Is a shed suitable

[clairechickenhead]

Hi

I'm new to the forum so hi everyone. I would like some advice.

I'm really eager to get and keep chickens but don't have enough money to buy a brandnew coop, so i've had an idea but not sure if it would work or would be suitable.

I've got a shed i don't use (6ft x 4ft) and i was thinking of using it for a chicken coop. Here's the plan:

Use a rabbit hutch inside the shed for nesting, cut a small hole from the side of the shed, put a door on it and build a run that would run the 6ft length of the shed and probably about 2ft wide. and build a couple of perches inside the shed that would run the length of the shed.

Would this be a good idea, if so how many chikens do you think i could keep in it. I'm eager to start so any advice would be brilliant.

Thanks

clairechickenhead.

 

[ChicksinBoise]

You can transform lots of different things into a chicken coop. An old shed is a sure bet no doubt. I'm not sure how many though...some of the experts will tune in here soon.

 

[chickflick]

A shed works great for a coop! Can you make your run bigger, tho? 2 ft wide by 6 ft doesn't give them a whole lot of room.... Check out the forum on coop designs, you'll get alot of ideas for nest boxes. Keep us up dated and good luck!

 

[justusnak]

Welcome to BYC, and the "madness" of owning chickens. It is an addiction none of us want to overcome.

A converted shed is ideal! If there are no leaks, and is draft free, your chickens will be very happy. I too would think about a wider run. As far as how many chickens in the coop/shed......you say its 6x4..thats 24 sq ft. Each standard size hen needs 4 sq ft to be comfortable....so....24 devided by 4 is 6. 6 Hens would love that space....or 5 and a roo. Only a roo if you can have them where you are, and want babies. You wont need a roo if you just want eggs. Think also about predators. Whats in your area? You might want to put a top on the run. Good luck with your project, and get some pics during construction. Would love to see what you come up with.

 

[magikchick]

A shed is what I have. Got it for $25 and the person I brought it from moved it for me turned out great.

Marsha

 

[dangerouschicken]

Use the shed and have fun with it. There are a lot of people here (myself included) who have used them successfully.

As for the run, try 3'X10' or 4'X10' as those are standard sizes for hardware cloth.

 

[Cheri]

I used an old shed. As soon as I finish the yard I will take lots of pictures.