Galvanized Steel coop

[DesertBrahma]

I am going to be getting a 8x10 galvanized steel shed this weekend. I need some advice on how to modify it for good ventilation for New Mexico summers, and keeping it warm in the winter. Or rather not drafty during the winter. I want to put some hinges, and larches so I can open and close which ever vents I need to. I'm also going to put brackets for the roosts. I'm going to put hardware cloth, and a floor in the coop. I'm going to use pressure treated 4x4s for the foundation, and put 2x4s for the floor joists, and put pressure treated plywood with linoleum on top as the floor. Do I need to put hardware cloth, or chicken wire under it? Also what's the best way to cut the metal so I can still keep it in good shape for me to use as "window" vents. Also can I put something on the metal to keep it from rusting? I really want to start putting it together and get my girls and boy in it. Any input is welcome. Thanks for the advice in advance.

 

[paintedChix]

Have you thought about a cattle panel hoop house? Much less expensive, can be anchored down and made permanent rather than as movable tractors and you can use a variety of products for the roofing, sides/back, roosts and nest boxes. You can make it really low cost or you can go much more expensive but in the end still way less than the lean to. Some nice ones pictured throughout BYC site.

What about leaving the bottom open to the ground for deep litter method?

 

[chiques chicks]

I built a couple hoop houses the other week of ½" PVC, a bunch of fittings and welded wire. I used 1x3 for doors and support at one end. Total cost was about $300 or less for two 10x10 with a bunch of welded wire left for my next project. I used PVC cement and wire ties and screws to hold it together. I'm using one as a grow out pen and one is in my barn with some project birds.

They are good if left in one spot, but twist if you try to move them. I've moved them a it, but wouldn't try it with birds inside.

I can try to snap a few pics later today if you'd like. My phone won't always upload them, but I can try.

 

[Caleb999]

I would use a reciprocating saw to cut the metal. For the floor, how thick is the plywood. If it's over half inch, you should be good. Good luck with your coop!

 

[DesertBrahma]

I plan on using a saws all to cut the areas that I need. I'm going to cut it before I put them on. Then I can add the hardware where I need it.I know I'll have to add some wood in a few places to strengthen the areas.

 

[chiques chicks]

Any good metal paint should help protect from rust.

Add ventilation high so the heat and moisture can escape in summer.

Don't close off all the high ventilation in the winter, the moisture will rise, you need it to escape. Moisture and cold is bad, chickens can generally handle cold.

Not sure how cold your winters get, but mine handle sub freezing temperatures for weeks in a dry coop. Provide shade for the summer and lots of ventilation, heat can build up in buildings and heat is worse than cold. Chickens don't sweat like humans.

 

[DesertBrahma]

I live in southern NM. It can and has gotten down to single digits in temp. I was planning on using some old carpet to cover the vents on top loosely. Right now it's still getting up to the 90s during the day and down in the 60s during the night. I have Dark Brahma chickens that can handle the cold but not the heat as much. I'm going to place this shed so it has good afternoon shade so it doesn't heat up as bad as it could. They'll also have the old funky coop I built when I first got them. I'm estimating spending about $500 for everything unless I just go with a wooden shed for the same price.

 

[chiques chicks]

Brahma should have no issue at those temperatures.

I'm in Pennsylvania, some winters it doesn't get out of the teens for a couple days. Below zero happens on occasion. My coops are wood and there is a 3 inch gap on both sides under the eaves. There is also a 1x8 foot for open window and a 2x8 foot foot window with a flap that doesn't close tight. I keep no water in my coop. The birds survive, although they do get some frostbitten combs. All the vents are located so wind doesn't blow over the floor or roosts.

The openings are covered with ½x1 cage wire.

They really are hardy animals!

Given a choice, DME process, same size, I prefer wood. Easier to modify without a trip for stitches, slightly more insulating, and absorbs more sound. Just my opinion. Most inexpensive steel sheds I've seen aren't vary sturdy. I was just looking for a she'd for a couple goats and realized I am build a wooden one better and stronger than any of the inexpensive metal sheds on the market for about the same money.

 

[DesertBrahma]

We get some nasty winds at times here. I'm going with a wooden base, and floor so it's a little more sturdy than the metal floor frame they provide. I have looked into building a wooden shed but can't afford it. Supplies would cost me more than $400 around here. I've also looked into the pre built sheds and those are way out of my budget.

 

[123RedBeard]

Sawzall can use a hacksaw metal cutting blade ... Drill a few holes in a line to get started ...

Galvinized metal has its own coating ... Kinda greyish color ... Will probably take fifty years to rust through in Southern NM ... Are you around Las Cruces?

Have you thought of a hoop coop? Maybe put a few rows of metal roofing (either painted or galvinized) sideways on the top for shade ... Summer is gonna be harder for them to deal with than winter ... I'll be in El Paso tomorrow ...