Need some ideas for converting part of our shed/pool house into coop

[HalfMadMommy]

Our city allows us to have 2 hens, and we'd like to convert part of our shed (which we currently use for pool/toy storage) into our chicken coop. The interior dimensions that are available are approx 2' wide x 5.5' deep x 5.5' tall. There's already electricity running to it, so it will be easy to heat it in the winter (we're in Colorado).

I need to build some sort of partition to keep the chickens away from the storage area, and we'll cut a doorway into the right side (by the wood chips) for the birds to get out into the yard. But I have NO IDEA what I'm doing! I know the birds need a nesting area/box but I'm not sure how to incorporate it, and I know they need a perch, but is that one long rod, or several? Please help this city gal!

Thanks!

 

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

Well, for a roosting board, it could be one tree branch or one 2"by 4" board. For 2 hens you would only need one roosting board big enough for both. Be sure and add ventilation. For that size coop, I would use pine shavings for bedding on the coop floor and straw in the nesting boxes. For a nesting box (you would only need one) I would put in a bucket nest. Here's a pic (courtesy of the internet) :

I like this idea (also courtesy of the internet) as a roost:

Here's another good roost courtesy of the internet:

 

[HalfMadMommy]

Thanks for the bucket idea! I think I figured out the best way to partition it off will be to use some sliding shower doors. That will allow me easy access for cleaning/egg gathering, and be CHEAP if I can find some used ones!

My chicks should be here tomorrow! Can't wait!

 

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

Thanks for the bucket idea! I think I figured out the best way to partition it off will be to use some sliding shower doors. That will allow me easy access for cleaning/egg gathering, and be CHEAP if I can find some used ones!

My chicks should be here tomorrow! Can't wait!

Your welcome! The sliding shower doors sounds like a great idea. Congrats on the chicks, it's always so exciting!

 

[ESherrill43]

this looks like a great place for potential are you getting bantams or standerd size chickens

 

[HalfMadMommy]

I have standard size Jersey Giants hens (so I guess they're PLUS sized). And I ordered 3 (Shh! Don't tell the city

) in case any croak on me. I have a friend with a farm, that I can give one hen to if I get busted...hopefully they'll be well behaved, and my neighbors won't ever have a need to complain to code enforcement!

Luckily my chicks came today, and are in good health. They're only a few days old, so I have about 4 weeks to build the coop. I'm going to hit up the local Habitat for Humanity thrift shop and see if I can find an inexpensive set of used shower doors or folding closet doors, as well as a cabinet door to use on the outside to seal up the door I'll have to cut in the side for exterior access.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions!

 

[weekendhomestea]

HalfMadMommy,

To avoid a lot of dust in your storage area, make sure that your partition goes from floor to ceiling. I have found that chickens really kick up a lot of dust when they are housed inside another building like a pole barn.

I would also recommend using two 2x2s or 2x3s for the chicken perches. Make sure your perches are higher than your nest boxes or else the chickens will roost in the nest box.

Your chicken door should be at least 10x10 inches. If you have a large breed you can make it bigger. Here is a post about chicken door size. You'll want to have the chicken door at least 4 inches off the floor of the shed so the chickens don't drag too much litter out of it.

-RDG