Newbie chick shed and WIR build

[Haphazard_Hannah]

I was thinking just until spring when I can get a proper shed, and then I can use the coop as a poorly-hen sanctuary as and when needed. But actually, I'm now considering just having some confidence in my abilities and building a coop at the scale the shed would have been. I'm gonna look through the coop plans in the forum and consider if I'm up to it, and how much its likely to cost.... I can always make a smaller version for medical emergencies eh.

 

[aart]

But actually, I'm now considering just having some confidence in my abilities and building a coop at the scale the shed would have been. I'm gonna look through the coop plans in the forum

Look for shed plans instead.
How will you get materials to build with if you have no transportation?

 

[Haphazard_Hannah]

Look for shed plans instead.
How will you get materials to build with if you have no transportation?

online delivery! You can get almost anything delivered here in the uk (except sheds at this time of year, apparently) and here in Bristol we have the Bristol Wood Recycling Project so should be able to get most of what I need there. I think I’ll pop down there at the weekend and have a chat with them about what I need and how much it’s likely to cost and see what they say. It may be that they can’t guarantee it’s treated wood so we’ll have to see.

I’ve been using sketchup this evening to draw up the structure and get an idea of how much wood I’ll need and if I’m capable of doing the work etc. It’s looking promising

 

[Sally PB]

Well, you know if you have questions on how to do anything, someone here will probably know how!

I am enjoying this thread a lot, Hannah. So glad you joined BYC.

 

[CluckerFamily]

online delivery! You can get almost anything delivered here in the uk (except sheds at this time of year, apparently) and here in Bristol we have the Bristol Wood Recycling Project so should be able to get most of what I need there. I think I’ll pop down there at the weekend and have a chat with them about what I need and how much it’s likely to cost and see what they say. It may be that they can’t guarantee it’s treated wood so we’ll have to see.

I’ve been using sketchup this evening to draw up the structure and get an idea of how much wood I’ll need and if I’m capable of doing the work etc. It’s looking promising

Maybe they have an idea of someone that could build the coop for you. Even on the side of their current job.

 

[Chickie friend]

Cool thread!

 

[Haphazard_Hannah]

Well, you know if you have questions on how to do anything, someone here will probably know how!

I am enjoying this thread a lot, Hannah. So glad you joined BYC.

Ah thanks Sally PB, I’m glad

 

[Haphazard_Hannah]

Cool thread!

Thanks Chickie Friend!

 

[Haphazard_Hannah]

So I've not been able to do any work outside for a few days but I've been getting well into designing the framework of the shed. Here's how its looking so far:

So its 4x8 which is bigger than the prefab shed I was going to get (the shed base I ordered came with an extra panel so I just laid all of it which, in retrospect, was a great idea) and the front has the door, a pop hole and a window that I'm planning on being an opening window, although I'm not really sure how to frame the glazing yet but Youtube will help me I'm sure!

I've sent it to dad to look over and let me know if its under or over baked (he's the worst for overbaing projects )and then I'll price it up and see if its worth me progressing this plan. Basically, if its more expensive and therefore will take me more monthly pays to buy the materials than it would to just order a shed and wait the many weeks for delivery then I guess I need to decide which is the best option. I think I'll be happier with the self-build as I'll know its the best it can be materials and safety wise, however its a hell of a lot of work for one gal who works 40 hours a week and lives where the weather is designed to drown you as you go about your day.

And yes, the floor does look like OSB but dad and I have agreed that we'll be using marine plywood - the stuff they use for boats!! Its the only way I'm not going to be holding my breath every time I step in. Might as well build a bloody boat.... omg I should build them an ark. Okay, now I'm seriously getting carried away. By floods... kidding

If anyone spots any obvious issues, or has any suggestions for affordable and reasonable simple improvements I'm all ears

 

[3KillerBs]

If anyone spots any obvious issues, or has any suggestions for affordable and reasonable simple improvements I'm all ears

What's the pitch on your roof?

Where do you intend to put the vents and how will you shield them from rain?

I would suggest adding large roof overhangs and leaving both the triangles directly below the roof on the sides and the top section of the taller wall completely open (screened with hardware cloth), to provide draft-free ventilation above the chickens' heads where it will do the most good.