Costco shed coop + DIY covered run on slope progress album

[Buffy-Featherington]

Finished this project just in time for the chicks 1 month birthday.

Took 3 months total, mostly weekends, and spare hours here and there. Other than putting on the roof panels and digging / ground prep, I did everything by myself. At times, a small child was available to hand me screws or drill bits.

Tools I really recommend:

- 5” metal seamer for folding over HW cloth cut edges (got mine from Harbor Freight)
- Good tin snips
- Orchard ladder, sometimes called a tripod ladder, really so much better than a normal ladder for slopes
- DIY hardware cloth stretcher I made using 2x4 scraps and a bunch of finish nails spaced 1/2” apart (see Imgur album for photos)

Created an album here documenting progress from start to finish:

https://imgur.com/a/iFUbTE3

I probably forgot a bunch of stuff. Will add anything useful if I remember later - I’m tired now!

 

[cavemanrich]

You will need to install some significant year round ventilation in that plastic shed.
Nice build


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Buffy-Featherington]

You will need to install some significant year round ventilation in that plastic shed.
Nice build


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Thank you!

I replaced all the existing acrylic windows (4 on doors and 2 on gables) with 1/4” HW cloth, and added that one 6” cut-out.

So far it seems good, but the birds are not full sized, so I expect they will need more air flow.

I got some advice on a separate thread about this - I will add at least two more 6” cut outs to the back, and probably one on each side, then adjust as needed. Each cut-out is 28 square inches.

 

[cavemanrich]

I got some advice on a separate thread about this - I will add at least two more 6” cut outs to the back, and probably one on each side, then adjust as needed. Each cut-out is 28 square inches.

Sounds like you are doing it correct. Just one small tip. You should have a small intake air vent down low. This way you get a natural airflow going, that will remove ammonia buildup, should it occur.

 

[Laurasb65]

Thank you!

I replaced all the existing acrylic windows (4 on doors and 2 on gables) with 1/4” HW cloth, and added that one 6” cut-out.

So far it seems good, but the birds are not full sized, so I expect they will need more air flow.

I got some advice on a separate thread about this - I will add at least two more 6” cut outs to the back, and probably one on each side, then adjust as needed. Each cut-out is 28

 

[Laurasb65]

I got some windows off Amazon that thinner in width, great for this type of shed/coop. Framed out with wood on outside and inside. 2 for 75.00. They open with a screen. On the out side I put hardware cloth. I thought I had a pic but I cant find it. Everything looks great.

 

[Buffy-Featherington]

Sounds like you are doing it correct. Just one small tip. You should have a small intake air vent down low. This way you get a natural airflow going, that will remove ammonia buildup, should it occur.

Thank you! I will create one. Does it matter on which wall it is placed? I assume it should be on the wall opposite the biggest windows, but that wall happens to be the most exposed (not enclosed with fencing). I’d prefer to place it on one of the walls that is within the confines of the run.