Metal Sheds?

[simba49450]

I'm so glad to discover that I'm not the only one using a metal shed for a chicken coop! I also used a chain link dog kennel for a run and it works beautifully. I tried litter boxes for nesting boxes, but my chickens decided to be contrary. They'd pile straw up, make a hollow in the middle of it and nest/lay there. All the hens would take turns laying in that hollowed out place. The only problem I had with the metal shed was keeping it warm in the winter. I live in Michigan, so the winters are fairly long and the temps can fall below zero. I used light bulbs for warmth, but I had a lot of heat escaping out the roof. Has anyone used a metal shed in colder climates, and if so, do you have any suggestions as to how to beat the heat loss problem?

I also read that one lady was having problems with raccoons opening doors. To beat the raccoon problem, I had to put locks on the door to the chicken coop and the gate to the run. Stray cats and coyotes can be a problem getting into the run if there's not a fairly solid top over the run.

On a different note, I didn't have wildlife ever stealing eggs, but prior to the padlocks just to keep the raccoons out, I had someone sneaking into the coop at night and stealing eggs! I'm assuming it was a woman, because one night the culprit lost a woman's watch in the coop!

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

LOL Ya know. For some reason I can totally picture my elderly next door neighbor sneaking eggs. And we dont even have the little ones here yet!

I will have to talk to the hubby about putting locks on the door to keep the raccoon and the neighbor woman out!

 

[curliet]

We're in Mi too, and I was going to post that it might be hard to keep the metal coop warm enough in the winter, and simba beat me to it. Seriously, the only way I can think of that you could hold the heat in a metal shed would be to insulate the walls and ceiling with something. We have insulated our metal pole barn with pink foam board insulation, and made a ceiling from it as well. It does help to hold some of the heat inside. It might keep it warm enough if it's a small shed with shavings, and chicken body heat. But I think you might have to cover the insulation with something to keep the birds from pecking and eating the foam stuff.

 

[cristina33]

I have a metal shed for a coop also. What I did was I put the pink foam insulation on the ceiling and the top half of 2 walls! I have had good luck so far . Before I did that it was like a freezer in the winter and an oven in the summer. I also cut holes on each side and made 2 runs this way in the morning they have shade on side and shade on the other in the afternoon . I covered my runs with latice and this year I bought some vine flowers to grow up it to help provide more shade . Good luck to you !!
If you want me to post pictures let me know!

Thanks
Cristina

 

[calee]

simba49450 wrote:

I had someone sneaking into the coop at night and stealing eggs! I'm assuming it was a woman, because one night the culprit lost a woman's watch in the coop!

Holy cow!!! I NEVER would have thought of having to protect against dishonest neighbors. That's seriously freaky. Did you ever to see if anyone was missing a watch?

Of course, it could have been an inept thief who left a watch at your place, an egg somewhere else, and so on...

One of our local supercenters has a metal shed for $199, but I think I could find a nice used one for less, like asher suggested. My husband has champagne tastes in coops, though... he's been seduced by a fancy wooden Amish coop that he wants to copy.​

 

[MermanMike]

Hi Cristina...I'd love to see your pics...sounds cute and I am considering this option as well.
Thanks!
Michael

 

[calee]

Cristina, I'd love pics, too. Especially of the latticed & vine-covered run.

 

[momma's chickens]

I wanted to show you my coop and run. It is working out wonderfully.

I have planted seeds to grow vines and flowers up the side where the white slots are.

 

[crtrlovr]

are you not afraid raccoons or opossums or cats could climb the slotted area and get your chickens at night? (or is this not part of the secure sleeping area? ) can't see what's behind it in the pix

 

[momma's chickens]

Nope, they sleep in the coop locked up very tight and secure. I haven't had a predator here in the four years since I have had chickens. That is not to say there wouldn't be one, which is why at night they are locked up good.