Help me refurb this tank of a coop!

[EllingtonArrox]

We were given this BEAST of a coop by a friend. It hasn’t been used in a couple years, and even as a first time chicken owner I know it needs gutted/redone. The entire thing is constructed of 2x4s and metal sheeting. It is solid and completely predator proof, plus it’s on wheels! Total measurements are right around 4Wx6Lx5H. Current set up is basically unusable, so we plan on gutting, cleaning, and remodeling the inside.

I’ve attached pictures indicating what I think we should do to improve it, but I’m a noob, so I’d rather get input from people who know more than me before doing everything…

- Remove the plexiglass windows and replace w/vents

- Lower the roosting bar in the top center so it’s not in line with the vents, and place a second one slightly lower and in front of that one. This would provide 12 total feet of roosting space.

- Add two nesting boxes with flat tops in the corner (these would also provide a step up for the birds to get to the roosts since this thing is awkwardly tall/narrow)

- Mount a PVC feeder and waterer OUTSIDE of the coop to avoid taking up any floor space inside. Holes will be drilled and only the dispenser pieces will be physically inside the coop.

There is about 24sq feet of floor space. Nesting boxes will take up 2 of those at a minimum. We will have 4 standard sized birds and 2 bantam silkies (I think - waiting to see who is a roo and who isn’t). The coop will mostly be a sleeping quarters at night, and they will have access to a large enclosed run during the day.

I know the space is a bit small and narrow, but we are hoping to make this work vs another prefab coop we were given, as this one is much sturdier/safer. Also. Will any sort of insulation need to be added since the walls are all metal? We’re in NE Ohio, so we get the entire gamut of weather.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC! If you put your general location into your profile it will help people give you better-targeted advice. Climate matters.

Your intent to provide better ventilation is good. With 6 birds you will want a minimum of 6 square feet -- more if you're in a hot climate and/or if the coop will not be located in the shade.

You want to plan airflow like this:

If you're in a hot climate you might consider replacing an entire wall with wire or if you're in a place that gets HOT summers and COLD winters you might make removable panels to take off during hot weather and replace for the winter.

I was surprised at the ease of working with metal -- as long as you use self-tapping metal screws and have a cordless impact driver (ours is the DeWalt 20V). Electric metal shears are also helpful both for the sheet metal and for the hardware cloth.

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCF88...=1649285390&sprefix=dewalt+20,aps,3493&sr=8-1

https://www.harborfreight.com/power...hears/18-gauge-35-amp-metal-shears-61737.html

 

[Sally PB]

What a great start to a coop! Do you have a vehicle that can tow it? If so, could you make the run moveable too? Then your lucky chickens could be on fresh grass/ground every so often. They would love that!

When you remove the windows, cover the opening with hardware cloth. When we talk about "open ventilation," it's understood that the openings are covered with hardware cloth to make them predator proof. Chicken wire isn't strong enough.

Can you extend the roof to create eaves over the openings to keep out the rain and snow? If not, consider using the window itself as an awning over the opening. Wide open or removed in the hot months, and top hinged to make an adjustable opening in the cold/wet months.

You don't need to insulate, but you need shade over the coop if at all possible. You do need more ventilation than just those two window openings, as @3KillerBs said.

If you really want to insulate, be aware that chickens will probably peck at and eat anything you use, and you would need to put some kind of wall over the insulation. This space can make a great home for rodents, though, and it will also take up some of your floor area.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd do just one roost, and place it lower so birds could easily hop up and down to access it. The Silkies may not roost at all, so the 6' roost is plenty of space for the birds you have.

I would NOT put a flat top on a nest box, as you may find birds end up sleeping on top of those (and pooping down into the nests).

 

[Krugerrand]

I'd do just one roost, and place it lower so birds could easily hop up and down to access it. The Silkies may not roost at all, so the 6' roost is plenty of space for the birds you have.

I would NOT put a flat top on a nest box, as you may find birds end up sleeping on top of those (and pooping down into the nests).

agreed. Plus, the lower roost keeps roof top ventilation higher over their heads.