# 8×8 chicken and pigeon house: Hens [View illustrated instructions](https://diyplans.org/plans/poultry-pigeon-house-6232/variants/laying-hens) [Plan and other configurations](https://diyplans.org/plans/poultry-pigeon-house-6232.md) Four nests in two pairs, a dropping board, a beveled roost and storage above. ## License Owner-authorized publication and distribution on DIY Plans Revision: 4 Status: published Difficulty: advanced Drawing reconstruction ## Before you start - This concept has not been built or structurally tested. Complete the framing connections, weatherproofing and equipment details before construction. - Dimensions are in inches unless marked otherwise. Opening sizes, roof details and some interior measurements are provisional; confirm them before ordering or cutting. - This configuration includes the full house and the hen interior. - This package preserves the existing conceptual reconstruction. Complete the following construction details for the intended site and equipment before building. - Resolve site loads, foundation bearing and anchorage, lumber grades, headers, rafter seats, roof bracing, connections and fastening before construction. - Specify panel seams and backing, roofing, flashing around the cupola, exterior finishes and opening weather seals. - Confirm the inferred door, window and furniture sizes. Detail sash joinery, hinges, stays, catches, screens and cleanout access. - Review usable space, ventilation, predator exclusion, cleanability and equipment for the intended birds and climate; the source capacity is historical, not a new suitability assessment. - Reconcile the stock allocation with the approved joinery, panel seams, net stock sizes, selected products and final fastening schedule. ## Dimensions - Framing footprint width: 96 in. Cladding and trim extend beyond the framing. - Framing footprint depth: 96 in. Front to rear of the framing. - Floor area: 64 ft². Based on the 8×8-foot framing footprint. - Wall height above finished floor: 72 in. Top of wall framing. - Roof rise over 48-inch half-span: 18 in. Timber and roofing extend above this reference line. - Skid bottom to finished floor: 7 3/4 in. Includes skid, joist and floor panel thickness. - Wall stud spacing: 24 in. Opening framing requires a separate layout. - Cupola outside width and depth: 12 in. Outside dimensions of the cupola. - Cupola hole diameter: 1 1/4 in. Four screened holes on each side. - Nest floor: 18 in. Height above the finished floor. - Nest depth: 16 in. Front to back of each nest. - Dropping-board top: 31 in. Height above the finished floor. - Roost top: 37 in. Height above the finished floor. - Storage floor: 59 in. Height above the finished floor. ## Shopping list [Get the plan package for $19 USD](https://diyplans.org/buy/poultry-pigeon-house-6232). Includes available shopping lists, cut lists and downloads for every configuration of this plan. ## Tools and 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 ## Instructions ### 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: Confirm the 96 x 96 in framing footprint, 72 in wall height and 18 in roof rise against the proposed site layout; identify the site-specific details that remain to be designed. ![Front, side and plan views of the hens model, with overall dimensions and the 96 x 96 in framing footprint.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-dimensions/dimensions.png?brand=1) CAD front, side and plan views. The overall model envelope includes cladding, trim and cupola. The dashed plan rectangle marks the 96 x 96 in framing footprint. Inch labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16 in. ### 2. Lay out the three skids - Set out three nominal 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: Check the three skid left edges at 0, 46 1/4 and 92 1/2 in across the 96 in footprint; confirm the site foundation and anchorage details before setting the skids. ### 3. Assemble the floor frame and plywood deck - Use nominal 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 nominal 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: Check five 96 in cross joists, two 93 in side rims and the 7 3/4 in skid-bottom-to-floor height; confirm supported panel seams and fastening before assembly. ![Timber floor, wall and roof framing of the 8×8-foot house.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-framing/framing.png?brand=1) Floor, wall and roof framing. Roof joints and framing connections still need to be specified. ### 4. Frame the walls to 6 feet above the floor - Use nominal 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: Check the framed footprint is 96 x 96 in and the wall top is 72 in above the floor; confirm the bracing and connection details before construction. ### 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: Verify the proposed centered 30 x 78 in door opening and two 18 x 30 in window openings with 36 in sill height; confirm selected units and headers before cutting. ![Front elevation showing two windows beside a central ventilated door.