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Here, we believe in getting chicks, then building the coop. :lol: It’s just “the thing” to do.
Build the coop twice as big as you think you need it. 4 ft.² per bird is what we go by. 10 ft.² in the run. Though that’s more because 8 ft.² is too hard for us to multiply when trying to figure it out. :lol:
You are choosing the birds we recommend for children.
 
FluffyButt789 said:
But I worry that it won't be insulated enough. I could build some interior walls with insulation though. Just wondering if it's a good idea. Or if I'm better off building another (but bigger) wood shed.

My other issue is that we really only have 1 spot for a shed... so once we tear out the small one, the chickens will have to go somewhere, probably the garage, until the newer shed is finished... :confused:
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premade Sheds can make some great coops! I find if you need more living space fast, sheds are a great option. It's much faster to build a foundation and slap a shed on top than to plan and build a coop from scratch. Simple alterations like linoleum floor, ladder style roosts and egg crate nest boxes can really transform sheds into coops. As for insulation, I find my primary concerns to provide enough of a windbreak to prevent drafts, and to have enough ventilation to keep the inside dry and humidity low. You'll be surprised what temperatures well-fed chickens can be comfortable at if these are met :D

Lelanae said:
Two Ameraucana questions.
1) About what age are they accurately sex-able?
2) If I get straight run from Dennis and raise them up and they all turn out to be boys, is there anyone here that would take them off my hands (obviously for free)? I think with an Amerucana 'roo crossed with a dark brown layer you get olive eggers?
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as Dennis said, wheaten and silver is nice because the cockerels mature at different colors than the pullets. You can tell around 4-5 weeks. I did blacks for a long time, I can usually band the cockerels for sure around 12-14 weeks as soon as the shiny triangular feathers start to come in their shoulders and back, sometimes 16-18 for late bloomers. Lavenders are going to be a pain because of the way the feathers are. Until then it's a lot of speculation. If you get double roosters, I'm sure either me or Jack and pull the roosters off you. By that time I might have cull or uneeded ameraucana pullets If you still want a couple Ameraucanas
 
BullChick said:
@JennRB
:frow Welcome to the PA thread! We will be happy to help you reach your goal of 74 chickens! And turkeys. And goats. And ducks...
:lau
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Welcome welcome and it's so true. If you have a chicken addiction this is not the place to go because we're a bunch of enablers!

LeBlackbird said:
premade Sheds can make some great coops! I find if you need more living space fast, sheds are a great option. It's much faster to build a foundation and slap a shed on top than to plan and build a coop from scratch. Simple alterations like linoleum floor, ladder style roosts and egg crate nest boxes can really transform sheds into coops. As for insulation, I find my primary concerns to provide enough of a windbreak to prevent drafts, and to have enough ventilation to keep the inside dry and humidity low. You'll be surprised what temperatures well-fed chickens can be comfortable at if these are met :D



as Dennis said, wheaten and silver is nice because the cockerels mature at different colors than the pullets. You can tell around 4-5 weeks. I did blacks for a long time, I can usually band the cockerels for sure around 12-14 weeks as soon as the shiny triangular feathers start to come in their shoulders and back, sometimes 16-18 for late bloomers. Lavenders are going to be a pain because of the way the feathers are. Until then it's a lot of speculation. If you get double roosters, I'm sure either me or Jack and pull the roosters off you. By that time I might have cull or uneeded ameraucana pullets If you still want a couple Ameraucanas
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Yup-a-doodle-doo! We're your crazy Ameraucana people by far! (So crazy we're in both Ameraucana clubs!). Speaking of all the chickens and sexing the babies, I really need to get outside but this foot of snow in the back yard kinda makes that a pain. Ugh I just want to let them outside! I didn't ask for this!!!
 
LeBlackbird said:
premade Sheds can make some great coops! I find if you need more living space fast, sheds are a great option. It's much faster to build a foundation and slap a shed on top than to plan and build a coop from scratch. Simple alterations like linoleum floor, ladder style roosts and egg crate nest boxes can really transform sheds into coops. As for insulation, I find my primary concerns to provide enough of a windbreak to prevent drafts, and to have enough ventilation to keep the inside dry and humidity low. You'll be surprised what temperatures well-fed chickens can be comfortable at if these are met :D
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Yay, I was waiting for someone to chime in about this. I'm hoping to buy a nice 8x12 shed for $1,300. It has "5 small skylights and 2 screened vents." There are 2 windows with removable glass for air circulation. I just really want a new coop with LOTS more space for my girls for when they are stuck inside during cold winter days.
 
FluffyButt789 said:
Yay, I was waiting for someone to chime in about this. I'm hoping to buy a nice 8x12 shed for $1,300. It has "5 small skylights and 2 screened vents." There are 2 windows with removable glass for air circulation. I just really want a new coop with LOTS more space for my girls for when they are stuck inside during cold winter days.
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Go for it! I splurged and bought an 8x8 Dutch barn style shed and built all the inside parts for our chickens and it worked out wonderfully. 8x12 with skylights sounds fabulous! :love

You can read through my coop-shed conversion adventure here. This spring (if it EVER gets here) I plan on adding windows and ventilation, and possibly a small roof from where the shed connects to the run so rain and snow don't get in the chicken door so much.

Good luck!
 
chickachickayea said:
Go for it! I splurged and bought an 8x8 Dutch barn style shed and built all the inside parts for our chickens and it worked out wonderfully. 8x12 with skylights sounds fabulous! :love

You can read through my coop-shed conversion adventure here. This spring (if it EVER gets here) I plan on adding windows and ventilation, and possibly a small roof from where the shed connects to the run so rain and snow don't get in the chicken door so much.

Good luck!
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THANK YOU! :clap Now I cannot wait! Hurry up summer!
 

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