Converting shed to coop

[Geoffmowry]

Hi, we’re new to chickens and have a flock of (5) 5 week old hens. I’m building a coop and run out of an 8x10wooden shed we have. I took the doors off. I’m building a 4x4 coop inside the open shed and attaching an 8x9 run to the front of the shed. That seems like a good amount of space to me. We also have a fenced yard that we can let them play in in good weather. (Michigan). So 16sq ft of “coop” space. 75 sq ft of roofed, vinyl covered floor space. And 72 sq ft more of grass, mint, dirt, fresh air whatever. We will keep food and water in the shed. I don’t mind if it’s too much. I do to want too small. I’ve seen my neighbors featherless hens after a long winter in a tiny coop. We will never have more than 5 hens.... city rule. I’m also wondering about wood shavings vs sand in the coop. I’m thinking I won’t use anything on the vinyl? I’m thinking about boxing out a 4x4 sand box in the run. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Alaskan]

I would make it bigger.... 4 square feet per hen inside, and 10 per hen outside is the standard.... but I actually like bigger than that.... but then I live in a dark and frozen wasteland.

Where are you located? A sunny warm area? Or a place with winter?

I also LOVE covered runs since they keep out snow and rain.

 

[JDN]

I would make it bigger.... 4 square feet per hen inside, and 10 per hen outside is the standard.... but I actually like bigger than that.... but then I live in a dark and frozen wasteland.

Where are you located? A sunny warm area? Or a place with winter?

I also LOVE covered runs since they keep out snow and rain.

OP said Michigan. If they have permanent access to the "Run" area then she'll be fine, especially with the roof. If she intends to keep them confined to that area you may be correct.

OP mentioned keeping the food and supplies in the rest of the shed. 5 birds require minimal supplies kept on hand. A cheap tote will store it all.

I'd put wood or sand on the vynil floor. It keeps the mess easier to remove. Either or, you'll find folks that prefer both.

 

[aart]

Hi, we’re new to chickens and have a flock of (5) 5 week old hens. I’m building a coop and run out of an 8x10wooden shed we have. I took the doors off. I’m building a 4x4 coop inside the open shed and attaching an 8x9 run to the front of the shed. That seems like a good amount of space to me. We also have a fenced yard that we can let them play in in good weather. (Michigan). So 16sq ft of “coop” space. 75 sq ft of roofed, vinyl covered floor space. And 72 sq ft more of grass, mint, dirt, fresh air whatever. We will keep food and water in the shed. I don’t mind if it’s too much. I do to want too small. I’ve seen my neighbors featherless hens after a long winter in a tiny coop. We will never have more than 5 hens.... city rule. I’m also wondering about wood shavings vs sand in the coop. I’m thinking I won’t use anything on the vinyl? I’m thinking about boxing out a 4x4 sand box in the run. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Welcome to BYC! @Geoffmowry
I'd use more than 4x4 of an 8x10 shed...
...go 8x6' for coop and keep 4' for supplies....and put the door back on there.
4/10 'rule' is minimal, your going to want more in our climate.
Pics of shed would help.

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