New garden shed to coop...design help?

[Rc_Rosealetta]

Hello everyone! I scored a garden shed/green house on FB marketplace to covert into a coop. It’s approximately 8x8. I’m requesting some design help to make it the best it can be for my flock! Open to all options and suggestions! TYIA

 

[rosemarythyme]

Nice shell to work with! Is that a working cupola up top?

All that insulation needs to be removed or covered up.

I assume this is already in your yard? Just curious as to where the sun hits in relation to those clear roof panels, as heat accumulation could be an issue in summer if this was being used as a greenhouse.

One of the long shelves currently in place could easily be turned into a poop board if you put the roosts just above.

 

[Rc_Rosealetta]

Unfortunately cupola looks to be only decorative. The clear roof portion faces East. I wasn’t sure if I should change that to plain shingles or not?
Does it make more sense to remove the insulation or cover it? I’m in NE Ohio so we have quite variable weather. The current windows face west and south. Door faces north.
Thanks for the response!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Shame about the cupola (though I'm wondering if it could function, if the wood could be opened up under it). I'm trying to figure out where to add more ventilation as there isn't any roof overhang to work with. Is the octagonal gable vent open or is that decorative? If it's open that's great, and maybe add another one directly across in the back?

Windows can open which is good (they do need hardware cloth added for security), but you likely won't want to have those open in winter, which is why I'm looking up higher for year-round ventilation.

I'd consider shingling over the clear part of roof if that's an option, mainly because if this was designed as a green house those were set up for picking up sun and heat.

Insulation: I know some people like having it, others find that it becomes a haven for rodents. In this case I'd also weigh how much of a hassle/cost it'd be to remove it vs boarding over it.

 

[Rc_Rosealetta]

The octagonal vent is indeed a vent. It does need to be redone as it’s not very secure. But it’s a functional vent. So it would not be difficult to add a matching one on the opposite side. Thought about getting a powered vent as well to help with ventilation.

Will be taking the shelves out. Not sure which work bench to keep for a roost bar. That slanted ceiling makes it a bit more difficult; but for $300 I can’t complain.

Was planning on removing the trim from around the windows and installing the hardware cloth then putting the trim back up as I need access from the inside to open the windows.

Going to lay a sheet on linoleum for easy cleaning purposes on the floor.

Chicken door will be cut out on the back wall as that’s where I will be attaching their run.

I appreciate the help!

 

[Mutchi]

Once you clear the insulation put perches along the biggest wall and on the smallest walls put nesting boxes then put water and food were you want paint before put in perches, water, food, and nesting boxes.

 

[aart]

Does it make more sense to remove the insulation or cover it?

Take it all out!
I'd take everything out.
Then you'll be able to see what condition the structure is in....
...and you can take more pics for us to see.

Bet you can make that cupola function.

It's cool little building!
Not sure if the clear roof should stay or go.
Could be nice in the winter...but an oven in the summer.

 

[CluckerFamily]

What a find!!!
I would take out the insulation to see what the walls look like and to make sure there are no small holes.

 

[Rc_Rosealetta]

Aart, would you put the insulation back in after checking the integrity of the structure and then covering it? Or leave it out?

 

[Mutchi]

I would put new insulation in afteryou take the old insulation out.