Box truck box coop

[picklestheduck]

Hey y’all so my chickens are temporarily in a coop that is much to small for them. We are moving and it’s insane. There is a coop there that is bigger but I will still need more room. I plan on converting the box from the box truck into some kind of coop for my ducks. Any suggestions for what to do to convert it? I don’t have pictures but I think it’s 24 feet long. How would I add ventilation? Should I insulate it? I really don’t have another option. Please help! Thank you!

 

[3KillerBs]

We'll need to start with photos once you have them in order to make useful recommendations.

 

[mowin]

Most truck boxes I've seen have plywood of some sort on the inside some part way up, some all the way to the top. Depending on the construction of the box, you have a few options, but really need to see what you're dealing with. A angel grinder with cutoff disks is your best bet for cutting the outer tin skin. If the inner wall is plywood up to the top, cutting the outer skin will able to see how it's constructed.

 

[picklestheduck]

So I only have pictures of one in a bit better condition than the one I am getting. Yes my dad will be doing the construction but I’ll come up with a plan and help where I can. Here are the pictures. My dad plans on taking off the roller door and putting in a regular one I think. He said it is 24 by 8 by at least 8 I think? The roof is fiber glass and is a lighter color so it lets in some natural light. I think I would like to make at least one decider too since I have too many male ducks and they can have their own pen.

 

[mowin]

I'd take off the E-track, your not going to need that. It's not a insulated box, so that's good.
I'd mark out the ventilation on the outside, and cut the outside skin, but try not to cut the inner vertical supports. You're going to want those intact so you don't compromise the structure.

Measure between the inner plywood and outer skin, and rip boards to fit between them and bolt together. You don't want to leave a gap for critters to get between the walls.

 

[Battlepants]

I'd take off the E-track, your not going to need that. It's not a insulated box, so that's good.
I'd mark out the ventilation on the outside, and cut the outside skin, but try not to cut the inner vertical supports. You're going to want those intact so you don't compromise the structure.

Measure between the inner plywood and outer skin, and rip boards to fit between them and bolt together. You don't want to leave a gap for critters to get between the walls.

I'm not seeing any clear vertical supports in this thing. I suspect that the plywood may be a good deal of the existing support. That being said, I would probably add some 2x4 studs on the inside for support prior to cutting anything. May not be strictly necessary but will make this far safer of a project.

 

[3KillerBs]

That should be sturdy, weathertight, and predator-proof, but you're going to need a LOT of ventilation.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

Think top-hinged windows that act as their own awnings since there is no roof overhang.

 

[mowin]

I'm not seeing any clear vertical supports in this thing. I suspect that the plywood may be a good deal of the existing support. That being said, I would probably add some 2x4 studs on the inside for support prior to cutting anything. May not be strictly necessary but will make this far safer of a project.

On the outside skin you can see the rivets. Those should be the vertical support's. Look at the back wall. You can see the bolts

 

[aart]

First thing it needs is a roof with good big overhangs.

 

[picklestheduck]

First thing it needs is a roof with good big overhangs.

My dad will be doing the work and he’s being stubborn about what he will do, he doesn’t want to have to build a new roof. I’m trying to convince him to just put windows with an overhang or vents with an overhang covers. I’m also considering a wind turbine but not sure how that will go over