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8×8 chicken and pigeon house

Hens

An 8×8-foot timber house with separate interior layouts for hens, bantams, pigeons or a brooder.

Configuration

Hens
View Instructions
  • Revision: 4
  • Last updated:
  • Steps: 13
  • Difficulty: advanced
  • License: Owner-authorized publication and distribution on DIY Plans
Before you start
  • Use this as a design study. It has not been built or structurally tested, and the following construction details must be completed before building.
  • Confirm the proposed openings, roof and interior dimensions before ordering or cutting. Dimensions are in inches unless marked otherwise.
  • Resolve site loads, foundation bearing and anchorage, lumber grades, headers, rafter seats, roof bracing, connections and fastening.
  • Specify supported panel seams, roofing, cupola flashing, exterior finishes and opening weather seals.
  • Detail door and sash joinery, hinges, stays, catches, screens and cleanout access for the selected units.
  • Check space, ventilation, predator exclusion, cleaning access and equipment for the birds and local climate. The historical capacity is not a current suitability assessment.
  • Update the stock allocation for the final joinery, panel seams, measured stock, products and fastening schedule.
Plan details

Hens

Four nests in two pairs, a dropping board, a beveled roost and storage above.

Choose one of four interiors inside an 8×8-foot house with screened tilt-in windows, a ventilated door and an adjustable roof vent. Each configuration includes its own instructions, dimensions, shopping list and downloadable model.

Use the FreeCAD model to inspect and edit dimensions. Import the STEP file into other CAD software.

Recheck adjoining parts, dimensions, cut lists and instructions after changing the model.

Dimensions and opening sizes
Framing footprint widthCladding and trim extend beyond the framing.
96 in
Framing footprint depthFront to rear of the framing.
96 in
Floor areaBased on the 8×8-foot framing footprint.
64 ft²
Wall height above finished floorTop of wall framing.
72 in
Roof rise over 48-inch half-spanTimber and roofing extend above this reference line.
18 in
Skid bottom to finished floorIncludes skid, joist and floor panel thickness.
7 3/4 in
Wall stud spacingOpening framing requires a separate layout.
24 in
Cupola outside width and depthOutside dimensions of the cupola.
12 in
Cupola hole diameterFour screened holes on each side.
1 1/4 in
Nest floorHeight above the finished floor.
18 in
Nest depthFront to back of each nest.
16 in
Dropping-board topHeight above the finished floor.
31 in
Roost topHeight above the finished floor.
37 in
Storage floorHeight above the finished floor.
59 in
Shopping & cut lists

Get the shopping and cut lists

Includes all available CAD files, shopping lists and cut lists for every configuration of this plan. One payment, $19 USD plus applicable tax.

Get the plan package · $19
Tools & equipment
  • Tape measure, framing square, level and layout line
  • Saw and guides suitable for timber and panel cuts
  • Drill/driver, bits and 1¼-inch hole saw for cupola holes
  • Clamps, sawhorses and assembly supports
  • Tools for the selected joinery, screen, flashing and roofing systems
  • Temporary bracing and suitable lifting/access equipment
  • Eye, hearing and dust protection appropriate to the work

BEFORE YOU BUILD

Use this work at your own risk

These files have not been checked for accuracy, safety, structural adequacy, or building-code compliance. They may contain serious errors and are not construction-ready. Obtain independent qualified design and review before building.

No person or organization makes any guarantee or warranty, express or implied, regarding this design, its documentation, digital files, or website views. They are not professional services and do not create an architect-client or other professional-client relationship. No promise is made about accuracy, completeness, reliability, code compliance, or fitness for your project.

Buildings and building projects are complex, and many things can go wrong. You are responsible for checking dimensions and site conditions, choosing suitable materials and methods, obtaining permits, following codes and manufacturer instructions, and getting qualified professional help when needed. To the fullest extent permitted by law, DIYPlans.org disclaims liability for damages resulting from use of this work. Read the FAQ about your responsibilities.

Instructions

Download

Step 1 Confirm dimensions and installation details

  • Confirm the proposed openings and interior sizes before ordering or cutting. The house has an 8×8-foot footprint, walls 6 feet above the floor and an 18-inch roof rise.
  • Complete the structural, weatherproofing and equipment details for the intended site.

Check: The site layout shows a 96 x 96 in framing footprint, 72 in wall height and 18 in roof rise; unresolved site details are recorded.

Step 2 Lay out the three skids

  • Set out three 4×4 pressure-treated skids running front to rear over a level foundation. Their left edges are 0, 46¼ and 92½ inches across the 96-inch footprint. Ground preparation and anchorage still need to be specified for the site.

Check: The skid layout marks left edges at 0, 46 1/4 and 92 1/2 in across the 96 in footprint.

