Camper-to-Coop Conversion

[ChickyLulu]

Just bought this gutted old camper off FB marketplace and would love some input on a coop conversion.

My main question is: how much venting should I add, if any? The camper is 8’ x 12’. We have 8 chickens (to start). Windows in the front and back can crack open (I will replace traditional screens with hardware cloth) and there is also a screen door. But should venting be higher up? If so, how much and where should I put it? (I was thinking it could go above the three-paned window in the back.) We live in MN where it’s very cold in the winter so want to avoid draftiness.

I am going to add a roost on the side with the long single-paned window. The nesting boxes will go on the opposite end, where there is a little door that opens up.

Any additional thoughts or ideas?

 

[Aunt Tat]

You hit the jackpot on this! It's going to be SOOOOOO cool when it's re-vamped!!!
Looking forward to watching the progress!


AND seeing the end result!

 

[CoopsNPoops]

Oh how cool! I'm jealous! Lol. I cant wait to see it finished! Above the roost is where the ventilation is most important, as thats here most of the feces will be. Maybe replace the window with hardware cloth and add an awning of some type off of it to keep out rain & such?

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. That's quite a find!

For 8 chickens you want a minimum of 8 square feet of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, which is best placed above the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

Using top-hinged windows allows you to both keep out rain/snow and adjust the amount of airflow to prevent drafts.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Louvered vent covers are also an option to provide ventilation while protecting the vent opening from weather, since there's no overhangs to work with.

 

[Mellowmalt]

https://www.hobbyfarms.com/ventilation-drafts-chicken-coop-builder/

 

[Weeg]

That is so, so cool! Nice find! You need to take photos of the progress, it will make a really cool coop page article in the end. I'm so jealous! Lol!

 

[Chicalina]

That is a cool project!!! I shall be watching with interest!

 

[aart]

since there's no overhangs to work with.

The main problem with using campers...no roof overhangs.

 

[Alaskan]

Could you figure out how to add a bit of roof?

Looking at it. .. I would add a roof that came off of what is already there, and bring it out 12 feet for a covered run.

So... where I put the blue line. The new roof would have to be just above the old roof, and then extend it forward.

Then, underneath the new run roof you could open up as much wall as you want for ventilation as it will now be protected.

Also, with long cold and snowy winters you want a HUGE coop, or a roofed and sheltered run. Or give them access to a greenhouse....

Otherwise they will go stir crazy in the winter.