Making coop from old playhouse?

[shawmutt]

LOL not even started yet but making plans. I'm wondering if it's a good idea to covert our kid's old playhouse into a coop. It's old but in good shape, no leaks, rot, pests, etc.

I was thinking about building nesting boxes to cover the front, hardware cloth underneath extended out to the side for a run, locked door on the side, and a more gradual ramp to replace the ladder. I'm assuming no harmful chemicals were used because it was for kids.

Thoughts?

 

[nuthatched]

I think that would be a great idea. Don't forget to add peak ventilation.

 

[AidKD]

Sounds like a great idea to me! I had considered getting an old playhouse for my new chicken coop, but opted for a new shed instead. Keep us updated on how it looks!

 

[CalliBee]

I used an old play house and I love it!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

I'll say it everytime, I love and prefer the upcycled creativity!! Do it and post lot's of pics!!

 

[perkolator]

That one looks like it could be a really nice coop from that starting point!

Being a raised structure like that I kinda imagine a layout similar to my coop. I’d be boxing in half that underneath space for making a protected storage area for feed and other supplies.
The side with the door I’d make the front pointing into a secure run attached to the coop. The front open porch area id make fill the opening with doors that can open all the way for maintenance inside.
The other windows could be pass throughs for external nest boxes, or doors for accessing internal nest area.
Being a small space I’d even consider putting nests underneath, opposite the suggested storage area if you have a secure run attached to this (my chickens use nests underneath the coop, no door to keep anyone from moving between coop and secure run). The space underneath could also be fenced and used as a chicken jail or brooder, etc.
Adding ventilation under the eaves or on the gable ends is easy on that with a jigsaw or hole saw and some hardware cloth

Good luck!

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I'm sure it'll be adorable! Be sure to take lots of notes and pics to document your work and post an article on BYC!

 

[aart]

Thoughts?

Looks like a decent structure.
What are the dimensions.....width, length, height(headroom-floor to roof)?
Think about how you will get into it to clean, tend to birds, etc.
How many birds will you have?

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @shawmutt
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!

 

[shawmutt]

Added, thanks. I'm in Greencastle, PA. Floor is 7x6ft, wall is 42", peak of roof is 62". @Perkalator made a great suggestion I'm going to implement, and make the entire front opening a door (or probably doors) for full access into the coop for maintenance. I'm going to be adding peak ventilation.

4 chickens to start with for the first six months, maybe adding one more once the rental agreement is up.

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[aart]

Added, thanks. I'm in Greencastle, PA. Floor is 7x6ft, wall is 42", peak of roof is 62". @Perkalator made a great suggestion I'm going to implement, and make the entire front opening a door (or probably doors) for full access into the coop for maintenance. I'm going to be adding peak ventilation.

4 chickens to start with for the first six months, maybe adding one more once the rental agreement is up.

​

Will you add a new 'porch' to the front for door swing?
Or will the doors open to the inside of coop?

A gable vents will be good, but soffit vents would be better for your climate.
You've got a nice roof overhang with fascia there.
Are the soffits open?