Rubbermaid Storage Shed as Coop

[HJECG]

I'm converting a new Rubbermaid resin (plastic) storage shed into my coop (the chickens are already in it; I'm just continuing to fix it up the way I want it), and I thought I'd share some photos for anyone who might be interested.

 

[aart]

Cool!
How many chooks ya got in there?
Ventilation?

 

[HJECG]

Well, I have 5 hens currently, but I also have a second , smaller coop for them inside their fenced run, which is pretty big. Also, they're only indoors when they want to be (to nest/lay eggs, and overnight when they're locked up. )The rest of the time they're free either in the run or in our backyard where the run and coop are located. And ventilation: I've drilled 2 inch holes all the way around the top of the shed, right below the roofline, and sometime in the next week my husband will be using a jigsaw to cut out and then put in a 2x2 window on one side, about 4 feet up, which will be covered in hardware cloth. I am not sure yet what kind of ventilated winter cover I'll create/build to put over the window next winter when it gets really cold again (we're definitely starting to see early spring here in Tennessee at this point, so the weather is getting warmer quickly)

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Hello!

I am new here, but I have a suggestion, and a precaution to take for this project.

I have a Rubbermaid shed similar to yours. Mine is wider, and I use mine for tools. It was a lot easier to put up than the metal shed I helped my dad to assemble... But I would plan carefully before modifying it too much. Here is a quick summary of the materials and construction used:

The shed is made of HDPE panels that snap together with some small screws and brackets holding things in place. Metal and wood sheds usually depend on a sturdy frame, so changes to the shell aren't much of a problem. The assembly for mine included puzzle-piece tabs that snapped together. These panels depend on their stiffness to stay assembled. The easiest way for these sheds to fail is for something to go wrong during use that bends one of the panels. When you cut your window hole, you might consider something to hold the cut wall in its stiff shape. A well-anchored window frame may do.

Also, one thing to say about HDPE - It's easy to clean, and hard to paint. Most stains and some paints peel off with a fingernail or light scrubbing... But some specialty paints will work fine on HDPE.

Good luck!

 

[hotlipshens]

Thanks for posting! I just bought a resin shed. Did you ever put a window in and, if so, would LOVE to see a pic. How did you mount your roost? Thanks again.

 

[thinks2much2]

Hi- I am also considering purchasing a resin shed to make into a coop, but would need to cut a window for light and ventilation. Can anyone verify if this works out okay with the resin?

 

[hotlipshens]

One guy used a smaller one and added vents, a pop door and a window. I think you just have to use a wood frame inside and outside for door and window. Will be starting on mine 4/18 - remind me if you want pics - we'll prob only get it up and a pop door in place next weekend...

 

[Circejane]

I'm also coming to the conclusion that converting a resin shed is the way to go, and I'm wondering how to properly ventilate the shed/coop without making it too drafty for our northern MI winters. I'm handy but have very little experience with any power tools other than a drill and a staple gun. Does anyone know how big an endeavor it will be to safely and properly ventilate a plastic building?

 

[hotlipshens]

Not a big deal...bought a $25 jigsaw and am actually having fun with how useful it is to have. My shed has 2 plexi windows so I took Plexi out of one and covered with hardware. Also had some vents so put one in. drill holes in corner to start.. also had old screen door in basement so added for HHH days.

Also have small vents at top and pop door...
So far everything repurposed except shed and treated lumber for base...working great for me..plastic file cabinets will be nestsunder poop board and roosts.

 

[Circejane]

That looks great.