Converting shed into coop, should we do it?

[JustRambling]

Hello fellow BYC'ers!
So here's my situation. (Sorry for the length of the post!) My husband wants to convert part of our shed into a chicken coop, rather then just build a coop. Once he gets an idea in his head, it is VERY hard to convince him otherwise. I have concerns about converting part of the shed. I just need to know if the concerns are legitimate, or if it's me grabbing for straws.

• So, first of all, my first concern is that since the shed was built by previous owners of our home (16yrs. since we bought the house) I am not sure how well it is constructed, meaning, how drafty it might be.
• Also, I feel like it will be difficult to clean out. We are busy people, ease of use is big in my eyes.
  
• Ventilation, Ventilation, Ventilation!!
  
• We would have to cut holes into the sides/back of the shed, then if we decide to build a coop, we will have to patch that all up.
• We still store all our garden equipment in there, where will we put those things that are currently in that area of the shed?
• My biggest concern is that we store our gasoline-fueled lawnmower, snowblower, weedeater/trimmer in there. How will the fumes from the gasoline affect the chickens respiratory system? I don't think he would completely partition off that side, and even if he did, would it keep the fumes from reaching the chickens altogether?

• I feel that all the work that would be put into converting the shed so that it is safe, and comfortable for the chickens in all seasons (here in New England), would be almost as much work as it would be to just build a coop that would be easy to maintain and keep clean.

So now, you be the judge. I really would rather build a nice coop that would be easy to clean, maintain. I am not looking for anything fancy schmancy. I'm actually looking to build The Palace Coop that is posted here on BYC. Yes, a little more work, but I think it's worth it. I don't mind using the shed temporarily, if it's safe for them. But I'm just as stubborn as my husband, , I want my girls to eventually have a coop all their own!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I would tell him no, stop being lazy and build me a proper coop or find another place to store the lawnmower.
Do not accept less than what you want, if chickens was his idea would he be compromising on the coop?

Be strong.

Gary

 

[JustRambling]

I would tell him no, stop being lazy and build me a proper coop or find another place to store the lawnmower.
Do not accept less than what you want, if chickens was his idea would he be compromising on the coop?

Be strong.

Gary

LOL! Thanks! I honestly don't think it's him being lazy, if you knew him, you'd understand, he is a work-a-holic. It's more of a "Thrifty" thing for him. But I feel like we would end up still spending a good deal to convert it.

 

[MartinsPoultry]

My advice, find a habitat for humanity store buy some wood and build a coop. My fiance and I are in the process of building one for my bantam chickens. 8x14x6 thats coop and run, coop part is 4x8x4 leaving a 2ft gap below for poop and shade. Summer months the floor will be screen winter it will have wood slideouts

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

LOL! Thanks! I honestly don't think it's him being lazy, if you knew him, you'd understand, he is a work-a-holic. It's more of a "Thrifty" thing for him. But I feel like we would end up still spending a good deal to convert it.

Hold out for your coop, just say no. Sorry husband I have a say here too and remember when you spent $$$ on that stupid thing (you fill in the blank I am sure there is something) Just have the wood delivered and tell him its coop building day. I got lucky, my DH once convinced I was not going to let it go told me as long as it matches the garage and looks good.... click on my link I think it is awesome

Good luck

Gary

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Photos?

 

[kitkat5505]

Definitely don't have them share a shed with gas powered equipment, the fumes could kill them.

 

[JustRambling]

Hold out for your coop, just say no. Sorry husband I have a say here too and remember when you spent $$$ on that stupid thing (you fill in the blank I am sure there is something) Just have the wood delivered and tell him its coop building day. I got lucky, my DH once convinced I was not going to let it go told me as long as it matches the garage and looks good.... click on my link I think it is awesome

Good luck

Gary

Your coop looks AWESOME! I'm not looking for anything quite that elaborate, since we are only allowed to have 6 chickens. LOL! By the way, I just realized you are in Idyllwild, CA! My childhood was spent camping at a place in the 70's called, Wilderness Pines! Just outside of Idyllwild. I believe it is Thousand Trails now. I have so many good memories of that place and Idyllwild as well!

 

[JustRambling]

Photos?

I will get some photos later today or tomorrow and post them.

 

[JustRambling]

Definitely don't have them share a shed with gas powered equipment, the fumes could kill them.

Thanks kitkat. So that really is a bad thing for them, I assume...that was a big concern of mine.