Predator-proof. Easy-clean. Honestly sized. The exact plans, cut list, and shopping guide to build a coop tougher than the famous brands — in a weekend, with basic tools.
Get the Plans →Every cheap prefab fails the same five ways. The famous brands fix them — and charge you a kidney for it. Here's the truth:
These plans solve all five. Same durability, same easy-clean, real predator-proofing — without the premium-brand price tag.
Full cut list, 10-step weekend build sequence, and exact dimensions for a raised 4×6 coop + 6×8 covered run. Basic tools only — no woodshop required.
The cross-section diagram and spec that actually stops raccoons, snakes, and diggers: 1/2-inch hardware cloth, the dig-proof apron, and two-step raccoon-proof locks.
Every board, screw, and roll — with current Home Depot / Lowe's / Tractor Supply prices. Know your cost before you spend a dime. Budget down to ~$200.
A print-and-walk checklist so you never miss the one gap that costs you a flock.
The stuff prefabs botch: vent sizing, airflow, and exactly where to set the coop so it stays dry, healthy, and odor-free.
Roost spacing, nest-box sizing, and the slide-out clean-out tray design — the details that keep your hens healthy and your chores to 30 seconds.
| Fort-Knox DIY | Omlet / premium prefab | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$200–520 materials | $650–900+ |
| Real predator-proofing | Built in — cloth, apron, locks | Add-ons cost extra |
| Easy-clean tray | Yes | Yes (it's why it's pricey) |
| Honest sizing | True 4 sq ft/hen | Often oversold |
| Repairable | $10 + a drill | Proprietary parts |
No. If you can use a drill and a circular saw (or hand saw), you can build this. The plans walk you through it step by step, and the cut list does the math for you.
An instant-download PDF: the full build plans, cut list, predator-proofing system + checklist, real-price shopping list, and the ventilation/placement/spec guides. Digital product — no physical shipping.
Yes, if you watch for lumber sales and reuse some framing. All-new materials run closer to $420–520 — still well under the $650–900+ premium prefabs. The shopping list shows both.
It's honestly sized for 4–6 hens (true 4 sq ft per bird in the coop, plus a roomy run) — not the optimistic "holds 8" math cheap coops use.
30-day money-back guarantee. If the plans aren't a fit, just email for a full refund.