Run for your existing coop plan
Stands against your coop wall and frames an opening around its pop door. Wire on every side and the top.
- Hens
- 1–12
- Height
- 6'
- Est. materials
- $351–$1,084
- Skill level
- Medium
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What size run for your existing coop do I need?
| Hens | Run size | Area | Height | Est. materials (Economy) | Durable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6' x 6' | 36 sq ft | 6' | $351–$613 | $403–$706 |
| 3 | 6' x 6' | 36 sq ft | 6' | $351–$613 | $403–$706 |
| 4 | 6' x 7' | 42 sq ft | 6' | $373–$637 | $425–$730 |
| 6 | 6' x 10' | 60 sq ft | 6' | $464–$798 | $516–$891 |
| 8 | 7' x 11' 6" | 80.5 sq ft | 6' | $496–$847 | $548–$940 |
| 10 | 8' x 12' 6" | 100 sq ft | 6' | $541–$927 | $593–$1,020 |
| 12 | 8' x 15' | 120 sq ft | 6' | $580–$991 | $632–$1,084 |
Worked out by our plan engine for level ground and a 12 x 30 in coop pop door (your own door size works too). Costs are estimates from typical US home-center prices.
What the materials cost for 6 hens
Economy and Durable side by side, from the plan's own shopping list (6' x 10').
Economy materials
$464 to $798
Zinc-plated screws, hinges and latches. Safety parts are the same.
- Lumber
- $174–$284
- Hardware cloth
- $190–$310
- Fasteners and hardware
- $100–$204
Durable materials
$516 to $891
Coated screws, stainless hinges and latches. Safety parts are the same.
- Lumber
- $174–$284
- Hardware cloth
- $190–$310
- Fasteners and hardware
- $152–$297
Estimates from typical US home-center prices; your local prices will vary. Prices last updated: Oct 23, 2026. Not included: sales tax, delivery, tools, gravel/base material, paint or stain.
Plan specifications & limitations
Run space per hen
10 sq ft (8-10 sq ft guidance; we use the top)
In this plan: 60 sq ft for 6 hens · Source: udel.edu
Mesh
1/2 in hardware cloth on every side and the top, never chicken wire
In this plan: All sides, the top and the gate · Source: the-chicken-chick.com
Apron
24 in of hardware cloth laid flat outside the walls
In this plan: Three sides (not against the coop) · Source: the-chicken-chick.com
Posts
Pressure-treated 4x4, at most 96 in apart
In this plan: 6 x 10 ft frame · Source: Our design choice
Gate
36 in clear opening, two-step latch and hasp
In this plan: One framed wire gate · Source: Our design choice
Walk-in height
6 ft at the wire top, so an adult can stand inside
In this plan: 72 in · Source: Our design choice
Coop door opening
Framed opening with a header; run height clears the door top by 6 in
In this plan: 12 in wide, top 30 in up · Source: Our design choice
| Rule | What every plan uses | In this plan | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run space per hen | 10 sq ft (8-10 sq ft guidance; we use the top) | 60 sq ft for 6 hens | udel.edu |
| Mesh | 1/2 in hardware cloth on every side and the top, never chicken wire | All sides, the top and the gate | the-chicken-chick.com |
| Apron | 24 in of hardware cloth laid flat outside the walls | Three sides (not against the coop) | the-chicken-chick.com |
| Posts | Pressure-treated 4x4, at most 96 in apart | 6 x 10 ft frame | Our design choice |
| Gate | 36 in clear opening, two-step latch and hasp | One framed wire gate | Our design choice |
| Walk-in height | 6 ft at the wire top, so an adult can stand inside | 72 in | Our design choice |
| Coop door opening | Framed opening with a header; run height clears the door top by 6 in | 12 in wide, top 30 in up | Our design choice |
Predator protection
1/2 in hardware cloth on every side and the top, never chicken wire. A 24 in apron lies flat around the outside against diggers.
Ground
Assumes level ground. The pressure-treated posts stand on ground stakes and the base rails sit on the ground; level a strip under the rails first.
Coop
Your coop is not part of this plan. The run frames an opening around the pop door sizes you gave; measure your coop wall first.
Snow and wind
Snow, wind and soil conditions are not checked. Check local snow and wind loads, and ask your local building department about the roof and anchoring.
Permits and HOA
Many cities and counties require a permit for structures above 120 sq ft. Some require one for smaller ones. HOA rules may limit size, color or materials. Checking permits, setbacks and HOA rules is your responsibility.
Not an engineered plan
The plan is a general guide for a small backyard structure. It is not stamped or engineered, and it is not a substitute for engineering or local approval.
See it in 3D
Questions about this plan
How many hens is the run for your existing coop for?
How much does it cost to build?
Is it predator-proof?
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