Getting a new barn...converting the old hay shed into a chicken house

[TwinWillowAcres]

We are getting a new barn, so I will have an 8x10 metal shed available for the chickens. It has a plywood floor in it (can be taken out, but would have to be filled with dirt so the floor is even).

What can I put (cheaply) on the plywood floor to cover it and protect it from chicken poop? I was thinking maybe a pond liner but I have yet to check prices...

How would I ventilate it? I would keep the door open and build a small outdoor area (maybe 10x6), but it does get very hot in the shed during the summer. Could I install a box fan in the top or would that much air flow/wind blowing be too harsh on the chickens 24/7?

I'm looking at getting 50-75 hens, maybe in spring.

Any other ideas or suggestions?

This is the exact shed, it is about 1.5 yrs old now, though http://www.lowes.com/pd_274588-25-LW108FB_0__?productId=3125499

And pictures below are when it was first erected.

 

[iwiw60]

I don't know what part of the country you live in, but a metal shed?? H-O-T!!! If it's 85-90 outside in the summer months, you can bet it's way over 100 in there, no matter the ventilation you can put in...I don't see any trees around that could provide some shade either...yikes!

On the floor...keep the plywood and go to the big box stores and pick up a remnant piece of linoleum...works great.

This shed looks to be an 8' x 12' or so? You could maybe cram 20-24 chickens in there, but it would not only be 'tight' but with all that heat that shed is going to have...you'll have problems for sure.

Sorry, but I'd either move the shed to a shady location on your property or re-think your setup entirely...don't mean to be 'blunt' but it's the safety of your flock I'm thinking about...apologies!

 

[aart]

You'd have to frame some (a lot of) windows and vents in...but it could be done, but metal with no shade around is gonna be a problem.

8 x10 is only good for about 15 - 20 chickens.

I have the exact same shed and framed in double doors on one side with a ramp to store a snowmobile.

 

[TwinWillowAcres]

Okay, so I still have plans to keep this for my chickens. I was thinking maybe putting it right next to the new barn so it will be in the shade all the time, except for first thing in the morning and at the end of the afternoon.

I'm also thinking about putting a solar light in it to keep 14-16 hours of daylight for the chickens, any suggestions on this??

I figure about 6 nest boxes and a couple of feeders for 50 hens would be okay. I'm planning on getting 100, brooding them in there, and then selling half of them to cover the costs of raising my layer flock.

Any more input?

 

[aart]

Where are you located? Putting your location in your profile will help folks make more viable suggestions.

Ventilation is going to be critical, or your flock will self cull down to a reasonable size(if you're lucky) due to respiratory issues.

Will you free range?

You could probably fit 50 feet of roost in there.....maybe, as you need about 12-18" of head room above the highest roost.
Would take up most the floor space tho.

 

[iwiw60]

Okay, so I still have plans to keep this for my chickens. I was thinking maybe putting it right next to the new barn so it will be in the shade all the time, except for first thing in the morning and at the end of the afternoon.

I'm also thinking about putting a solar light in it to keep 14-16 hours of daylight for the chickens, any suggestions on this??

I figure about 6 nest boxes and a couple of feeders for 50 hens would be okay. I'm planning on getting 100, brooding them in there, and then selling half of them to cover the costs of raising my layer flock.

Any more input?

Did you say 50 to 100 chickens??? In that 8' x 10' shed?

 

[Folly's place]

I agree with everyone here; 80 sg. ft. is fine for about 15 chickens, not more. In the shade, with lots of hardware cloth windows and vents, and big windows cut into the doors. That's just to start; then there's the floor, roosts, nest boxes, and a safe run. Mary