Converting a dog house to coop...ideas?

[TheNewMrsEvans]

I just picked up an enormous dog house off of Craigslist. 4'wx8'lx5'h Any suggestions or vision for making it a coop?

 

[brezlynsmom]

Maybe make hinged door on side wall for access into it for cleaning. On end or other side make nest boxes that are on the outside with door to collect eggs.

 

[3forfree]

Raise it off the ground. you'll be glad you did. Add a big cleanout door on the side or end, external nest boxes as mentioned above, you need to be able to get into the coop to clean so you need a BIG opening. Roosts, ventilation, you got a good start.

 

[4 the Birds]

Wow! I have never seen a dog house so BIG!! We have a dog rescue and I have built several insulated and heated dog houses but nothing so large. Mine are 5' x 5' with two rooms for a windbreak and many times 3 or 4 dogs will sleep in one!

Something that large and heavy may need to remain on the ground. Cut a big access door in the back along with some vents. I have a small plexiglass window in ours for natural light. Should make a good coop even though you may be hunkered down to access.

 

[chickety-chick]

Wow! Very nice! I have one that I will be working on very soon that is the same dimensions width and height, but half that, length wise. I would love to see what you come up with for setting up the interior, as that seems to be my main issue, for the time being.

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

So far I think I'll put the biggest door I can fit on the opposite end of the little door. Then add nest boxes down one side with access doors and run the perch down the opposite length. I have to put a window for ventilation so I might just put it in the door on the opposite end. I also need to paint the floor with shiny bathroom paint so it stays clean.

 

[QuirkySue]

Nice! That's a HUGE doghouse! I was looking yesterday for one on craigslist to use the same way for a breeder pen and run. Please post pictures as you work on it so we can see how it all comes together!