Resin shed reuse

[3KillerBs]

We have cage covered vent holes on each side at top. Can add more if needed. There is a small window on one side that can be opened. And doggy door converted to let them out , we added a hook so it doesn’t fall down, but door latches close when completely closed - I currently lock them in at night and close window for safety.

They need ventilation 24/7/365.
Cover any openings with 1/2" HC for predator protection.

This.

The usual guideline is a minimum of 1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation per adult, standard-size hen. This is best located at the top of the coop, because heat and ammonia both rise.

Ventilation is just as important in cold weather as in hot weather because the moisture they generate from their poop and their breath has to escape so it doesn't freeze onto their combs and cause frostbite.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I can't see the whole run in the pics, so I can't comment. All I know is that my run allows some 60 sq ft per chicken (and duck), and it STILL feels too small at times.

But that coop might work ok for 6. The converted shed I used was 28 sq ft. I had 8 chickens. Honestly, that was plenty of room because they only stayed in it to sleep and use the nest box. But if they need to spend more time in it, you will probably need more space.

On the plus side, you can cover smaller runs pretty easily, which will give more room for them during inclement weather.

 

[Macchick]

I can't see the whole run in the pics, so I can't comment. All I know is that my run allows some 60 sq ft per chicken (and duck), and it STILL feels too small at times.

But that coop might work ok for 6. The converted shed I used was 28 sq ft. I had 8 chickens. Honestly, that was plenty of room because they only stayed in it to sleep and use the nest box. But if they need to spend more time in it, you will probably need more space.

On the plus side, you can cover smaller runs pretty easily, which will give more room for them during inclement weather.

 

[WonkierZulu]

I seen someone on here add hvac floor vents that open and close. Rosemarythyme I believe for their coop. Good idea and can easily adjust them during the winter if you get too much ventilation. Mini louver are also very simple and easy to install a hole saw and clear or grey caulking the come in many sizes.

 

[Macchick]

Sorry here are the photos of the run. We have a 1/4 run that opens from the top, then a 1/2 run that has a small door to the side. So far its been a breeze to clean. I have sand in the base and there is hard ware cloth on the bottom.

We live in Colorado on top of a hill and we have a breeze all the time, and there is a large tree next to the coop shading the coop. So far the coop has been nicely ventilated with a window and 2 vent holes.

I did not think about the predators chewing through the plastic covers over the vents -good point. We plan to reinforce the covers in that case and the window - what we are not sure but will come up with a solution unless someone has ideas!!

There is a light on the side of our house that shines on it at night. and its next to our home. not that that would prevent critters from attacking it. I have been monitoring the coop and it does not seems to be too hot even though we get 90 degree temp. We have shaded the runs with landscape cloth. The coop is in the shade of the house and trees in the afternoon.

I think it boils down to location of the coop and where you live as far as what works or doesn't. I am sure we will get some snow built up. but the coop is very comfy for my 6 girls - they have lots of room and roost space. They love the coop. There is room to put food and water in it if they get snowed in. But honestly where we live the snow lasts only 1 -2 days and the sun melts it.

We put the coop near our kitchen door on the side of our home to be close to the chickens, easy access to water and a short walk to the coop for chores. I have no intention of hauling across the lawn, especially in a snowstorm. So far they are quiet, and not smelly! The dry air here dries all the poops and they are easy to scoop in the sand.

Just started free ranging them, under supervision. They readily run back to the coop for safety after a little picking around. I think they love their coop.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I seen someone on here add hvac floor vents that open and close. Rosemarythyme I believe for their coop. Good idea and can easily adjust them during the winter if you get too much ventilation. Mini louver are also very simple and easy to install a hole saw and clear or grey caulking the come in many sizes.

Not mine, my floor vent covers are fixed position. I have never needed to close any ventilation other than the sliding windows during severe snowstorms where snow is blowing sideways into the window.

 

[WonkierZulu]

https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/how-much-coop-ventilation

 

[3KillerBs]

I seen someone on here add hvac floor vents that open and close. Rosemarythyme I believe for their coop. Good idea and can easily adjust them during the winter if you get too much ventilation. Mini louver are also very simple and easy to install a hole saw and clear or grey caulking the come in many sizes.

The problem with those things is that when you're measuring the openings in tens of square inches it very difficult to get the multiple square feet of air that you need.

 

[WonkierZulu]

The problem with those things is that when you're measuring the openings in tens of square inches it very difficult to get the multiple square feet of air that you need.

Honestly it's not that bad. If you know how to do basic math is to add and multiply. So 10 4inch louvers let's say equals about 1 square for of ventilation.(math is a little tricky on those) As for adjustable floor vents treat it as a standard vent length times width as a gable vent. But how much ventilation you add comes down to the type of bird(heavier breed need more ventilation),type of bedding, poop boards, frequency of cleaning,cross ventilation etc. The link above is a very good reference to even the type of climate and how to get your numbers of how much real ventilation you have per bird for the coop.

 

[3KillerBs]

Honestly it's not that bad. If you know how to do basic math is to add and multiply. So 10 4inch louvers let's say equals about 1 square for of ventilation.(math is a little tricky on those) As for adjustable floor vents treat it as a standard vent length times width as a gable vent. But how much ventilation you add comes down to the type of bird(heavier breed need more ventilation),type of bedding, poop boards, frequency of cleaning,cross ventilation etc. The link above is a very good reference to even the type of climate and how to get your numbers of how much real ventilation you have per bird for the coop.

You also have to account for the fact that the louvers block part of the opening.