Converting shed into coop

[FC16]

My 8 hens have been cramped into a prefab coop for a while now, which I always feel awful for but due to multiple reasons I’ve been unable to upgrade them.
Finally, tomorrow I am picking up a used shed that I’ve found (picture attached) which I plan to convert into a coop for them. Nothing special, but will be fixing some roosts in and putting a couple nest boxes in (which is all they need I suppose).
I will update pictures of it as I do it but have a few questions to ask

I’m thinking of using sand inside the coop as I’ve heard it’s very effective, which type of sand is the best?
Which nest box bedding is the chickens favourite? I’ve always used straw but they try and turf it out.
Finally, do chickens need a small door on their coop to walk through, or can I just open up the big door in the mornings and let them use that throughout the day?
- if they do have to have a small door, how would I make that?

Sorry for all the questions but I’ve never made a coop or anything similar before

 

[My Bagurks]

A small door is easy enough to cut. Measure out about 18in high and 12 wide and drill a hole in the top corner so you can get a saw blade in it and just cut it out. If you’re careful, you can use the piece you cut out as your door, by attaching hinges. Or, if you have a Habitat for Humanity store nearby, a plain Jane cabinet door works very well. Security is key though so if they don’t have an enclosed area around the coop, it needs to be lockable. I don’t know where you are located, but here in Alabama we have cold winters and hot summers. My coop has two large 4ft wide openings from floor to ceiling. One has a door and one doesn’t. During the winter I keep the door closed and summer time, wide open. But the chickens are fine as long as they don’t have a breeze. But again, they definitely need ventilation.

Sand makes a great bedding for the coop. You can clean it just like a cats litter box. And the cheap sand for sandboxes is just fine. Or you can probably get it cheaper from a dirt/mulch place.

Nesting box bedding is all up to you and your chickens. I like small pine shavings and my chickens seem to as well. Straw works just fine. Whatever you use will end up mixing with the sand floor though. So whatever is economical for you. If your chooks already lay eggs in straw, then they will continue being fine using it.

 

[3KillerBs]

Here are some great shed conversions to inspire you:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-mulligan.74743/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-coop-page.65912/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-scoop-on-a-rubbermaid-big-max-coop.76444/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/toy-shed-conversion.64879/

I’m thinking of using sand inside the coop as I’ve heard it’s very effective, which type of sand is the best?
Which nest box bedding is the chickens favourite? I’ve always used straw but they try and turf it out.
Finally, do chickens need a small door on their coop to walk through, or can I just open up the big door in the mornings and let them use that throughout the day?
- if they do have to have a small door, how would I make that?

I am not a fan of sand because I have no interest in scooping poop all the time.

Where, in general, are you? I have noticed that most people who are happy with sand over the long term live in dry climates.

My preference is Deep Bedding: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/using-deep-bedding-in-a-small-coop.76343/

Chickens often kick the nesting material out of the boxes. I don't find that it makes much difference if it's shavings or straw, they scratch at it in an attempt to make the nest PERFECT. The POL pullets are the worst and the broodies nearly as bad. A good lip on the nestbox helps keep the nesting material on the inside.

They don't *need* a pop door, but many people find it more convenient to have the pop door open into the run and the people door open into the yard. It's just a matter of personal preference.

You can see how we did the pop door in this article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-little-monitor-coop.76275/ There are other ways, but this is probably the simplest.

Speaking of articles, here's one on ventilation that you might find helpful: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

 

[saysfaa]

I agree that many things work well but if you want to use straw - How deep is the straw in your nests? And what kind of straw? I use long-stem dry hay which they do not kick out. I think it is because it is deep enough that they can make a deep bowl shape in it. But it might be because the long, fine grass isn't as slippery as the wheat straw I usually see when someone uses straw.

 

[aart]

I’m thinking of using sand inside the coop as I’ve heard it’s very effective, which type of sand is the best?

Sand might work OK if you live in a very dry climate.
Otherwise it can smell terrible....and it's a lot of work to keep the poops scooped out.

Do you have a good place picked out to put it in your yard?
Look thru the coop pages for ideas on roosts, nests, etc:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/


Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Congrats on the upgrade! So much nicer than pre-fab.... I often wonder why I have small chicken doors when I leave the human door to my coop partially open too. But my run is very, very big and I walk through it to the coop. So it depends on your run sitch. I use sand but it's contained under roost bars in "Poop board/trays." Under that is clean dry wood floor. I tried sand as a raw floor and it was not good, always wet. I use alfalfa hay in my nest boxes with dried flowers and cut up straw. The alfalfa gives them something to munch on and pull around them to "hide" in. Have Fun, Good luck!!

 

[FC16]

Thanks for the advice/ responses, I’m in the UK by the way.
Today I have dismantled the shed from the sellers house, ready for a family member or mine to pick it up later in a van.
I’ve also bought some wood for roosts, a floor cover, and a double cube storage cabinet, I plan to use the storage cabinet as nest boxes.
There will be 2 boxes which I think for 8 hens is enough.
I will update pictures once it starts later

 

[aart]

Looking forward to seeing the whole shed put in place.
Good luck with the move1

I’m in the UK by the way.

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[FC16]

Looking forward to seeing the whole shed put in place.
Good luck with the move1


Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3226024

Thankyou, I think I’ve just done it, let me know if you can see it or not

 

[FC16]

Nest boxes