My Resin/plastic coop construction thread :)

[Taylorbrood]

Everyone considering a plastic shed for a coop should realize that rodents can gnaw holes in them trying to get to food. That happened to a shed that I was looking at to buy.

that is why we did the metal trim, so far, knock on on wood they have tried but not been able to get in

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

we put down the gravel, leveled it out, then hoisted the frame back up and attached the hardcloth to the bottom with stainless steel staples, then put the frame down, let it settle and added more gravel for drainage and weight then we attached the plywood and metal trim. if I may suggest cover the wood with weather tex fabric like what you see on the side of houses. We are taking ours apart this spring and going to put that on it. Coop wise, I have my smaller coop inside for isolation and playpen introductions, I like having the room. If your a follower of the chicken chick she has partnered with summerhawk ranch and they are producing quality coops to be released in the spring, but they won't be cheap but will be built to last and functional.

Good tips! Thanks. Good to know about the Chicken chick and the coops.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Everyone considering a plastic shed for a coop should realize that rodents can gnaw holes in them trying to get to food. That happened to a shed that I was looking at to buy.

From the ground level? Or would they try farther up?

 

[Taylorbrood]

From the ground level? Or would they try farther up?

ours was a ground level and where the shed sits on the foundation, we have a ledge around the edge where the metal trim is and the corners of our shed are rounded. our shed is a Keter

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

From the ground level? Or would they try farther up?

The holes that I saw were at ground level right where the wall joined the floor.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

that is why we did the metal trim, so far, knock on on wood they have tried but not been able to get in

That's a good idea that will probably work.

 

[Taylorbrood]

I would not put bales of hay sandwiched between the coop and fence without covering the top and sides. Good insulation, but huge mold/rot/staining problem IMO.

Good to know that Rubbermaid sheds are stronger.

We used straw along the walls, it amazed me that I was pulling it out every two weeks because it was turning moldy. then we were told not to use straw with chickens, so we stopped then the coop just got cold so we did chopped straw and it held the temp between 42 and 46, not bad with coastal storms. But glad I kept an eye on the mold

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

It wouldn't be sharp, but it would be visually and structurally unacceptable IMO. I cut a door opening in a metal shed I have, and that was sharp. So I finished it by bending the edges over. Plastic could be finished with some kind of C-channel material. Personally, I wouldn't cut a pop door in a plastic shed. I'd rather frame a wall in one of the door openings and cut a hole in that.

When you say, "frame a wall in one of the door openings" - you are referring to just one side so that when you open that door the "pop door" would be open and accessible to the chickens?
Just trying to visualize it. Thanks!
I really won't need to store anything in the shed as I have another shed for storage.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

When you say, "frame a wall in one of the door openings" - you are referring to just one side so that when you open that door the "pop door" would be open and accessible to the chickens?
Just trying to visualize it. Thanks!
I really won't need to store anything in the shed as I have another shed for storage.

I would remove the left door and build a stationary wall in that half of the door opening, and leave the right door for access. Put the pop door in the stationary wall. You could also put ventilation in that wooden wall. That way you don't undermine the integrity of the plastic shed in case you ever want to use it for something else, or to sell it.

I modified two metal sheds that way. Instead of cutting holes in the metal panels (which would have drastically undermined the shed's strength), I removed two panels and put two pieces of plywood in their place. That way I can reuse the sheds again after I build a better coop. The picture below shows what I did. I connected two sheds with a 55-gal plastic barrel by removing a metal panel from each shed, cutting holes in two pieces of plywood cut to fit, and inserting them into place.

 

[tigger19687]

OMG I did not get any notifications that there were new postings here.
SORRY !!!

Rodents chew through WOOD TOO. just fyi.

If you look at my build, there are thick thick rubber roofing mats under it. Can something chew through? Sure, same with anything else but I am not too overly worried at this point.

I do not have any wire around the bottom, maybe this Spring.

The Double walls are so much better, insulation/durability/snow load/wind...

AND i just scored a FREE (6x8 I think) Rubbermaid shed in someones trash ! I may use it for the front yard more of a flatter roof and I won't be able to put it up till Spring and buy more screws.