Step 3 Assemble the floor frame and plywood deck

  • Use 2×4 pressure-treated joists and ¾-inch plywood flooring. The layout has five 96-inch cross joists, two 93-inch side rims and two 4×8 floor panels. The skids and joists are each 3½ inches deep, giving 7¾ inches from skid bottom to finished floor. The proposed joist spacing is about 24 inches; confirm panel seams, support and fastening before construction.

Check: The layout includes five 96 in cross joists and two 93 in side rims, with 7 3/4 in from skid bottom to finished floor.

Step 4 Frame the walls to 6 feet above the floor

  • Use 2×4 framing with studs at 24-inch spacing. Single 1½-inch bottom and top plates surround 69-inch ordinary studs, placing the wall top 72 inches above the floor.
  • Fit the rear wall between the side walls and keep the framed footprint 96×96 inches. Specify temporary and permanent bracing and connections before construction.

Check: The framed footprint is 96 x 96 in, with wall tops 72 in above the floor.

Step 5 Lay out the door and screened windows

  • Place the door in the center of the front gable, with one window on each side. The proposed door opening is 30×78 inches; window openings are 18×30 inches, with sills 36 inches above the finished floor. The door extends into the gable.
  • Confirm the actual openings and header requirements before cutting framing or cladding.

Check: The layout marks a centered 30 x 78 in door and two 18 x 30 in windows with sills 36 in above the floor.

Step 6 Set out the rafters and cupola opening

  • The proposed roof uses 2×4 rafters with an 18-inch rise over a 48-inch half-span, a 4½:12 slope. It includes 3-inch overhangs, a split 1×6 ridge and framing around a 12-inch-square roof airway. Timber and plywood extend above the stated roof rise. Rafter seats, ties, bracing and connections need a structural design before rafters are cut.

Check: The roof layout has an 18 in rise over a 48 in half-span, 3 in overhangs and a 12 in square airway.

Step 7 Plan panel seams and weather protection

  • The proposed wall and roof panels are ½-inch exterior plywood, with corner trim and fascia. Confirm panel thickness for the framing and local loads.
  • Lay out gable and roof panels on available sheets with supported seams and the required gaps. Choose roofing, flashing, seals and finishes, including a watertight connection around the cupola.

Check: Panel seams have backing and expansion gaps, and the weatherproofing materials are selected.

Step 8 Detail the screened cupola and sliding vent

  • Provide a 12×12-inch cupola around the roof airway, with four screened 1¼-inch holes on each of its four sides. A plywood throat connects to an adjustable perforated board on angle-iron guides. Proposed dimensions are a 6-inch cupola wall above the ridge, an 11½×12-inch sliding board, two 24-inch guides and 12-inch travel. Finalize the cap, drainage, clearances and attachments before fabrication.

Check: The layout shows a 12 x 12 in cupola, screened 1 1/4 in holes and an 11 1/2 x 12 in sliding board with 12 in travel.

Step 9 Fit the tilt-in sashes and ventilated door

  • The front windows and upper door sash tilt inward; the lower door panel has a screened louver. Specify the joinery, weather seals, hinges, stays, latches and glazing.
  • Select screen mesh and hardware for the intended installation, with clearance for the full opening movement.

Check: The selected sash and door hardware allow the full opening movement without interference.

Step 10 Set the four nest floors at 18 inches

  • Arrange two nests at each rear corner with a central gap. Proposed banks are 26¼ inches wide and 16 inches deep, using ¾-inch boards to make two 12-inch clear bays each.
  • Set floor tops 18 inches above the finished floor. Add retaining lips, nominal 2×2 front perches and supports. Confirm nest sizes, joints and cleaning access before assembly.

Check: The layout has four nests in two 26 1/4 in wide banks, 16 in deep with 12 in clear bays and floor tops at 18 in.

Step 11 Add the dropping board and roost

  • Set the dropping-board top at 31 inches, 13 inches above the nest floors. The beveled nominal 2×2 roost top is 37 inches above the floor, 6 inches above the board. The proposed dropping board is 89×16 inches; confirm its width and support locations.

Check: The layout places the 89 x 16 in dropping board at 31 in and the roost top at 37 in above the floor.

Step 12 Fit the upper storage and litter board

  • Set the storage-floor top at 59 inches, 22 inches above the roost. This leaves 13 inches to the 72-inch wall height, with a further 18-inch rise to the roof reference line.
  • Fit paired storage doors and a removable 1×6 litter board at the entrance. Check access and specify supports for the selected fittings.

Check: The storage-floor layout and removable litter board leave room to reach the fittings and clean behind them.

Step 13 Check access and construction details

  • Check interior measurements, cleaning access and reach to vents and latches. Confirm supports, fasteners and weatherproofing details before construction.

Check: Cleaning points, vents and latches are reachable, and the unresolved construction details are recorded.

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