Converting Playhouse into a Coop

[flibbertigibbet]

I'm exploring options for building my own coop and I love the idea of converting an outdoor children's playhouse into one; however, I've only been able to find two playhouses that aren't incredibly expensive in my area. I wanted to see if it was worth trying to turn these into a coop before buying one of them. What do you all think?

Here is the first one:




And here are three shots of the second one:








I'm planning on putting the coop up against my garage and then building the run around it. Kind of like this but with one playhouse and a covered run:



I'd appreciate any suggestions you all have. Thanks so much!

 

[4 the Birds]

These are cute looking and it could certainly be done. I guess that I would much prefer a wood coop kit over these plastic playhouses. The plastic would not be ideal structurally to hang a roost bar or nail mesh over the windows. The windows have neat little shutters but in a cold climate the wind and snow will whip into the coop at areas that are not sealed properly. Not to discourage you but I would look into wood coops to see if you can find comparable prices. There are a lot of little wood coops that are extremely cute! If you are handy with tools, you can for sure build a simple coop that would be superior to that of the plastic coop.

 

[Going Quackers]

I think there awfully cute and i have an old playhouse that would be adorable, but i think there better for warm climates(maybe) i am truly not sure how plastic would be for anything alive... i would also worry about predators clawing or chewing there way through them?

Hopefully, those who have done it can chime in on the long term usage of these??

 

[flibbertigibbet]

Thanks for your advice! And yes, these are all legit concerns that I've had as well.

Regarding whether or not they will structurally support being used as a coop, I've found plenty of coops that have been converted and have been able to support a perch, such as this one:



I've also found other threads on BYC discussing converting a playhouse into a coop, such as this one: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/593988/converting-playhouse-into-chicken-coop and this blog: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mpfs-member-page

I was also concerned about whether or not they would be warm enough during the winter months. I've found that some people use wood and insulation foam to seal up larger openings and cracks but in our climate (I'm in NE Ohio), chickens are at a higher risk of dying due to overheating, rather than freezing. I've also checked with a local coop and hive builder who told me that a plastic coop would be fine for them, as long as it isn't too big.

In terms of whether or not something could chew its way into the actual coop, I'm going to have it surrounded by the run (like in the last picture of my original post) and it will be up against my garage. I also want to put them on a base of some sort, such as a pallet, so they won't be directly on the ground. I know that there's still the risk that something could dig under the coop but I've asked a fellow backyard chicken owner from my area and he said that he just lines the ground around the run with hardware cloth which keeps everything out.

I have a very small budget and limited building skills so I've been exploring less costly options for building my own coop. I'd love to buy a wooden kit but I don't think I could afford it because I'm trying to do this for around $300.

Thanks again!

 

[flibbertigibbet]

Ope, in my last post I should have typed, "I know there's still the risk that something could dig under the run. . ." Not, "under the coop." Sorry about that!

 

[Mattemma]

Stick some straw bales around it during the winter.It can't be any worse than my metal shed. I have had chickens in that shed for 3 years now here in NE Ohio.Look on craigs for free or cheap playhouses. I sold mine(big regret) super cheap on craigs when I was getting rid of all my little kid stuff.

There will always be a predator risk.Keep a havahart 1089 set(home depot $44). I have caught over 40 coons ans possums.I had NO IDEA we had any.I am surrounded by houses and a little wooded area.Watch for roamer pets.Dogs are the worst.Kids can be bad too.Got a fenced yard? That will help.

Post pics of what you build!

 

[c2chicks]

I'm in NE Ohio as well. I wouldn't worry about the cold, I would worry more about the heat. Just make sure you have enough ventilation for summer. You can use plexi to cover up the windows for more draft/snow protection in the winter. Hay bales are a great idea! I think those playhouses make great little coops. Keep us posted with lots of pics!

 

[flibbertigibbet]

Yeah I've heard more from people who lost their girls because of heat and poor ventilation, rather than cold. I'll post some pics once I get started! Thanks for all the great advice!

 

[cknkids]

We started by converting our kids old playhouse. Got the chicks out of the house!!! We then intended to attach a run. Decided the run had to be tall enough for DH to stand in, he's 6'3". In the end we enclosed part of the run for the house. Glad we did as the playhouse roof had leaked when I checked after heavy rains this winter. So make sure your getting a good roof and then go for it. I think the second one is too small. As you see we cut plywood for the door. If we'd had a good roof I think our girls would still be in the playhouse. I'm guessing this is your first chickens? Our daughter brought ours home from school last June and we've learned so much. Have fun!!