Making metal shed into coop Help? Ideas and suggestions

[elmoflim]

My aunt gave me her unused shed to make a coop from(yay!) She bought it before she decided to sell her house, but already opened the box. She’s a truck driver and figured she’d save money not owning a house for now. I have 36 chickens. I’m hoping for this to be a cute little house for my silkies and maybe one or two regular sized hens.
The shed is going to be 8x6 and I have a dog kennel for the run that is 10x5. First thing first will be putting down the floor for the shed before putting the shed up. How many chickens would this be able to accommodate? I’m really bad about calculating sq feet per chicken. I have multiple cages for multiple roosters so I’m not planning for all 36 chickens to go, but I’m curious to how many it’ll hold.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

How tall?
Have pics?

I'd say one of the biggest challenges with using a metal shed will not be size, it'll be proper ventilation and insulation.
Someone around here is known for ventilation questions, hopefully they'll get tagged in.
Will you run electrical to shed?
Some sheds have specifications for the foundation. Check that carefully first, then I could offer suggestions.

 

[elmoflim]

How tall?
Have pics?

I'd say one of the biggest challenges with using a metal shed will not be size, it'll be proper ventilation and insulation.
Someone around here is known for ventilation questions, hopefully they'll get tagged in.
Will you run electrical to shed? No
Some sheds have specifications for the foundation. Check that carefully first, then I could offer suggestions.

As bad as it is I’m giving my dad free range on that he’s got carpeting skills. He does say he doesn’t feel like it would securely be able to put electricity in the location it will be in or put in insulation in for health reasons(rodents.) It’ll be in a cool shady area where I kept my dog in an open metal shed as well that’s a larger model of it. Kind of the same set up we will have the chickens. My dog is good just moved her to keep an eye on my ducks while they free range. She’s old and loves to watch them swim or watch what the horses are doing. The temperature never was a problem in the summertime or winter. Maybe 5 or 6 feet tall I’m not quite sure.

 

[flyin-lowe]

My coop is 8x6 (48 sq feet). The recommended max number would be 12 hens. I have a pretty large run and currently have 14 hens in there and haven't observed any issues. I have a lot of ventilation thought which helps and my nest boxes are outside so they don't take any floor space. I have 4 windows that I keep open year round, the peak of my roof is open with a ridge vent, and my eaves are completely open.

I am not sure where you live but metal buildings can become very hot inside in the summer. Finding a way to ventilate it and keep predators out will be the key to make it work.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Do you, or know someone, who can do a bit of metal work?
I would certainly aim to get ridge vents or a cupola style vent, especially if you cannot run electric to it.
There are some paints you can buy that will help reflect the sun, reducing heat inside. I cannot tell you exactly, but we'll be looking into it further for our stock water tanks.

Will you be able to put this in the shade?
Winterization becomes another big factor.
I might have missed, what climate are you in?

 

[elmoflim]

It’s going to have the doors open 24/7 except maybe in winter. The area is a cool area i have an open pen and let the chickens free range in it. So far we just have the base built. The shed might be 5-6 feet tall.

 

[jthornton]

You should add your state or country to your profile, I'm sure not many know where Simpsonville is.

The winter time is most important to have proper draft free ventilation to allow the moisture from breathing and pooping to leave the building and not cause frost bite on their combs and waddles.

JT