Metal Shed as Temporary Coop?

[tenderkat]

Hello again, Everyone.........

Any thoughts on whether or not I even need the dog crate? The area of the shed I've sectioned off is approximately 5'x3', and the ceiling is about 6'-7'. Will the girls feel more comfortable inside the crate. Also, will the 4' walls contain them in the area? And, one more thing.........I know............should I use my pine shavings in the shed, and the straw for their run?

Oh, what would I do without this forum...........

p.s. As soon as I figure out how to attach photos, it will probably be easier to visualize.

 

[TcherDawn]

I am in NH and it is very cold here, and our Arrow metal shed gets incredibly HOT! I do not know why, but I can go out there when it is extremely chilly, and if the sun is out, it is hot in there! Even with the door open, it stays very warm if the sun is out. It cools down quickly at night with no insulation, and on cloudy days it stays just slightly warmer than the air temp. So if you are going to use the metal shed, perhaps put one of those wireless temperature sensors in there so you can check the temps. I bought one at Home Depot and it gives the 24 hour high and low, which would be good info for you.

 

[ducks4you]

i know that you want the best for your birds, and that you need to get them outside quickly.

I recommend that you put them into the shed WITH THE DOORS OPEN, and make yourself a frame and put chicken wire around it. I KNOW that this isn't the best, but, if you think she'll sell them if you don't get them soon, you'll have to choose between taking them and building this, a TEMPORARY home, and waiting for a brand new batch of chicks. (You might want to build first, then, get younger chicks.) I'm not your judge.

Please read these about ventilation for birds, then you'll understand better about their needs:
http://www.nortoncreekpress.com/fresh-air-poultry-houses2.html

http://jas.fass.org/cgi/reprint/1929/1/196.pdf

Good luck and sorry about the losses due to weather.

 

[tenderkat]

I so appreciate all of your words of wisdom and advice.

I'm reevaluating the entire situation, I definitely don't want the girls to burn up in a poorly ventilated furnace, or have to sit in a freezer at night. Our nights will hover in the upper 40's to mid 50's for the next 4-5 nights, with daytime temps in the upper 70's. I just went out to the shed, and with the doors closed, it was pretty warm and stuffy in there. But with the doors open, the breeze aired it out nicely.

I'm going to build a simple run about 4 feet out from the doors, and secure it to the shed. It's a fairly large shed, so I think the stuffiness is coming more from the heat than a lack of ventilation? Of course I'm not a chicken, nor have I ever overnighted with six 8 week pullets in an 8x10 shed with the doors shut, so it might become more uncomfortable than I think it will. If I need to, I'm willing to shack up out there with them over night to leave the doors cracked. Or, I can put them in my HUGE dog crate, and bring them indoors at night.

This is a VERY temporary coop. I don't care if I need to work outside all day in a rainsuit, parka, or suit of armor, their home will be done this weekend. And, yes, I AM CRAZY!

 

[annek]

In the shed the problem with it being locked up tight will be the lack of ventilation. it will become very humid with no air flow and all the water vapor the chicks put out. Your idea of bringing them in at night may be your best bet. During the day they would be fine. I have my 8 week olds still in their rabbit cage brooder, but have expanded it so they are not on top of each other. I keep promising them any day. This weekend for me too! I just keep adding things to the coop!

 

[Judy]

8 week old RIR and BR should be fully feathered, so they should not need any supplemental heat -- if they are not quite fully feathered, they should be close enough to be fine in temps above freezing. And yes, they will fly over a 4' fence.

I would figure out a way to fasten 1/2" hardware cloth over one doorway, like screw 2x4's to the frame, and screw the hardware cloth to them, using fender washers, and do this so I could open the other door in the morning. That would give them the ventilation they need. Assuming it has two doors.....

Then I would go to bed.

 

[chickens3]

That sounds like a great coop just make sure nothing can get into it.

 

[dixygirl]

They sell plastic vents at Home Depot and Lowes

Some are round, some are square. Just cut the hole the right size, glue it in place with Construction Adhesive that uses a caulking gun. I would put one on both sides or maybe even on all 4 sides at the top. They even have roof vents if you really feel like it.

That with the insulation and you should be more than set.

 

[chickachickadoo]

I do like the idea of putting concrete in as the floor. That was our mistake, we didn't do that. Loose dogs dug under the edge of the shed and killed our flock. It we had put in a concrete floor they wouldn't have been able to do that.

My hubby hasn't realized it yet, but we're going to have a concrete floor in there before this next group of chicks goes out there.

I also like dixygirl's idea of cutting out a hole and putting in a vent. The fumes can build up quickly otherwise.

 

[Chickenmaven]

Your chickens will not suffer if they are housed in the shed for several days, especially if they can be out getting air during the day. You might even make them a little roost using a ladder & 2x4 or a sawhorse. They can roost at night. If you keep the shed clean, you will not have issues with ammonia & illness.

My coop is a windowless cinderblock workshop. It has a garage door. My ventilation is tha fact that they have an enclosed run & the garage door is partially open from 7-7 every day of the year. I have had no issues with illness or dampness. This is because I know (as you do) that you cannot shut them in & ignore them.

Enjoy those birds & don't worry so much. It sounds like you have plenty of other issues to be bothered with.