Can I turn a shed into a coop?

[aart]

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

Put NE USA in your profile...that'll do.

 

[Kris5902]

Yes, even knowing the general area is a huge help... what I’ve built out so far would be a very poor design for somewhere with decent snowfall and regular freezing temperatures! If you ever have a problem it helps people advise you on what treatment options are available based on your area/country.

Also, when you ask a question the people helping you can easily see where you’re at. I’m pretty guilty of forgetting things. I am following a thread on a prolapsed vent, and about 80 posts and a few days in I forgot where the poster was located... it was mentioned in the first few posts, but not on the profile, and there’s a full day and time difference between our time zones!

Best of luck with your coop, and I really look forward to your updates once you decide where you’re going with it! Also, even if you don’t turn it into a coop... you’ve got a very cute shed!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks! I will update when I start building!

 

[townchicks]

I'll add my voice to those urging the shed versus the small tractor. I started with a small prefab coop/run combo, probably similar in size to that little tractor. I only had 2 hens to start, so the coop size was ok, but but the run was in no way adequate for all day. Even the manufacturer stated that on their website. Now, a tractor is presumed to compensate for smaller size by being able to be moved to fresh pasture. There is still a limit to how many birds can be kept in them, however, because chickens don't like crowding and will start fighting and bullying if they feel cramped. Also, the majority of people that use tractors, harvest their chickens each season, because if it snows, no way are you moving a tractor every day. Bending and stooping to clean and put feed and water in a small coop run gets old fast, which is why everyone says walk in coop and run is preferable. You've got a great start to a walk in coop already, go for it. I know the feeling of intimidation and not being sure where to start, but you can do it. Even if it's not perfect to start, you can change things as you see what works and what doesn't. That's how most of us do it, rarely will you see someone on here that thinks their coop was perfect from the start.

 

[Rietta]

I am currently using a old greenhouse while I renovate an old shed. The greenhouse wasn't ideal but has kept our hens safe for 18 months. (we had to build a new "shop" to empty the old shed) We are almost done with it, it has a feed room attached! I have been back and forth on painting the inside of the new coop, anyone have any advise. Also the flooring is plywood, should I paint that too? my current coop (greenhouse) is dirt floor and I do not like it, the girls like to take dust baths in there. Luckily it has a greenhouse exhaust fan!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I am currently using a old greenhouse while I renovate an old shed. The greenhouse wasn't ideal but has kept our hens safe for 18 months. (we had to build a new "shop" to empty the old shed) We are almost done with it, it has a feed room attached! I have been back and forth on painting the inside of the new coop, anyone have any advise. Also the flooring is plywood, should I paint that too? my current coop (greenhouse) is dirt floor and I do not like it, the girls like to take dust baths in there. Luckily it has a greenhouse exhaust fan!

I used porch and floor paint. It is holding up well even after about 5 years of scooping poops.

I use a plastic feed scoop and broom when clearing it out.

 

[rosemarythyme]

. Also the flooring is plywood, should I paint that too?

You might want to look into Black Jack #57, it's a rubberized roofing mixture that you paint on. It'll seal up small crevices and help waterproof the floor and so far for me has been durable against chickens scratching around and the occasional rake and shovel being dragged across on it.

 

[Molpet]

You might want to look into Black Jack #57, it's a rubberized roofing mixture that you paint on. It'll seal up small crevices and help waterproof the floor and so far for me has been durable against chickens scratching around and the occasional rake and shovel being dragged across on it.

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