My Resin/plastic coop construction thread :)

[Molpet]

What do I use to cut holes for windows?

drill a hole in each corner and cut out with a jigsaw... not sure if the wall can hold much weight though

 

[KellyReed]

We ordered a “shed window” from Amazon for about $20. You can cut the hole with a reciprocating saw, add a wood board sandwiched in between the window pieces, then just screw them together. It was super easy.

 

[tigger19687]

MAKE sure it is NOT in the sun ! it gets Super hot in there
Mine is in complete shade except for the 1st 2 hours of first morning light.
I didn't add a window because I have 2 in the doors and this is temp for the time being.

I have a plastic shed which is sitting on a concrete slab. It has been there for about 12 years or so. I've used it to store garden stuff off and on and now want to use it for a chicken coop. I've been going thru this thread and it answers some of my questions, but I think I need to put in some windows for more light. My shed is single wall and as a carpenter I make a good secretary, so.... There are bushes next to the shed on the south side which in past years have been a favorite spot for the chickens to hide during the day. I have plenty of room to make them a large pen and have already laid out what I think will be their yard. So, my question is. What do I use to cut holes for windows? I am an old widow, but do have some help I can call on for some stuff. However, I am one of those nutty old gals that wants to do it herself.

 

[k9grammy]

My shed has bushes on two sides and I'm cutting ventilation slots. On the west end which is where it will get the most sun I was going to hang some shade cloth. I will have the door on the east side open during the day and screened at night if it is hot out. Here in Western Washington is usually cools down at night even on hot summer days. On the east side is a large Wisteria which gives a lot of shade.
My girls have finally arrived at the local post office at 6 this morning, but they are not open (grrrr) I have to wait until 8:30 to pick them up. I tried to call, but they don't answer their phones until then either. I hope they are keeping the babies somewhere warm. I'm going to check before I leave the post office.

 

[aart]

My girls have finally arrived at the local post office at 6 this morning, but they are not open (grrrr) I have to wait until 8:30 to pick them up.

How do you know they arrived?
Go and bang on the back door.
Did you speak to PO before to let them know and give them a phone number?
A couple hours shouldn't matter.

 

[k9grammy]

I got the text message, so went to PO and to the back door. Got my chicks, rushed home, opened the box and almost all were dead. Out of the 27 only 3 are still moving. I contacted the hatchery and I'll see what they say. Our local feed store is overrun with chicks they didn't sell, so maybe I'll just go get some from them. they aren't the breeds I wanted, but I don't know that I want to go thru another shipping disaster.

 

[aart]

I got the text message, so went to PO and to the back door. Got my chicks, rushed home, opened the box and almost all were dead. Out of the 27 only 3 are still moving. I contacted the hatchery and I'll see what they say. Our local feed store is overrun with chicks they didn't sell, so maybe I'll just go get some from them. they aren't the breeds I wanted, but I don't know that I want to go thru another shipping disaster.

Oh NO! That's terrible ....always good to open box at PO for witnesses.

 

[k9grammy]

Actually there were 28 chicks and 22 were dead. The six left are doing ok. At least 5 of them are. One is still a bit wobbly and doesn't seem as much into eating as the others. I'm thinking I'll just go to the feed store and get some chicks from them. The hatchery said they will refund my money. I need to get them photos of the survivors which is a challenge, but I'll keep trying.

 

[Hholt]

Here are some more pics I just did this last week. It is a slow process trying to figure out where I want things to go and what I can use without spending anything.
Across from the doors of the shed is an area I will be using for a sitting area. Got someones Sod they took up from CL free. Hoping it grows, not perfectly flat and growing seed would take too long.

Fence will attach to front Left corner of shed, there is window screen in the door windows. I will put the plastic windows in when it gets colder out.
View attachment 1136730.
Sod, so far some is growing. Was not great, but if it works
View attachment 1136731
Looking into shed. Got $1 shower curtains from the Dollar store for the walls to keep poop off it. Easy/cheap to replace and could be washed, just stapled in. I used plastic shelves for the roost/nest boxes as I didn't have any wood to hold it up and wanted not to screw too many things into the shed. I had shelf in the house not being used. The top part is a free wooden box (about 2 inches deep, only one installed so far, have 2) used a shower curtain to cover it and staple in place for now. It is screwed into back wall and will get PDZ today at Tractor Supply. Made an attic area for light weight stuff storage and to cover for Winter heat, has left over fencing up on the left. Corrigated sheet in front is to block off my front storage spot from coop for Winter, it's not screwed in, and will put a few more for attic area to the right. I have some wire for the front storage area instead of the corrigated sheet for warm/hot seasons but it is being used right now so I will re do it later.View attachment 1136732
This is inside to the Left. I will make a Pop door towards the front where that small round table is. View attachment 1136733

Thanks for looking !!!

NEED INFO !!! ..... What SIZE to make the Pop door? I will get an auto opener to pull the string to open the door. I was going to buy the whole thing but they all just had thin metal for the door. I want something thick and a bit heavier for protection and Winter.

I’m looking to do something very similar to this. How did you add ventilation?