converting an old shed to a coop. advice please

[penknee]

I've got an old shed that's about 12' by 5' that I'm planning to turn into a coop. It's all wood (including the floor) with plastic siding on the outside. and 1 window. It's got a few shelves, the lowest being just over 2 feet off the floor and under the eaves its open. I live on Vancouver Island and am hoping to get 4 or 5 layers. i've got about a 1/4 acre for them to roam once they're fully settled, but also plan on building a caged run for them. I've got wooden boxes that are bout 18" square I was thinking of using for the nesting boxes (on the shelves?)
My city bylaws don't allow for a rooster and I've got two small children.
I was considering getting Rhode Island Reds and/or Plymouth Rocks as they are plentiful here and are supposedly good layers and fairly friendly.
Any and all tips on setting up ventilation while getting rid of the drafts is super appreciated. There's loads of raccoons here too, so I need a good lock on the coop door. Any thoughts?

 

[elmo]

Welcome to the forum!

The best discussion on ventilating a chicken coop I know of is here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

For predator protection, you'll need to cover any and all gaps, open spaces and windows with good welded wire (not chicken wire). Raccoons are pretty skilled at opening latches but I've not yet heard of one picking any kind of lock.

 

[schellie69]

If you make the secure run attached to the shed it helps give an extra security to the coop. I would use a simple pad lock it will keep a raccoon out
I am not sure on the ventilation I would check the link but there are a lot of great coops that people used sheds to make just make sure to cover the window with hard ware cloth that is the best stuff. Good luck and have fun with you new chickens and

 

[dianehodges]

I too converted a shed into a coop My chickens are enclosed but have access to the outside My floor was dirt so I put down the pine shavings They are cheap and keep down the odor During my reach I saw that someone used empty 5 gallon buckets of nesting boxes I lay the buckets on their side with some shavings inside My rooster and 3 hens are Dominiques They were about 8 months old when I got them They have been very gentle and easy to care for The hens lay medium to large brown eggs daily Good Luck

Little Richard, Lady Gaga Henny Penny Nene Red Punkin Smallest (rooster 3 hens lab mix kitten cat)