Storage sheds as coops?

So I am running out of time to get the coop built, so starting to think about getting a 8x8 storage shed to help out on the process. Has anyone had much luck turning one into a coop (adding nest boxes, ventilation) ? I have noticed there are many resin sheds now, would they be ok to use? I was thinking it may be a more water proof option for this wet Oregon weather we get, not sure if they get too hot in the summer (thought it is fairly mild here year round).

Any input will be great. I have 10 chicks coming in 5 weeks and just found out my husband has to be out of town for 4 weeks..grant it they will prob be hanging out in the house then garage for 4-6wks, but still worried bout getting something sturdy and safe for them build.

post a pic?

Wood or Plastic?
Does it get hot where you are?

We used a plastic storage shed for our cornish cross coop because we were in a hurry.

its good that it has a chicken wire front so then the chickens dont feel so "enclosed" as i would put it. i would put a run out though to then they would have some scratching space

I use my garden shed as a coop - works great. When it comes to ventilation, regardless of what material its made of, you can always cut bits out and then put hardware cloth over it - might not look too pretty, but it will work for your birds. My flock free range 12 hours a day, so it only serves as an egg laying place and a sleeping zone and it works out very well for me.

All the best

CT

I had a very serious look at shed kits (and greenhouses and carports and...) when I was first deciding. Metal would get too hot in the summer, and I was afraid something would chew through plastic. And I realized that I could build a bigger, better coop for a lot less money than the wooden ones...so that's what finally won out. It meant the difference in being really basic or having some bells & whistles like an automatic pop door.

True that building it yourself is usually cheaper, but if time is a problem then it's a trade off. I've seen quite a few very nice wood garden/storage type sheds at Home Depot, Lowe's etc. that would be perfect chicken coops with very little modifications. Complete with windows, floors, all they need is a pop door for the run and add your roosts and nest boxes. Maybe some added eve ventilation if the windows aren't enough. All those things are pretty easy and quick enough to do. My only issue I guess with the plastic/resin type buildings is how well they breath and possible moisture buildup.

cafarmgirl said:

True that building it yourself is usually cheaper, but if time is a problem then it's a trade off. I've seen quite a few very nice wood garden/storage type sheds at Home Depot, Lowe's etc. that would be perfect chicken coops with very little modifications. Complete with windows, floors, all they need is a pop door for the run and add your roosts and nest boxes. Maybe some added eve ventilation if the windows aren't enough. All those things are pretty easy and quick enough to do. My only issue I guess with the plastic/resin type buildings is how well they breath and possible moisture buildup.

Click to expand...

You make a very good point about moisture issues.

Kinda making a pro con list for the wood vs resin sheds, the biggest worry/concern I have is that it rains just about nonstop for 3 months in the winter. Only got to freezing two days this year, and not sure how hot it gets out here, though its suppose to be "mild" (I just moved to Oregon in Sept). I did not think about the moisture build up with the resin until cafarmgirl mentioned it. I know there will be a few modifications needed for either type shed (plenty ventilation, chicken door, nest boxes, some sort of poop board or box, and roosts.) Hmm hope I am not forgetting anything.

We had planned to build a nice coop based on many different parts of ones I have seen on here, but the husband does not think he will be able to get it done this spring. I suppose I could cancel my order, (ha ya right) until we have time to get one built. Thanks for your guys posts so far, its giving me hope that I might be able to get this done. I saw that HomeDepot is having a bit of a sale on some of their sheds when I was down there, that will help a bit.