Shed to modify for a hen house

[krthaymp]

I need a bigger hen house than the pre fab one I got and I’ve been looking at options. I’m not a handy builder, but could probably modify something pretty well.
I found this shed on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/hxDsD4s

I’m thinking I can build a poop shelf about half way up across the back with two perches, offset in height above it. I have 4 chickens and may be adding max three more.

Under that, nesting boxes. I’d cut an access door for the eggs at the back of the nesting boxes and cut holes along the top and bottom on the three sides for ventilation plus maybe a hole cut into the door with screen.

What do y’all think? Doable, needs work, terrible idea?

 

[aart]

Cutting a nest access might depend on the framework in the shed....or you might have to add framework to support the siding pieces. This is going to take some 'handy' skills and tools.
"Holes" are not likely enough for ventilation.
I wouldn't keep more than 4 birds in there.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I wouldn't do it. A good chicken coop is hard to find but worth the investment if you're not handy. I am not handy so I usually find a sturdy coop in the classifieds. You would not only have to add lots on ventilation but also nesting boxes and roosts and with plastic that seems like it will be more hassle than it's worth

 

[krthaymp]

Cutting a nest access might depend on the framework in the shed....or you might have to add framework to support the siding pieces. This is going to take some 'handy' skills and tools.
"Holes" are not likely enough for ventilation.
I wouldn't keep more than 4 birds in there.

I think I can figure out basic framing. If I box plans to increase my flock of 4, replace the gable light panels with hardware cloth, add about three vents (holes was probably not the best term) or even small windows to each panel … looks like two panels on each side, one across the back.
IF that would be sufficient, then the second problem I face is how to keep rain from blowing in, an issue with my current coop.
I have all the tools accessible to me, just the idea of taking on a full build project is too much. I can modify things, but no experience building from scratch.

 

[krthaymp]

I wouldn't do it. A good chicken coop is hard to find but worth the investment if you're not handy. I am not handy so I usually find a sturdy coop in the classifieds. You would not only have to add lots on ventilation but also nesting boxes and roosts and with plastic that seems like it will be more hassle than it's worth

I’ll keep looking. Haven’t been able to find anything decent in my budget so far.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I’ll keep looking. Haven’t been able to find anything decent in my budget so far.

A used coop is usually cheaper. My last one hadn't been used in ages and I got a ladder from hobby lobby to use as an extra roosting bar and replaced the chicken wire on the run with hardware cloth. It was solid wood so it was heavy but it was only $300. I find I end up sinking more money into making things work than just finding something that is better quality

 

[aart]

then the second problem I face is how to keep rain from blowing in,

That's where most premade sheds fall short, no roof overhangs to protect windows and vent openings.
Do you plan on having a secure run, with a solid roof?

What is your climate?
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!

 

[Chicklette6678]

I used an extra large wooden dog house and added panels to extend walls, built a roof using plastic roof panels and lifted the roof up a foot to create extra ventilation, and built an external nesting box. The build has held up well for over a year. I built it bc I felt all the prefabs were too small in my price range, too expensive for ones sized adequately, and the time spent searching for- with the added complexity of logistics- a used coop was not worth it.

If you feel this is the way to go for you, do it. Only you know what works best for you.

 

[krthaymp]

That's where most premade sheds fall short, no roof overhangs to protect windows and vent openings.
Do you plan on having a secure run, with a solid roof?

What is your climate?
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!
View attachment 3927892

Thanks for the profile tip… I added my general location and will fill out more later. I’m about an hour south of Atlanta, GA. Our summers are brutally hot and humid, and the more I think about that the more I realize how insufficient my original idea was. Our winters are humid but rarely drop to single digits. We’ll be in the teens for a week or so most years.

 

[aart]

Since this thread has gone a different direction from modifying a shed to a full build, it may need to be moved to its own thread

You might want to start a new thread to have your latest design critiqued.