Turning a shed into a coop.

[Noy]

I also agree on the gutting. That drywall will cause all sorts of problems for you. Chickens will eat anything. So even if it's not in bad shape now, say it gets wet, then they peck at it, now they are all eating drywall.
I would replace the roof sheeting even of it looks ok. You don't want to worry about having to replace it down the line and the new shingles you just put up. Its not huge so in the long run I'd say better to do it now. That also gives you the opportunity to add a ridge vent for added ventilation.
I have the same issue with water run off that someone mentioned. The run had to go where it is and the roof drips into the run. I'd like to install a drain pipe of sorts but now that the fence is in that will be much harder. My other thought is a gutter to divert the rain.
You could look into windows that already fit the framed opening. Some places have rehab stores or discount stores. I bought utility windows for mine. Nothing fancy. Took the screen out and hardware clothed over the ouside.

You could also share the link to this thread in your state thread. People with similar weather often have ideas from experience.

There's a state thread?? Where is that?

 

[aart]

There's a state thread?? Where is that?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/virginia.80/page-783

Here's the list:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/find-your-states-thread.270925/

 

[Noy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/virginia.80/page-783

Here's the list:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/find-your-states-thread.270925/

Thank you!

 

[hispoptart]

So I think I have an idea, I'm going to leave the loft area. This is what I am thinking, The red is walls the blue is hardware cloth. To the left under the loft back from the door will be closed off with hardware cloth, so as I am using the area further left as a brooder grow out area they can look but not touch. Sorry my drawing is not the best. What do you all think? The pop door will be down to the right at the bottom of the ramp.

 

[TexasWineGuy]

Some thoughts in case I'm not fully understanding your drawing:

You will definitely want a roost perch with a poop tray under it, and that assembly should be higher in elevation than the nesting box. Is this the case?

The poop tray can be removable (up to you depending on the size) or permanent. Either way a poop tray below the roost bar concentrates the poop location so it's much easier to keep the coop clean.

If that shed were mine, with what I have learned recently I would:

Put the nest box, one ~20" x 48" community nest tray would be more than enough, 10-12" above the FLOOR, behind the ramp. That elevates the nest box a bit, and the 10-12" below that is a great place for newcomers or youngsters to run and hide if they get hen-pecked when being first introduced - a hiding spot.

Next, I would make part of that upper loft an enclosed (chicken wire or hardware cloth) storage space for food, tools, etc. They do not need a roost area/poop tray that big, so utilize some of that upper space for storage. The other space on the loft can be your roost/poop tray area. I made my roost area 24x48" but with 3 hens all the poop in the AM is concentrated in a 3" x 16" area - they snuggle at night! Easy to clean.

Hope that makes sense. You have some great space to work with here.

Just my .02....

TWG

 

[aart]

Your latest plan is not the best use of the space,
and may be difficult to maintain.

Are you just trying to avoid any major work?
Demolition is intimidating and a lot of work,
but I think you'll be happier in the long run if you gut that shed and build something efficient.

 

[hispoptart]

Your latest plan is not the best use of the space,
and may be difficult to maintain.

Are you just trying to avoid any major work?
Demolition is intimidating and a lot of work,
but I think you'll be happier in the long run if you gut that shed and build something efficient.

Yes and no would be my answer, I don't really want to gut it and I am thinking I can work with what I have to both accommodate the chickens, add a brooder area and also storage. I'm not very good at explaining or drawing as you can see.

 

[hispoptart]

Some thoughts in case I'm not fully understanding your drawing:

You will definitely want a roost perch with a poop tray under it, and that assembly should be higher in elevation than the nesting box. Is this the case?

Yes there will be a roost, just not sure of the placement yet.

The poop tray can be removable (up to you depending on the size) or permanent. Either way a poop tray below the roost bar concentrates the poop location so it's much easier to keep the coop clean.

I also want to add that.

If that shed were mine, with what I have learned recently I would:

Put the nest box, one ~20" x 48" community nest tray would be more than enough, 10-12" above the FLOOR, behind the ramp. That elevates the nest box a bit, and the 10-12" below that is a great place for newcomers or youngsters to run and hide if they get hen-pecked when being first introduced - a hiding spot.

That would be a good idea, but will take some rethinking on my part, I planned on enclosing the area to the right of where the door is to the loft and below. The reason for placing the nest boxes where I drew was to allow an access door to collect the eggs from the storage area.

Next, I would make part of that upper loft an enclosed (chicken wire or hardware cloth) storage space for food, tools, etc. They do not need a roost area/poop tray that big, so utilize some of that upper space for storage. The other space on the loft can be your roost/poop tray area. I made my roost area 24x48" but with 3 hens all the poop in the AM is concentrated in a 3" x 16" area - they snuggle at night! Easy to clean.

In the pic it does not show, but the storage area would be from when you walk in to the left with the rest closed in. Thank you for your ideas.

Hope that makes sense. You have some great space to work with here.

Just my .02....

TWG

Expand to see responses....

 

[hispoptart]

So I got the hardware cloth put in the windows, the extra boards removed and the rough cut of the access door to what will be the run cut. Now I'm getting ready to separate the hen area from the introduction area. Is chicken wire ok for that? Will they peck at each other through the chicken wire?

 

[hispoptart]

Oh meant to add pics