Thoughts on turning part of shed into coop?

[UpstateChickenChick]

I am open to suggestions! Here’s what we got so far

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I am open to suggestions! Here’s what we got so far

I’m concerned about the space or size of the actual coop inside the shed. The bare minimum requirement for chickens in the coop is 3 square feet. This seems a bit smaller than that. Other than the window, are there vents in there? Adequate ventilation is very important. Also, chickens invented dust. Whatever else goes into that shed will be coated in dust. Just a heads up.

 

[UpstateChickenChick]

I’m concerned about the space or size of the actual coop inside the shed. The bare minimum requirement for chickens in the coop is 3 square feet. This seems a bit smaller than that. Other than the window, are there vents in there? Adequate ventilation is very important. Also, chickens invented dust. Whatever else goes into that shed will be coated in dust. Just a heads up.

Yes it’s 20 square feet and we have six chickens so we should be good! And okay thank you we will add another vent!

 

[Shezadandy]

Yes it’s 20 square feet and we have six chickens so we should be good! And okay thank you we will add another vent!

If you have electricity I have to recommend a poultry exhaust fan instead of just another vent. Check these out- made for the job of dealing with chicken dirt.

Very easy to install, they move a huge amount of air. https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=D74B298D-3C6F-4287-9F9F-4EA09B8D0A73


Can't recommend them enough!

 

[Alaskan]

I am open to suggestions! Here’s what we got so far

Upstate, as in upstate New York? So, cold and snow?

In cold and snow, I HIGHLY recommend at least 9 square feet per bird of snow free and wind free space.

So, if that tiny coop connects to a roofed and sheltered run, it will work.

But, if it connects to an open run, you are highly likely to end up with cannibalistic chickens come mid winter.

Also, huge ventilation is best

If you have a huge vent on the wall that connects to a covered and sheltered run, then you do not have to worry about wind blowing in snow or rain.

And in general... in "normal" gentle climates, the rule of thumb is 4 square feet of coop, 10 square feet of run. At minimum.

Again though, I find with snow and wind and nasty weather, 9 square feet per bird of snow free and wind free area is needed. The 9 square feet could be coop plus sheltered run, then have additional unsheltered run.

 

[aart]

I am open to suggestions!

Shame you are using such a small portion of that shed.
Here's some tips about heights:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

Tie your hair back before you run a circular saw.

 

[3KillerBs]

Tie your hair back before you run a circular saw.

This.

I have super-long hair -- it touches the chair I sit on -- and it goes up in a bun before I touch a power tool.

 

[UpstateChickenChick]

Upstate, as in upstate New York? So, cold and snow?

In cold and snow, I HIGHLY recommend at least 9 square feet per bird of snow free and wind free space.

So, if that tiny coop connects to a roofed and sheltered run, it will work.

But, if it connects to an open run, you are highly likely to end up with cannibalistic chickens come mid winter.

Also, huge ventilation is best

If you have a huge vent on the wall that connects to a covered and sheltered run, then you do not have to worry about wind blowing in snow or rain.

And in general... in "normal" gentle climates, the rule of thumb is 4 square feet of coop, 10 square feet of run. At minimum.

Again though, I find with snow and wind and nasty weather, 9 square feet per bird of snow free and wind free area is needed. The 9 square feet could be coop plus sheltered run, then have additional unsheltered run.

Okay thanks so much! We will expand the size and do a sheltered run!

 

[UpstateChickenChick]

Shame you are using such a small portion of that shed.
Here's some tips about heights:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

Tie your hair back before you run a circular saw.

We can expand it if needed, we also are putting a very large run in

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I think @aart maybe edging into a discussion on chicken math. You should always plan for twice as many chickens you have. Lol!