Still haven’t found the chicken coop design that you want to have in your backyard? Then how about this old West hotel-inspired chicken coop?
It’s called the Eggcelsior! A hotel-inspired chicken coop. And as its name implies, it’s one of the finest accommodations your chickens can ever live in!
Though it looks like an expensive five-star hotel, this DIY chicken coop was built mostly with reclaimed timber and it does not use electricity. It has plenty of windows for good ventilation and it features a skylight for natural lighting!
The Eggcelsior has now been updated with an adjacent building which the proprietors call ‘The Broken Yolk’. It serves as the chickens ‘watering hole’, or if you prefer, the saloon!
Take a quick tour of it now by viewing our album below! :)
How good is this hotel… I mean, chicken coop?
Contents
Building a Hotel-Inspired Chicken Coop
Materials
- 3/4″ Plywood
- Reclaimed Shiplap Timber
- Reclaimed Decking Timber
- Reclaimed Fencing Timber
- Water-Sealing Roofing Compound
- Tin Roofing
- Roofing Tar
- Hinges (for the door, nesting box)
- Chicken Wire
- Paint (of choice)
- Wood and Decking Screws and Nails
Tools
- Measuring Tape
- Circular Saw
- Cordless Drill
- Sander
- Nail Gun
Instructions
Step 1: Design Your Coop
- Plan the Layout: Sketch the design of your coop, ensuring it includes a main area for the chickens, a nesting box, and a ‘saloon’ style watering hole. Plan for ample windows and a skylight to ensure good ventilation and natural light.
- Dimensions: Decide on the size based on your available space and the number of chickens you plan to house.
Step 2: Prepare the Foundation
- Clear and Level the Site: Choose a dry, shaded spot and clear it of any debris. Level the ground.
- Lay the Foundation: Use the reclaimed decking timber to build a raised platform foundation. This will prevent moisture from seeping into the coop.
Step 3: Construct the Frame
- Cut the Timbers: Using the circular saw, cut the reclaimed shiplap timber according to your design measurements for the walls and the reclaimed fencing timber for the framing.
- Assemble the Frame: Use the cordless drill and screws to assemble the frame, ensuring it’s sturdy.
Step 4: Install the Roof
- Construct the Roof Frame: Use additional reclaimed timber to create the roof frame. Ensure it has a slight slope to prevent water accumulation.
- Attach the Tin Roofing: Secure the tin roofing onto the frame with screws. Use roofing tar to seal the edges and joints.
- Apply Water-Sealing Roofing Compound: Apply the compound over the tin roofing for additional waterproofing.
Step 5: Add Walls and Doors
- Install the Plywood: Attach 3/4″ plywood for the coop’s interior walls using the nail gun.
- Cover with Timber: Attach the reclaimed shiplap timber on the exterior walls for aesthetic appeal.
- Door and Nesting Box: Install doors and access points for the nesting box, attaching hinges securely.
Step 6: Install Windows and Skylight
- Cut Out Windows: Use the circular saw to cut out window openings. Frame them with reclaimed timber.
- Install the Skylight: Cut an opening in the roof and frame it. Install a flat piece of clear, durable plastic as the skylight.
Step 7: Secure with Chicken Wire
- Enclose the Coop: Wrap chicken wire around the outside of the coop, especially around the windows, to keep predators out. Secure it with nails or staples.
Step 8: Painting and Finishing Touches
- Sand the Timber: Smooth all exterior surfaces with the sander to prepare for painting.
- Paint: Apply a coat of your chosen paint to protect the timber and enhance the coop’s appearance.
- Decorative Elements: Add any decorative elements that complement the hotel theme, like signs or ornamental features.
Step 9: Furnish and Decorate the Interior
- Install Perches and Nesting Materials: Inside the coop, install perches made from branches or timber. Add cozy bedding to the nesting boxes.
- Decorate ‘The Broken Yolk’ Saloon: Set up the watering hole with creative, old-West saloon décor.
Step 10: Landscaping and Final Setup
- Landscape the Surrounding Area: Plant a small garden around the coop with chicken-friendly plants and herbs.
- Introduce Your Chickens: Once everything is set and dry, introduce your chickens to their new, luxurious ‘Eggcelsior’ coop.
Looking for more chicken coop ideas? Check out our free chicken coop plans here…
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. 
You can get more step-by-step instructions from Kilsharion over at Backyard Chickens!
Interior Design Tips for Chicken Coops
When designing a chicken coop, it’s essential to balance functionality with aesthetics to create a space that is both practical for the chickens and visually appealing to you. Drawing inspiration from hotel design can elevate your chicken coop from a mere shelter to a standout feature in your garden.
Here are some interior design tips to help you craft a hotel-inspired chicken coop that marries style and comfort.