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-front/front.png?brand=1) Tilt-in windows flank the ventilated door. Confirm opening sizes before cutting. ### 6. Set out the rafters and cupola opening - The proposed roof uses nominal 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 nominal 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: Check the 18 in rise over the 48 in half-span, 3 in overhangs and 12 in square airway; complete the rafter-seat, tie, bracing and connection details before cutting. ![Timber floor, wall and roof framing of the 8×8-foot house.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-framing/framing.png?brand=1) Floor, wall and roof framing. Roof joints and framing connections still need to be specified. ### 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: Verify supported panel seams and required panel gaps; identify the selected roofing, flashing, seals and finishes, including the cupola connection. ![8×8-foot house with two front windows, central ventilated door and roof cupola.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-exterior/exterior.png?brand=1) All four configurations share this exterior. ### 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: Check the 12 x 12 in cupola, screened 1 1/4 in holes, 11 1/2 x 12 in sliding board and 12 in travel; verify the final cap, drainage and attachment details. ![Cupola, screened holes, plywood throat, perforated sliding vent and angle guides.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-cupola/cupola.png?brand=1) 12-inch cupola with screened 1¼-inch holes. Cap and sliding-vent details still need to be finalized. ### 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: Check the full sash and door movement against the selected hinges, stays, catches, weather seals and screens; confirm the joinery before fabrication. ### 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: Check four nests with floor tops at 18 in, two 26 1/4 in wide banks, 16 in depth and 12 in clear bays; confirm supports and cleaning access. ![Four hen nests beneath a dropping board, roost and storage.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-interior/interior.png?brand=1) Rear nest banks with the dropping board and roost above. ### 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: Check the dropping-board top at 31 in and roost top at 37 in above the floor; confirm the proposed 89 x 16 in board and its supports. ![Hen house cutaway showing the framing and interior.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-cutaway/cutaway.png?brand=1) Hen interior with walls and roof removed for visibility. ### 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 nominal 1×6 litter board at the entrance. Check access and specify supports for the selected fittings. Check: Check the storage-floor top at 59 in and 13 in clearance to the wall top; verify access-door and litter-board support details. ### 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: Verify the intended interior dimensions and access to cleaning points, vents and latches; complete supports, fasteners and weatherproofing details before construction. ## Drawings and views ![Hen house cutaway showing the framing and interior.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-cutaway/cutaway.png?brand=1) Hen interior with walls and roof removed for visibility. ![The laying-hen configuration with chickens in a farmyard.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/8b7d8a66496df6c0da04535dde412f2a5adc9baf69025eb3152fa68e07e5b831/cad-lifestyle/lifestyle.png?brand=1) The laying-hen configuration with chickens in a farmyard. AI Generated from CAD files for inspiration ![Four hen nests beneath a dropping board, roost and storage.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-interior/interior.png?brand=1) Rear nest banks with the dropping board and roost above. ![8×8-foot house with two front windows, central ventilated door and roof cupola.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-exterior/exterior.png?brand=1) All four configurations share this exterior. ![Timber floor, wall and roof framing of the 8×8-foot house.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-framing/framing.png?brand=1) Floor, wall and roof framing. Roof joints and framing connections still need to be specified. ![Front elevation showing two windows beside a central ventilated door.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-front/front.png?brand=1) Tilt-in windows flank the ventilated door. Confirm opening sizes before cutting. ![Cupola, screened holes, plywood throat, perforated sliding vent and angle guides.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-cupola/cupola.png?brand=1) 12-inch cupola with screened 1¼-inch holes. Cap and sliding-vent details still need to be finalized. ![Front, side and plan views of the hens model, with overall dimensions and the 96 x 96 in framing footprint.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/18eb7852e33451e977770a276ecff39c187a409ddf3b3aa9ffc4909e5897174f/image-dimensions/dimensions.png?brand=1) CAD front, side and plan views. The overall model envelope includes cladding, trim and cupola. The dashed plan rectangle marks the 96 x 96 in framing footprint. Inch labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16 in. ## Downloads [Get the plan package for $19 USD](https://diyplans.org/buy/poultry-pigeon-house-6232). Includes available shopping lists, cut lists and downloads for every configuration of this plan. ## Using the CAD files - 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.