Advice on shed coop

[ChickenGirl555]

I was thinking of buying a shed that’s like a quick assembly type.

I have 8 chickens currently and want two more, and since the coop we have now isn’t that big, we thought we could turn a shed into a summer coop. The coop we have now is much more insulated and warmer, and the chickens are cozy for winter in it. This is their first winter too.

It would be bigger and not a tractor coop. The one we have now IS a tractor coop.

Any advice on turning a shed into a coop?

 

[junebuggena]

When choosing a shed, keep ventilation in mind. Also be thinking about how you will be installing the roosts.
Wood sheds are the easiest to make modifications to.

 

[SterlingSilver]

How big is the shed? If it has a door just let the chickens out with that. I recommend that you just put the nesting boxes outside but mine are inside it might be easier for you to put them inside. Put in vents on the top on each side for ventilation. Put the roosts in s draft free area as always. If it comes with a window put wire mesh on it and use screws and washers to keep it in place. I'm only twelve so my knowledge on building is limited. But try to get a picture of it.

 

[Welshies]

Make sure you have adequate ventilation- 1 square foot per bird. Even more is helpful. Drafts do not equal ventilation- keep it free of drafts.
Plan for more space than your current flock.
Add a window in for light, but keep it fairly small. Cover window opening (if it opens) with 1/4" hardware cloth, because weasels and rats can squeeze through 1/2" hardware cloth. You can always add more light, but taking away light is a pain.
10" per bird for roost space. Roosts at 3, 4, and 5 feet and higher. Ventilation above roosts always. If you don't have a big flock but plan for one in the future, make roosts removeable. If you live in a cold climate, use the flat side of 2x4s for roosts so birds can keep their feet warm.
Consider saving space by adding a poop board and placing nest boxes under that poop board. 1 nest box for 5-8 hens.
Add in hooks or light sockets for a light or heat lamp.
Consider your bedding. If using the deep litter method then put 2x4s up at doorways to keep litter inside the coop.
Consider a bird door, or use the human door.
Cover any 1/2" or larger openings with 1/4" hardware cloth.
If you live in a hot climate, (+25°C or more), consider making ventilation openings the height of the roosts that can shut and open for hot days- close these on cold days.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

There are lots of shed to coop conversions on byc. Do a search for them. I know there are some recent ones as well - I follow a few of them to see what is working and what is not.

 

[cavemanrich]

All depends what your budget allows. An 8 x 10 vinyl plastic shed costs about $1000. It is good for a loooooong time. Needs some ventilation work as well as interior decorating. ..... Roosts, nests, etc.
Some of the wood sheds offered at homecenters are bare-bone minimum as to lumber sizing and sheathing quality. Will last a few years before needing some upgrades.
If you or someone close can build you a real coop/shed I think you can purchase materials for 1/2 the cost of a ready made one from store.
To get IDEAS,,, go to ARTICLES, and then COOPS.
WISHING YOU BEST.....

 

[Pork Pie]

This search may help

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threadloom/search?query=shed coops&tab=618

 

[blackdog043]

I was thinking of buying a shed that’s like a quick assembly type.

If your thinking of a plastic shed, it has been done, but you will have to cut holes for ventilation, windows and a pop door. Take that into consideration. Plus cover all the ventilation and window openings with hardware cloth. I think a wooden shed is easier to modify and everything screws into wood not plastic. Is building your own an option? There are good you tube videos on building sheds, look up iCreatables.

 

[tigger19687]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-resin-plastic-coop-construction-thread.1198632/

 

[blackdog043]

^^^^@tigger, Thanks I couldn't remember who did this recently.