Shed to coop conversion

[StinkyAcres]

Ok, good to know. I'm writing some notes down here. Could they be covered with mesh screening or is hardware cloth better?
Also what do you think for roosts? I'm guessing I wouldn't want them real high. I have some brahmas and other heavier breeds. Just a flat 2x4? Untreated?

I agree with @Auntiejessi3, 1/2" 19-gauge hardware cloth is a much better choice than window screen. My roosts are about desk height, so about 30". I have Brahmas and a large White Rock and I personally wouldn't go any higher than that. Untreated spruce/pine/fir 2x4 studs installed wide side up work great for roosts.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I've been thinking about that metal roof. They scare me. If you've ever seen snow slide off a metal roof you know how dangerous and destructive it can be. Maybe I'm overreacting, but I wouldn't let my chickens go near or place any fencing, etc. on the sides where the snow will slide off, unless snow guards are installed on the roof.

 

[MGG]

Definitely go with HWC, better safe than sorry. My poop boards are 34 inches off the floor, roosts 10 inches above them. I have a brahma, english orps, marans, and don't have any problems, but I do have a ramp up there. 2x4 flat will be perfect

Ok, thanks! How do you manage the poop boards? Do you use sand in them?

I agree with @Auntiejessi3, 1/2" 19-gauge hardware cloth is a much better choice than window screen. My roosts are about desk height, so about 30". I have Brahmas and a large White Rock and I personally wouldn't go any higher than that. Untreated spruce/pine/fir 2x4 studs installed wide side up work great for roosts.

Ok, I've got some scraps laying around from a pen build last year so I'm sure that would work fine. Can I just do a vent under both peaks in the walls or do I definitely need more than that? That's all I have in my duck shed and it's been fine so far at least.

I've been thinking about that metal roof. They scare me. If you've ever seen snow slide off a metal roof you know how dangerous and destructive it can be. Maybe I'm overreacting, but I wouldn't let my chickens go near or place any fencing, etc. on the sides where the snow will slide off, unless snow guards are installed on the roof.

Hmm. I actually can't say I have. I wonder if that's maybe more a heavy snow problem? My duck shed has a metal roof and their pen is built off of the shed. All I've seen is it dripping off when it finally warms up. I do have a netting over the pen, but the holes are 1 inch square so I don't know if they would stop much if it was going to slide off.
I probably wouldn't have them out much in the winter anyway though. My birds have always hated the snow. Maybe I could do a short tin roof over whatever run I come up with against the shed?
I talked to the people selling it and they said it's actually not that exact one but rather an ad for custom built sheds. They said it would be built the same way but I could pick siding, trim, and roof color. Also free delivery which would be nice.

 

[MGG]

Does it need to sit on blocks or a gravel pad or could it go right on the ground? I did gravel with my duck one but I'm trying to save money here, haha.

 

[MGG]

She said they have this design too that people have used for coops before. It's the same price but I only see one window.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Can I just do a vent under both peaks in the walls or do I definitely need more than that?

If you open the entire triangle at each end it would be enough. But the reason I suggested opening only the one above the door was to protect the other side (presumed roosting area) from rain/snow. Then adding a long vent under each eave should allow for cross ventilation.

Can you ask if they would leave the soffits open for ventilation? That would be ideal.

Does it need to sit on blocks or a gravel pad or could it go right on the ground? I did gravel with my duck one but I'm trying to save money here, haha.

I don't think blocks are needed if it's already on skids. But blocks or not, it will definitely need a gravel pad for drainage and stability.

 

[aart]

Maybe I'm overreacting,

I think so...the slope is so shallow that it's not likely that a heavy snow load would slide off.

Can I just do a vent under both peaks in the walls or do I definitely need more than that?

I'd add more...and ask for longer roof overhand with open soffits.
Soffits for year round ventilation and to protect open windows in summer.

Maybe I missed it, but....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Ok, thanks! How do you manage the poop boards? Do you use sand in them?

I use stall fresh, it's zeolite, super absorbent and deodorizing, I use a large litter box scoop to clean them daily, takes a couple minutes.

Does it need to sit on blocks or a gravel pad or could it go right on the ground? I did gravel with my duck one but I'm trying to save money here, haha.

The company I got my she-shed from left it up to me, they would put it on a pad, straight on the ground, or block it up, I'd ask to confirm. It's in my chicken yard and used for all my chicken and garden goodies. I chose to have them block it as the ground gets extremely soft with heavy rain and I didn't want it sinking.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Thread 'The new coop' https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-new-coop.1443937/
Reference for poop boards, it's been expanded quite a bit since then, but you'll get the gist. Hope that helps!

 

[StinkyAcres]

I think so...the slope is so shallow that it's not likely that a heavy snow load would slide off.

Maybe, but my lean-to is 3/12 pitch and the snow comes crashing down off of its metal roof.