
- Coop 6' x 6' · 36 sq ft floor
- 80 sq ft run · 6' 2 7/8" tall
- Economy $993–$1,689 · Durable $1,327–$2,288
Chicken coop plans for 8 hens
8 hens need at least 32 sq ft of coop floor (4 sq ft per hen) and 80 sq ft of run (10 per hen), 2 nest boxes and 80 in of roost. Our first pick is the large stilt coop with covered space underneath: 6' x 6', about $993–$1,689 in Economy materials.
How much space do 8 chickens need?
- Coop floor (with run)
- 32 sq ft
- Run
- 80 sq ft
- Nest boxes
- 2
- Roost bar
- 80 in
Without a run, plan 80 sq ft of coop floor. Sources: Chicken coop guide (creatures.com), Converting a shed into a chicken coop (Farmers' Almanac). More in our space guide.
Two coop plans for 8 hens
Walk-in coop with attached run
- Coop 8' x 4' · 32 sq ft floor
- 80 sq ft run · 7' 9 3/8" tall
- Economy $1,018–$1,717 · Durable $1,319–$2,258
Picked by our "Choose for me" for a 40 x 40 ft lawn. In the free preview you can pick any two models that fit your yard.
What materials do you need?
Part of the shopping list of the large stilt coop with covered space underneath for 8 hens (27 lines in the full plan):
| Item | Size | Qty | Est. total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4 lumber | 8' | 32 | $112.00–$176.00 |
| 4x4 pressure-treated lumber | 12' | 4 | $80.00–$128.00 |
| 1/2" OSB | 4' x 8' sheet | 5 | $70.00–$120.00 |
| 3/4" OSB | 4' x 8' sheet | 2 | $48.00–$76.00 |
| 1/2" hardware cloth | 24" wide x 100' roll | 1 | $80.00–$130.00 |
| 1/2" hardware cloth | 48" wide x 50' roll | 1 | $80.00–$130.00 |
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | bundle | 2 | $60.00–$90.00 |
| #9 x 3" exterior screws, 5 lb box (zinc) | pack | 2 | $50.00–$80.00 |
| 8" strap hinge (zinc) | pack | 10 | $30.00–$70.00 |
- Step 1: Set the foundation
- Step 2: Build the floor
- Step 3: Frame the walls
- Step 4: Build the roof
- Step 5: Add siding and vents
- Step 6: Hang doors and ramp
- Step 7: Install roost and nest boxes
- Step 8: Build the run
3D preview
Which coop models fit 8 hens?
- Stilt coop with egg hatchStilt coop with egg hatch is for up to 6 hens.
- Large stilt coop with covered space underneath6' x 6' · $993–$1,689
- Walk-in coop with attached run8' x 4' · $1,018–$1,717
- Portable chicken tractorPortable chicken tractor is for up to 6 hens.
- Large shed coop with long run8' x 4' · $1,136–$1,927
- Gable farmhouse coop4' x 8' · $1,096–$1,856
- Small minimal coopSmall minimal coop is for up to 4 hens.
- Low-slope modern coopLow-slope modern coop is for up to 6 hens.
4 of 8 models are available for 8 hens.
Coop for 8 hens: questions
How big should a chicken coop be for 8 hens?
At least 32 sq ft of floor when the hens also have a run, or 80 sq ft if they stay inside all day. Add 80 sq ft of run.
How much does it cost to build a coop for 8 chickens?
For the plans on this page, estimated materials are $993–$2,288 (Large stilt coop with covered space underneath) and $1,018–$2,258 (Walk-in coop with attached run), from Economy to Durable materials.
How many nest boxes do 8 hens need?
2: one 12 x 12 in box for every 4 hens.
How long does it take to build a coop for 8 hens?
The large stilt coop with covered space underneath plan estimates 18-29 hours (three weekends, with one helper).
Start this project
Both plans sized for 8 hens and your own yard, free in 3D.