Converting 8x12 shed into a coop?

[Jandsloch]

So where the roof ends on both side perhaps a vent that runs the length on both sides? The roof extends over a bit so it would be protected from weather....hmmm

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I must declare that I don't subscribe to the no drafts concept of coop construction.
I've had birds live in trees. How does one keep drafts out of trees? How is a draft in the coop different from free range chickens in cold, wet, windy conditions?
I have two buildings with 3X4 ft. hardware cloth covered windows on both east and west walls at roost height. I've had birds living in there for years, year round with no problems. I attribute the success to fresh air.

 

[jthornton]

If you are worried about drafts, install some passive roof vents. And like @ChickenCanoe chickens lived in trees year round. Having said that if your chickens are not cold hardy breeds I'd be more concerned about not having a draft. It's amazing to watch my Rhode Island Red hens just disappear inside themselves when it's cold out, landing gear is retracted up into a fluffy warm place and head under wing.

JT

 

[Jandsloch]

I do have cold hardy breeds I made sure of that before I got them lol brahmas, Rhode Island reds barred rock barnevelders a black sexlink (accident supposed to be br) and Orpington roo I cannot just install something on the top as it’s a shingle roof and my timing is horrible...snow around the corner. I would have to redo the whole shingle roof I believe and I just don’t have that time between rain freezing temps and time. I think I’ll add “windows” as high as I can get them and open accordingLy plus expand the current vents adding hardware cloth on inside and leave open as well

 

[Jandsloch]

I lost 4 chickens before dark tonight as well as 1 severely injured and 4 pulled feathers

 

[Suedan]

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! That is terrible, especially when you are working so hard on winter shelter. I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Jandsloch]

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! That is terrible, especially when you are working so hard on winter shelter. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thank u. It’s horrible whatever it was didn’t eat any of the 4 killed. I’ve got my main roo injured as well as 3 hens plus my Brahma roo is really injured limping and bleeding. They were all attacked from behind missing saddle feathers....not sure what it was but I need to get this done now for sure so the kiddos can lock them up when they get home. I’m no longer going to freevrange in the fenced yard just keep them in their yard close to home

 

[Suedan]

My condolences once again, how awful. If you need help with injuries make a separate post and the experts will chime in.
In regards to ventilation, maybe make the vent in the top back the full width of the building and make a matching full width vent in the front peak? For good flow?
I like the window idea, and dutch doors would look really nice on that building too.
Hugs! I hope everyone recovers well.

 

[rosemarythyme]

So sorry to hear about the sudden predator attack! Unfortunately stuff like that can happen out of the blue after weeks, months or even years of safe free ranging. I hope you'll be able to set up some safe run space quickly for them.

As far as the vents putting them in the doors or under the highest part of the roof line are all possibilities. Buffers or louvers may be necessary depending on which way your winds come in.

 

[Jandsloch]

My condolences once again, how awful. If you need help with injuries make a separate post and the experts will chime in.
In regards to ventilation, maybe make the vent in the top back the full width of the building and make a matching full width vent in the front peak? For good flow?
I like the window idea, and dutch doors would look really nice on that building too.
Hugs! I hope everyone recovers well.

Dutch door would be nice. Especially for summer months