Shed to Coop Conversion Help Needed

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I’m getting an old shed from my aunt this March. I don’t have the dimensions yet but the plan is to repaint it, add windows, and lots of ventilation. I think I’ll replace the parts of the walls that have holes. I also want to know what I should do to clean the moss off the roof and keep it from showing up again. I plan to add windows to the doors and the right & left walls. I will have 2 roosts running the length of the back wall at heights of 4.5 feet tall 6 inches from the wall and 3 feet tall 1.5 feet front the back wall. I also plan to have a 2 foot tall roost on the right wall of the shed. I will have 6 nest boxes 2 rows of 3 stacked on each other. I also want to add a wire wall maybe a foot wide between the shed doors so that I can have a small storage area. I also want to add a built in brooder box but since I haven’t seen the shed in person I don’t know if it’ll work out. I will add a large window to each shed door. I am wondering if I should cut out the area above the shed doors and replace it with 1/2” hardware clothe.

Thanks in advance for all the replies.

 

[TalkALittle]

You can remove the moss without causing damage to the shingles by gently scraping off most of the growth. Spray the roof with a dilute bleach solution or algecide, let it sit a bit and use a brush to scrub off any remaining then rinse well. Don't pressure wash as it may lift or damage the shingles. Then decide if any need replacing. Position the coop in the sun and moss won't regrow. If in the shade, trim limbs directly over the coop to allow airflow and speed the roof drying after rains. Install a piece of copper flashing or galvanized metal strip over the length of the ridge. As rain hits the strip it will pick up positively charged ions from the strip and as it runs down the roof it will inhibit algae and moss growth.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

You can remove the moss without causing damage to the shingles by gently scraping off most of the growth. Spray the roof with a dilute bleach solution or algecide, let it sit a bit and use a brush to scrub off any remaining then rinse well. Don't pressure wash as it may lift or damage the shingles. Then decide if any need replacing. Position the coop in the sun and moss won't regrow. If in the shade, trim limbs directly over the coop to allow airflow and speed the roof drying after rains. Install a piece of copper flashing or galvanized metal strip over the length of the ridge. As rain hits the strip it will pick up positively charged ions from the strip and as it runs down the roof it will inhibit algae and moss growth.

Wow that is great information. I will definitely look into it. Thank you so much!

 

[Cryss]

You will need to extend the roof overhangs to prevent rain and snow blowing into the ventilation, windows, and doors. Good luck

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

You will need to extend the roof overhangs to prevent rain and snow blowing into the ventilation, windows, and doors. Good luck

Thank you @Cryss I certainly will extend them.

 

[bald Rooster]

Hello
I believe chickens will be very happy in that shed.
I do see some issues . First is the doors,they are a bit flimsy looking, and I believe wind,rain and snow will blow in around them. If you try to put windows in them and then use one as your access you will find you need a total rebuild very soon.
A better idea may be to put the large windows in the back wall.and turn your coop were the back faces the Sun right now if you can. Right now would be a good time to see were the sun is at day break and sun down.

The bad siding. Remove trim Nail or screw new siding on top of old siding. put trim back on and paint
Chickens Don't care ! as long as there dry.

Those vents I think there a little high and may be a little drafty and like the doors rain may blow in through them. personally I prefer vents under a overhang.
You could build a nice louver that has a lot of lap on the boards on those gables,also create some vents in the bottom of the doors and back wall .
In the summer this will allow for good air circulation. I am in the south (Orlando) I can not give advice on venting for extreme cold and snow.
Good luck

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Hi @bald Rooster thanks for the reply. You are right that the doors will need to be fixed and support added to them.

If you try to put windows in them and then use one as your access you will find you need a total rebuild very soon.

I don’t understand what you mean by this? The windows will not be the used to access the coop one of the doors will and the other door will be locked in place.
I want to cut holes in the doors and cover them with hardware clothe and in the winter I would zip tie plexiglass over them.

A better idea may be to put the large windows in the back wall.and turn your coop were the back faces the Sun right now if you can. Right now would be a good time to see were the sun is at day break and sun down.

I’d rather have the access to the coop facing the sun because the coop will be right by my walk way and when it snows I need to be able to have easy access to my chickens.
I will add overhangs over all the windows and vents that I will add.

 

[aart]

Honestly, I'd redo that roof to add overhangs for eave vents and a ridge vent too.
Of course first you have to get that shed moved and see what kind of shape the framing and floor is in.

That moss on the top plane of roof has probably ruined the shingles so they should be replaced anyway. Then you'll get a good look at the roof sheathing and see if it is in decent shape or needs to be replaced also.
Extend the roof 12-18" on front and back too, to help protect windows and gable vents.
Take a look at My Coop page to see how I added roof overhangs to a larger shed.

Gambrel roofed sheds are hard to ventilate without rain/snow infiltration.
Saw a guy modify one a few years ago, it really intrigued me as an excellent improvement. I started to draw this up for someone else a few days ago, your shed pic prompted me to take it further. This roughly shows the rafter extensions and the roof sheathing to make over hangs and venting.

 

[bald Rooster]

Leaving the structure of the shed in-tacked, scraping the moss off and laying a new layer of 2x4 on the roof to give it a overhang and a new tin roof would be easy

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Leaving the structure of the shed in-tacked, scraping the moss off and laying a new layer of 2x4 on the roof to give it a overhang and a new tin roof would be easy

I like that idea. When I finally get the shed I’ll look into it.