Shed to coop conversion

[moniquem]

So, I had yet another contractor guy come out and give me an estimate to convert 1/2 my shed into a coop. His estimate was 3,000........not pesos but American dollars!!!

Anyway.....I have been going back and forth with the idea of converting 1/2 the shed or just tearing shed down and building a new coop. I think were just going to convert ourselves. Here is my big issue with the shed so far...

The floor looks like it was originally wood but now the wood is just rotted, coming up, and there is dirt under neath it. My plan is to pull up the old rotted wood, dig a trench around base of floor, where chickens will be, and put in cement blocks.

I can then build a divider between where the chickens and shed will be with 2x4's. BTW the space intended for chickens will measure 8'x11'x7.5'.

This is where I intend to start with this project. I have a list of other things to fix but I have to start somewhere

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would definitely do it myself after that estimate. Make sure you share some pictures of your progress, sounds exciting.

 

[Folly's place]

If the structure is sound or fixable, use it! Make a dig-proof perimeter, and the dirt floor will be fine. You could pour a concrete floor, but it's not necessary, as long as nothing can dig in from outside.
Pictures!
Lots of ventilation, and especially openings on the south side, all with hardware cloth well secured.
Pictures!
Mary

 

[moniquem]

First picture is outside of shed. I will replace that window, pop door at bottom that will go into the chicken run.
Second picture is my back yard
Third picture is the front door of the shed
Fourth picture is after I cleaned out the shed. Chicken coop part will start at the beginning of the window on the left and extend all the way back. I need to really over turn that floor After that I'll place the cinder blocks and start framing off the chicken area. I also plan n putting in a couple more windows and some ventilation at the top. Once all is done I can white wash the entire inside of coop so its light and airy. Chicken space will be 8X11X7.5, not a bad living area for 5 chickens......Will be a lot of work but worth it in the end!

 

[JABehrens]

That looks like a GREAT coop! I had a shed that I used the same way. It worked great! Ventilation was my biggest concern because heat is a much bigger problem than cold here in Texas. I think once you get the vents in it will be fabulous! You can do it yourself! Especially for $3000.

 

[moniquem]

You can do it yourself! Especially for $3000.

I think I can too. My baby chicks will be here end of March so I have some time

 

[Folly's place]

Add more ventilation than you think you need!
The Habitat Restore is a great place to find doors, windows, hardware, and other stuff for your project. Paint and stain too.
Big openings with hardware cloth work great!
It's a nice building!
Mary

 

[blackdog043]

Are there any restrictions on how close you can have a chicken coop to a neighbor? Do your neighbors know your getting chickens? Just a couple things people have had issues with on here.

 

[Folly's place]

I wondered about that too. VERY near neighbors!
Mary

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I can’t wait to see the shed when you finish the conversion