Choose a Luxurious Color Palette
Just as hotels often use soothing, elegant color schemes to create a welcoming atmosphere, you can apply the same principle to your hotel-inspired chicken coop. Opt for soft pastels, earthy tones, or classic whites to paint the interior walls. These colors not only look beautiful but can help brighten the coop’s interior, making it appear more spacious and clean.
Install Functional, Stylish Lighting
Lighting is crucial in a hotel-inspired chicken coop for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Consider installing LED strip lights that mimic the soft, ambient lighting of a boutique hotel. These are energy-efficient and can be solar-powered. For a touch of rustic charm, hang a small chandelier or lantern-style lights. This not only enhances the coop’s decor but ensures your chickens have enough light during shorter winter days.
Use Decorative, Comfortable Bedding
In any luxury hotel, the bedding is a highlight, providing comfort and style. Apply this concept to your hotel-inspired chicken coop by choosing high-quality, visually appealing bedding materials. Wood shavings or hemp bedding are excellent options that are not only absorbent and odor-controlling but also add a natural, rustic touch to the coop’s interior.
Create a Mini Lobby
Just as a hotel lobby provides a space for guests to relax and gather, consider incorporating a similar area in your hotel-inspired chicken coop. This can be a small, clear space with a few perches and hanging treats like cabbage heads or herb bundles, which encourage natural pecking and roosting behaviors. This ‘lobby’ will serve as a central gathering point for your chickens to socialize and relax.
Add Artistic Touches
Hotels frequently use artwork to accentuate their inside, and your chicken coop inspired by a hotel might have the same effect. Think about weather-resistant murals, accent signage, or even framed artwork. These can be more abstract designs adding a dash of color and personality to the coop or entertaining chicken-themed items.
Focus on Cleanliness and Maintenance
A decent hotel is marked by a clean surroundings. Make sure the design of your chicken coop inspired by hotels lets you maintain it easily. Essential are smooth, wipeable surfaces; removable trays for droppings; and enough airflow. These elements guarantee a good habitat for your chickens and help the coop to remain looking fantastic.
These interior design ideas can help your chicken coop, inspired by hotels, not only be a pleasant residence for your birds but also a lovely, fashionable accent to your outdoor area.
Security Measures for a Hotel-Inspired Chicken Coop
Creating a hotel-inspired chicken coop not only adds an element of style to your backyard but also necessitates thoughtful security measures to ensure your chickens are safe and secure. Just as a hotel focuses on the safety of its guests, your hotel-inspired chicken coop should protect its feathered inhabitants from potential threats.
Here’s how to integrate effective security features into your coop’s design.
Robust Foundation and Frame
The foundation of any secure hotel-inspired chicken coop starts with its construction. Use sturdy, high-quality materials that can withstand attempts by predators to break in. Ensure that all joints are tightly fitted and that the structural integrity of the coop can resist strong winds and harsh weather, which are as important for security as they are for durability.
Secure Locking Mechanisms
Hotels are known for their secure entry systems, and a hotel-inspired chicken coop should incorporate similar security measures. Install heavy-duty locks not just on the main entry doors but also on nesting boxes and any other access points. Consider using padlocks or deadbolts that provide an extra level of security against predators that can manipulate simpler latches.
Predator-Proof Fencing
Surround your hotel-inspired chicken coop with a fence that goes above and beyond standard chicken wire. Opt for hardware cloth, which has much smaller openings that are not large enough for predators to pass through. Bury the base of the fence several inches into the ground to prevent digging predators such as foxes and raccoons from gaining access.
Motion-Activated Lighting
Just like a modern hotel utilizes technology for security, your hotel-inspired chicken coop can benefit from installing motion-activated lights. These lights will startle and deter nocturnal predators and also provide a visual alert to you if something is prowling around the coop at night.
Surveillance
In high-end hotels, surveillance cameras play a crucial role in guest security. Similarly, setting up a camera system around your hotel-inspired chicken coop can help you monitor any suspicious activity. These cameras can be connected to your home network, allowing you to keep an eye on your chickens from your smartphone or computer.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Finally, maintaining the integrity of your hotel-inspired chicken coop is essential for ensuring ongoing security. Regularly inspect the coop for any signs of wear or potential breaches. Check all locking mechanisms, replace or repair any damaged areas, and ensure that the coop remains a safe haven against all threats.
By implementing these security measures, your hotel-inspired chicken coop will not only look great but will also offer a safe and secure environment for your chickens, much like a well-guarded, luxurious hotel.
Conclusion
Building a hotel-inspired chicken coop combines elegance with functionality, creating a luxurious retreat for your chickens that also enhances your backyard’s aesthetic. Integrating detailed design elements and robust security features ensures that your coop is as safe as it is stylish. This project not only offers a charming habitat for your chickens but also stands as a testament to innovative and thoughtful craftsmanship.
For more livestock ideas, check out our chicken playground guide!
