Converting a Greenhouse / shed into a coop.

[MalcolmHawkins]

Hey guys i need your help on ideas on converting my old greenhouse into a coop !

Thanks in advance!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Shade cloth on top. This is about $30 or so for a nice sized-piece.

Ventilation- cover all windows with hardware cloth to keep out raccoons, weasels, rats, etc.

Try to provide DARK nest boxes. Use curtains over the nest box entrances, etc., to prevent egg eating since it is so light in there.

Keep door open during summer days or they could die in there when laying eggs. (My metal shed is VERY hot in summer and I keep doors open all day).

Install fan for summer nights as it will still be hot in there most likely.

This will be a cooker if you are in a hot climate and I would recommend building a roof over it to make it in the shade if you find that necessary.

 

[MalcolmHawkins]

Shade cloth on top. This is about $30 or so for a nice sized-piece.

Ventilation- cover all windows with hardware cloth to keep out raccoons, weasels, rats, etc.

Try to provide DARK nest boxes. Use curtains over the nest box entrances, etc., to prevent egg eating since it is so light in there.

Keep door open during summer or they could die in there when laying eggs. (My metal shed is VERY hot in summer and I keep doors open all day).

Install fan for summer nights as it will still be hot in there most likely.

How about in the winter. i dont plan on moving them in until after i graduate which is next year so im preparing now.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

If you would, please see that I edited my post above a bit.

For winter I think it would be quite pleasant in there. They will still need some ventilation though, and dark laying areas.

I have a greenhouse too and it would be lovely in winter to have chickens in there. Quite comfy.

 

[MalcolmHawkins]

Oh thank you ! i was being a worry wart about chicagos crazy winters. but im learning that chickens do good in winter rather than summer

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Oh thank you ! i was being a worry wart about chicagos crazy winters. but im learning that chickens do good in winter rather than summer

For a very cold winter (which I have never kept chickens in so I really can't say much here on that), I'd definitely make sure that your ventilation is up high so they don't get a draft on the roost. You can make them a huddle box inside the greenhouse (even with a cardboard box) where they can gather themselves in a small area to warm the air a bit more. Basically a tiny coop within a coop.

I use sand along the floor and scoop with a kitty litter scoop of my coops (daily scooping)- even in nest boxes. You may find this useful inside a huddle box to keep it clean. Always wear a mask when sifting sand. There is a "Got sand you should" thread and also a "poop board convert thread" that are good reading.

Additionally, for very cold winters (we are mild winters here) I would say that it is good to have 2 x 4s for roosts, with the large side flat for them to cover their toes with their feathers. I provide a light bulb on a thermocube for my chickens since we have nasty damp cold here that soaks your clothes and makes the coops sopping wet inside/frostbite waiting to happen.

Many don't provide heat for chickens- the important thing is to be out of the wind and for them to be not terribly damp like my chickens are all winter practically.

Well I hope this helps!

 

[MalcolmHawkins]

Ill take better pics tomorrow maybe you can help with my little project!. when it rains it gets inside i think. and it grows weeds inside of the greenhouse through the rocks on the floor.