Shed to coop conversion

[MGG]

Hi all, I'm looking into purchasing this shed to turn into a chicken coop. I'm getting some new chicks this year and I have about 13 older hens that I'd also like to get setup in something nicer. We have two little coops and runs they're currently split up between, but it's just kind of a pain not having them all in the same place. I found this shed on FB marketplace that I thought looked really nice. What all would I need to do to it to turn it into a nice coop for them? I know vents for sure and roosts/nestboxes. Not sure what design is best here though. The windows I believe do both open. I have a similar building for my ducks and I keep both windows open almost all the time. I ordered 15 chicks so provided they all make it ok and to adulthood there would be around 27 birds using it full time. I know it's maybe on the small side for that many, but it would be a huge upgrade from what we have and I can't find anything local that's bigger and has windows.
We have very temperate summers here, rarely getting above 85. However we have brutal winters that last about 6 months, and have weeks on end where we don't get above zero. They're usually pretty happy to just huddle up in a corner in their current coops on those days. I free range them in our yard every nice day. I also have unlimited access to free wood shavings from the cabinet shop so those will be the bedding. I'm thinking about a waterproof barrier on the floor and I'd like to run an extension cord to have power. Anyway, any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[WingItRanch]

@Auntiejessi3 has a really nice design inside her shed. Maybe she can share pics.

I'm in a similar boat. I have a very nice coop/run combo and I'm building a second smaller one for my chicks to put right next to the original coop for a see/no touch slow integration. I wish I had just done a huge shed conversation but I didn't believe chicken math was a real thing. I was wrong...

 

[MGG]

@Auntiejessi3 has a really nice design inside her shed. Maybe she can share pics.

I'm in a similar boat. I have a very nice coop/run combo and I'm building a second smaller one for my chicks to put right next to the original coop for a see/no touch slow integration. I wish I had just done a huge shed conversation but I didn't believe chicken math was a real thing. I was wrong...

Thank you!

Haha it definitely is! I was having a horrible time just sticking to ordering 15 to avoid the small order fee. If I had the space I easily would have ended up with more like 25, lol.
I was excited to find this one at a decent price with free delivery. I'm just hoping it's actually still available. I'll have to call and check. Just wanted to make sure there weren't any major issue with it.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I can't help but notice that the rafters are unusually far apart (24" on center?) and have no gussets. Do you get a lot of snow where you are?

 

[MGG]

I can't help but notice that the rafters are unusually far apart (24" on center?) and have no gussets. Do you get a lot of snow where you are?

Hmm, yeah I see that now. Sometimes we do, but it's usually super cold so it's dry snow and just blows around/slides off. It has a metal roof so I'd imagine it would probably slide off pretty quickly?

 

[StinkyAcres]

Hmm, yeah I see that now. Sometimes we do, but it's usually super cold so it's dry snow and just blows around/slides off. It has a metal roof so I'd imagine it would probably slide off pretty quickly?

Okay, it probably will slide off quickly. I suppose you could add collar ties if you are worried about it.

As far as ventilation goes, maybe open up the triangle above the door and possibly a narrow strip at the top of the 12' walls under each eave.

 

[MGG]

Okay, it probably will slide off quickly. I suppose you could add collar ties if you are worried about it.

As far as ventilation goes, maybe open up the triangle above the door and possibly a narrow strip at the top of the 12' walls under each eave.

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?

 

[MGG]

I really like the idea of the poop board tray things too. I'm looking through pictures but I don't know what the best design is for those. I want to maximize floor space since there will be a number of birds in there.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

@Auntiejessi3 has a really nice design inside her shed. Maybe she can share pics.

I'm in a similar boat. I have a very nice coop/run combo and I'm building a second smaller one for my chicks to put right next to the original coop for a see/no touch slow integration. I wish I had just done a huge shed conversation but I didn't believe chicken math was a real thing. I was wrong...

I appreciate the tag and compliment, but my coop was never a shed. I got all the metal free from my work and my husband framed the building to the dimensions of the metal.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

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?

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