Can I turn a shed into a coop?

[Kris5902]

I was thinking about building one of these instead. Seems pretty easy, what do you think?

Found this on Google search:

View attachment 1635061

That’s an idea I’ve based my walk in tractor/breeding pens on... mine are almost 6’6” tall at the door 6x12 feet overall, with a 3x6 raised and enclosed roosting area. I’m not totally thrilled with them, and even with daily moves (not as easy to move as I’d hoped) they are too small for 12 birds. The one pictured wouldn’t be large enough IMO, plus the other points 21hens-incharge and Brahmechicken240 made. Also with my climate/current weather (not very cold but pretty wet!) my chickens are hanging out inside the box a lot. Maybe more of a summer housing option?

I plan on adding a larger moveable but permanent coop once I get my house built. I’d say if you aren’t sentimentally attached to the shed, start there! Older construction has good bones and the framing is already done for you. You’re just a chicken door, roosts, nestboxes, and some ventilation away from the coop being done.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I guess you guys don't like it. Well, rain getting in? I am planning to put it on a stand. I would shovel it out in the winter anyway. Maybe be I will stick with the shed....not sure though. I have a lot of time. I hope I get something in my head and soon.

Maybe I'm talking to much? Or maybe it's the weather? Perhaps....well, never mind.

Lol! That is all not true!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

That’s an idea I’ve based my walk in tractor/breeding pens on... mine are almost 6’6” tall at the door 6x12 feet overall, with a 3x6 raised and enclosed roosting area. I’m not totally thrilled with them, and even with daily moves (not as easy to move as I’d hoped) they are too small for 12 birds. The one pictured wouldn’t be large enough IMO, plus the other points 21hens-incharge and Brahmechicken240 made. Also with my climate/current weather (not very cold but pretty wet!) my chickens are hanging out inside the box a lot. Maybe more of a summer housing option?
View attachment 1635092

I plan on adding a larger moveable but permanent coop once I get my house built. I’d say if you aren’t sentimentally attached to the shed, start there! Older construction has good bones and the framing is already done for you. You’re just a chicken door, roosts, nestboxes, and some ventilation away from the coop being done.

Thanks! Nice pic! Well, I'll see what I can do!

 

[imneva]

Look don't be discouraged by pricey stuff. I used a shed for my coop. I made it preditor proof. I put mesh over the windows but as far as fencing to keep the chickens in I used chicken wire and the metal t posts. and when I had the $ I got preditor eyes. For each side of the fencing. I also used red plastic ribbon crisscrossed over the top of the run. I also have pin wheels on each corner. Am presently looking for owl statues to put up and move around. I also feed the crows to keep the hawks at bay

 

[aart]

I guess you guys don't like it.

It's tooooooo small!
Most pre-fabs are.
Where are you located?

 

[21hens-incharge]

It's not that we don't like it per say but as experienced keepers we see it's drawbacks.

As aart asked about your location..... Giving us a general idea would really help us to help you.
You don't have to say exactly where you are. Just telling us what part of which state is plenty.

As for my being against the A frame..... You are working with limited budget..... I would hate for you to invest in something that many many many people have found inadequate.

 

[Kris5902]

I like your shed to start... I’m guessing it’s about 4 feet wide x maybe 5or 6feet deep, based on your picture? Looks pretty dry as well. I’m guessing an A-frame would work just fine, if you really want one, but the picture you shared would need to be scaled up a lot to make it functional, and you would need to be careful where you park it. One morning I came out and my whole tractor was in an ankle deep puddle due to a heavy late night rainstorm. Pulling it out was really good exercise, to say the least.

Think about what you’re wanting to do with your chickens, how many you want, and how you’re going to integrate them into your lifestyle... then plan for accidentally getting double the number you intended to!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

It's not that we don't like it per say but as experienced keepers we see it's drawbacks.

As aart asked about your location..... Giving us a general idea would really help us to help you.
You don't have to say exactly where you are. Just telling us what part of which state is plenty.

As for my being against the A frame..... You are working with limited budget..... I would hate for you to invest in something that many many many people have found inadequate.

I really don't want to share where I am. I can say I live in the USA.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks everyone! Yes, I will have to think a lot about this. I will post here if I need anymore advise!

Thanks again!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I really don't want to share where I am. I can say I live in the USA.

Ok. It makes it very hard to help though since you could be in a very warm area or a very cold area.


My location is shown simply as Northern Colorado for example. No city listed.....just northern Colorado.