Frequently asked questions
Questions that come up most often about how plans are sized, what a download contains, and how orders and materials work.
Frequently asked questions
How does hen count change the plan I get?
For most plans, hen count scales the roost length, nest box count and ventilation opening, and for the Raised Coop and Bundle it also scales the floor footprint. The walk-in coops keep a fixed 6x8 or 8x8 ft footprint regardless of hen count; only the roost, nest boxes and ventilation scale.
What do I actually get in a download?
A ZIP with a start-here PDF showing dimensioned views, a cut-list PDF packed onto stock lumber lengths, a panel-layout PDF for the sheathing, a text file with the generated assembly order, a bill of materials as a JSON file, and a floor plan SVG.
Are these plans code-compliant or load-tested?
No. Framing spacing and fastener counts are this engine's own conservative rules, not a building code requirement, and no plan has been physically built or load-tested. Check your local codes and use your own judgment on structural adequacy before building.
Where do the space and roost figures come from?
Indoor floor space, outdoor run space, roost length and nest box counts follow Penn State Extension's "Small Scale Poultry Housing" guidance. Ventilation opening is this site's own sizing rule, labeled as such wherever it appears.
Can I resize a plan after buying it?
Yes, within that plan's declared hen count range. Rebuild it from your files page at any hen count and climate in range at no extra cost.
Do you sell hardware cloth, screws or tools?
No. Coop Build Plans sells plan downloads only. The materials page links to hardware cloth, fasteners, tools, waterers and feeders through the Amazon Associates program.