Converting a Storage Building

[marie_martin]

I have a plastic storage building that is not being used and would like very much to use it for a second coop. Here is a picture I found online of one that is very similar and the same brand. I actually think mine may be a bit deeper.

I have moved it up to the run and I can attach it to the run pretty easily. My next problem will be ventilation. I will need to cut windows in two sides for better ventilation. Should I put them up high, toward the top on two opposite sides? Or toward the bottom. I am going to make a door going out one side into the run that will open and close. This think is pretty sturdy plastic but I should be able to cut through it. Have any of you attempted this? Is it going to be too much trouble. I hate this thing just sitting taking up space when my chickens could use it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Marie

PS. We live in the south, so winter is not much of a problem, summer is. Thanks.

 

[Dawn419]

Hope this is some help...https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=3776

Dawn

 

[marie_martin]

I wonder if instead of cutting holes all in it, I could just take the doors off and build two screen doos that will fit in that space and that way I could keep the doors that come off the storage building and replace them later on if I decide to use the building or sell it. Would that be enough ventilation? They would only be in there at night. Like I said, we just don't have that much freezing weather. A couple of weeks in Feb. is about it. I could hand a tarp over the doors during those times leaving just a little area at the top or bottom open or something like that. I can build the nest boxes and roost and they will just snap in so I won't have to cut anything. Any suggestions. I just thought this would be easy since I already have it and I just am not able to build things like I once could. Thanks for your help.

Marie

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

I would take 1 door off, replace it with one that is solid on 1/3 (at the bottom), and the other 2/3 hardware cloth.

Put roosts at same height in sheltered area & in wired area.
They can choose where they want to roost. In shelter for cold nights & behind the wire for hotter nights.

You might have to install a vent at the back (at the top) anyway. If you do, it shouldn't interfere if you decide to use it as storage again. Get one of those louvered panels designed for storage building vents. I don't know how thick the walls are, but you may have to fill in some space around the vent with expandable foam.


JMO
Jean

 

[marie_martin]

Thanks that is a good idea about the vent. I may not need it until spring though right? Especially if I do the doors with open areas. I can put a therm. in there to track the temps too. The front of the coop, where the doors are face the east (maybe a bit south-east) So no north winds blowing in. I just did not want to have to build anything right now. And I want to soon seperate some of my chickens who will be laying soon. Thanks again. Any more ideas, keep them coming. I really appreciate it.

Marie