Using shed for chicken coop. Need layout ideas

[rosemarythyme]

Black jack 57, could I find this at a local home depot or hardware shop?
So basically just coat the entire inside shed ?

Quick little article on BJ57: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/black-jack-rubr-coat-57-for-your-coop-floor.75145/

Home Depot does not carry it, I had to purchase at Lowe's.

 

[Ittybittyschmidtie]

If you’re handy or have someone that is handy, you can add soffit vents by taking the end facia board off and extending the existing beams with 2x4s. A picture of the sides would help us with directing you on what to do.

Or you could just buy shed windows and put 2 of them on both sides. Considering you don’t live in a very warm climate, air flow isn’t as important as a warm climate but still necessary.

@DobieLover converted their shed into a chicken coop. Here’s the link to the article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-mulligan.74743/

 

[CKfarm22]

I would rip that end fascia board off on both sides and extend the soffit vents.

 

[aart]

Extending the rafters for good soffit ventilation would be great, but would likely require reshingling the entire roof, which might be a good idea but certainly not cheap and easy with scrap materials.

The large jalousy window is nice for rain protection, but inside needs to be covered with 1/2" hardware cloth to exclude predators.
Adding more windows for light and ventilation would be good too.
Wonders if underneath the shed could be home for rodents/predators, etc?
An anti-dig apron all around the building would be good.
What kind of shape is the floor in?


@Ittybittyschmidtie maybe I missed it but....
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!

 

[CKfarm22]

I live in northern Illinois close to the Wisconsin border.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.

View attachment 3425424

She’s from Northern Illinois, near Wisconsin border

 

[Ittybittyschmidtie]

Extending the rafters for good soffit ventilation would be great, but would likely require reshingling the entire roof, which might be a good idea but certainly not cheap and easy with scrap materials.

The large jalousy window is nice for rain protection, but inside needs to be covered with 1/2" hardware cloth to exclude predators.
Adding more windows for light and ventilation would be good too.
Wonders if underneath the shed could be home for rodents/predators, etc?
An anti-dig apron all around the building would be good.
What kind of shape is the floor in?


@Ittybittyschmidtie maybe I missed it but....
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 3425424

I believe there might possibly be some critter already living underneath….my dog keeps sniffing under there however I am not entirely sure. I was for sure going to try and put anti dig barrier like you said just to protect the underneath.

I am going to clean the shed today and then take more pictures of it cleared out and of the flooring.

Upon everyone’s suggestions, I am going to use the black jack 57 this year and maybe next year I can install some flooring. I’m just going to paint the floors with that and then if I have white paint I was going to do the walls white, but not sure if I’ll have time to get to that as I am already running out of time.

So adding windows, I basically just measure and cut a hole to fit the window and then put it in and like glue it down? Or screw it in? Where do I buy windows? Home Depot?

I was going to add a chicken coop door that will be for the chickens to get in and out of their run

I think I forgot to mention but probably was assumed that these chickens will be free ranged most of the time unless I have to go in and take care of kids, then they have to go in their chicken run, of which I still have to construct.


I appreciate all the help and advice you have no idea how much this means.
Thank you!!

 

[Ittybittyschmidtie]

I tried the waterproof paint and i personally hated it. I like the linoleum a lot better. I used a staple gun to attach it.

No one is prepared when they start, but once you get a general idea/plan it goes a lot smoother

I really wanted to do the flooring but I just don’t think I will be able to fund that this year. So I’ll have to go with the black jack. I’m scared if I don’t do anything it’ll be harder to clean etc later on when I do try to put something down on the floors

Thank you so much again, I mean i really don’t know what I would do without the backyard chicken friends !!

 

[Ittybittyschmidtie]

Quick little article on BJ57: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/black-jack-rubr-coat-57-for-your-coop-floor.75145/

Home Depot does not carry it, I had to purchase at Lowe's.

Thank you so much!!
I went down a wormhole and just figured that this will be the best option until maybe next year where I can do something more!

I think my ace hard ware has it but thank you I do have a Lowe’s near me thank goodness

 

[KelseyBoxer]

Do you have a Habitat for Humanity store near you? I have found windows, flooring, trim boards, paint etc. People donate all kinds of useful items to use around the house. I have even gotten a nice living room set including a carpet!

 

[aart]

So adding windows, I basically just measure and cut a hole to fit the window and then put it in and like glue it down? Or screw it in? Where do I buy windows? Home Depot?

Installation technique depends on the type of window.

I was going to add a chicken coop door that will be for the chickens to get in and out of their run

Here's some tips about heights for roosts nests doors etc:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

I think I forgot to mention but probably was assumed that these chickens will be free ranged most of the time unless I have to go in and take care of kids, then they have to go in their chicken run, of which I still have to construct.

It's not so easy to just get them back into a run once they are out ranging.
There are tips and tricks but most often it's like 'herding cats'.
Build your run big enough that they can stay in there full time.
And think about roofing it, part or all, for winter snow times.