Thoughts on converting a corner of this shed.

[Jaime918]

So I

Guess you think there idea will work? We bought a Ryobi misting fan this summer. It's awesome...and works without water too.

Oh definitely, and being that large, if you choose in the future to expand their interior area you easily could. Just predator proof and vent well.

I love the fans. Good to know it works without water, I debated that option but didn't really see a need since they have misters in their run.

 

[ValarieF]

If you haven't seen my prior posts, I live in SW Missouri. I'm getting 4 hens given to me in a couple weeks. Biggest worry is summer heat and humidity and predators.

This is our old, really cruddy, garden shed. It's 10x25. We only use it to store the mower and some fishing equipment. My thought was to take a 5x5 corner (first pic) and wall it off with hardware cloth. This is a very non-secure shed. As you can see, there are big gaps around the door and even at the roof (pics 2-4). We can NOT predator-proof the shed, but we CAN the corner in question whis is, ironically, the best sealed and driest part of the shed. We can add vents at the roof if necessary and windows are planned. This end of the shed is in shade and on the north side.

Biggest downsides I'm aware of: There is no electric or water and it's about 120 feet from the house, but we can run a very long extension cord if necessary for heated water, fans, etc. It's also right on our property line, close to the neighbors with small dogs and cats. I'll post more about that in the replies discussing the run.

All thoughts are welcome.

P.S. The rest of our property is WAY nicer than this awful shed!
View attachment 3205540View attachment 3205542View attachment 3205543View attachment 3205544

I converte part of my shed for a coop worked out great I say do it!

 

[Lilion]

Check out @3KillerBs article about ventilation.

From this thread and your other, I get the sense that you may be thinking of imperfect seals in your shed as ventilation substitutes. But air coming in any old where is not the same as targeted intentional ventilation. I hope that makes sense. Being made of metal you need to up the ventilation over what a wooden coop needs.

As for size, 5x5 might work in the strictest sense for 4 hens, but it won't offer you just-in-case for chicken math. It will be awkward to work inside of. It looks like you have much more space than that to work with.
"Bigger is always better". Seriously, I have never heard of anyone complaining their coop is too big. But we all wish for bigger... and still bigger...

I don't see why you are poopooing your shed. It looks structurally sound and useful.
Pictures abound of beautiful coops, but they are taken before it's been in service long, if at all.
"No plan survives contact with the enemy poo".

Thank you. We may go a bit bigger, 5x5 was my thought but we'll really attach the walls where the rafters are so may be more like 6 or 7. We'll see.

As for ventilation, I do get it, which is why I asked the last question. How many vents up at the roofline do I need? Its 25 feet long. Grates are 16". I would hope to not do one every opening... more like every other... but if necessary I guess I could do all the way across.

 

[Dakota8472]

I have a 6x8x6 coop and and 6x8x6 run. Im doing a sloped roof 6 inches on front, with windows on 3 sides of the coop at the top. And I hope that'll be all the venitlation they need. I hear alot that we generally underestimate our ventilation. Im much happier with my coop temp after slooping my roof today which makes much more air flow.

I guess its a trial and error thing depending on climate etc.

 

[AGeese]

A bear could get into any coop. Bears get into houses and vehicles. Some people fend them off with baited electric wire. Or shoot them. But a coop would need to be built of thick concrete and strong doors to rely on it keeping them out...

If this is the threat level then Anatolian Shepherds may be needed.

 

[Lilion]

NAILED IT.

Those little louvered shed vents are essentially USELESS.

Taking strips of siding off and replacing them with hardware cloth is what's wanted.

Darn. I was hoping to use those because the shed doesn't actually have much of a roof overhang.

I'll figure it out.

 

[SourRoses]

4 square feet per bird. and the more ventslstion the better. Do not close ventalation off in the winter as the birds create moisture and will get frostbite. The outside run should be 10 sqare feet per bird.

The 1 sq ft per bird was the Ventilation minimum, not about interior coop space

 

[ValarieF]

The 1 sq ft per bird was the Ventilation minimum, not about interior coop space

Sorry Ive never heard of that usually its just the top of the coop as much ventalation as you can get.

 

[Lilion]

I am wondering how many vents I really need. I found 16" x 4" vents that are just dirt cheap, so money is not an issue. Maybe one between every other stud opening? That would be about 6 - 7 per side?

 

[KenzieDenas]

Not sure if this has been said yet but, with the cost of lumber right now (at least in my area) and other parts and products, for just five hens you could get a small manufactured coop/run. Youd be able to move it around your yard.

Something like this or similar.
Best Choice Products 70in Mobile Fir Wood Chicken Coop Tractor Hen House Poultry Cage for 3-5 Hens, Outdoor, Animal Care w/ Wheels, 2 Doors, Nest Box, Removable Tray, UV Panel https://a.co/d/2Vz4S1I

Easier to predator proof and you could drill extra insulation. If you have a shady spot you could put it, even better.

Sorry just thought I'd throw that in there!