metal shed to coop

[Gazergirlstar]

would it be possible to convert a 8x6 metal shed into a usable chicken coop ? i didnt know if it would get to cold or too hot ? i can defiantly get hubby to build shelves and add roosting bars to sleep on , added amazon link and 8x6 size

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Stor...d=1761054000&sr=8-136&xpid=a2l65GOuUxNvW&th=1

 

[Appalachickens]

Would you be able to place it in shade - say under a tree? My coop has a metal roof, which can get hot, but it's under trees. Also, would you be able to cut more ventilation opens up along the top, and then attach some hardware cloth over them? I seriously considered one of those sheds myself, then lost my mind and built a coop.

 

[Gazergirlstar]

Would you be able to place it in shade - say under a tree? My coop has a metal roof, which can get hot, but it's under trees. Also, would you be able to cut more ventilation opens up along the top, and then attach some hardware cloth over them? I seriously considered one of those sheds myself, then lost my mind and built a coop.

yea def, our back yard is covered by shade trees most of the day and they free range alot too so they would only be in there at night and out in the run early mornings.... i would def add an auto door to open and let them out as well as i already own a 24 inch fan i keep in the run on hot days as well

 

[Ridgerunner]

Lots of people use them. In South Carolina you don't have to worry about them getting too cold, but heat can be a problem. That means good ventilation. From what I can see that does not have a ridge vent, a shame. Also the window does not open. Having it in the shade is a definite help.

I assume with that automatic door you want it to be predator proof at night. Some people have predator proof runs and leave the coop open at night. You only have an inch or two of overhang, not enough to keep windblown rain out of the coop if you put an open vent on the wall.

I'd leave that window as it is to let in natural light. You and the chickens need that. I'd be tempted to cut a hole up high and add another decent sized louvered vent to let air in or out and keep rain out. I's also cut a pop door near ground level for the chickens to use during the day but you can close up at night. That's probably what that auto door is for. I'd want that pop door on a cool side, either east or north, or in deep shade. You don't want the sun-heated air but instead cooler air for that. That should help set up a decent air flow on hot days. At night it is closed but it is also cooler.

I'd put the nests on the east or south wall, away from the sun-heated walls. You do not want those nests to become ovens on a sunny day. Since they roost after it has cooled down some I would not worry that much about putting the roosts on a cooler wall but if a clear space is available I'd consider it.

Your husband probably already knows this but when I cut holes for windows, vents, or pop doors I sandwich the edges of the cut metal in between two pieces of wood screwed together. This stiffens the metal a lot plus gives him something to nail or screw in.

Good luck!

 

[Gazergirlstar]

thank you so much, i will def tell him and i found 2 windows i can add too that have screens and glass as well

 

[Gazergirlstar]

ok so i took the leap and bought the shed, it should be here by the 29th , im excited and hopeful

 

[Appalachickens]

yea def, our back yard is covered by shade trees most of the day and they free range alot too so they would only be in there at night and out in the run early mornings.... i would def add an auto door to open and let them out as well as i already own a 24 inch fan i keep in the run on hot days as well

That sounds good. The only thing I'd consider is maybe sawing through the wal up by the roof to add some vents.

 

[Gazergirlstar]

oh yea will look into that for sure, im excited now