What do you guys think of this shed conversion?? 10x12, gabled roof; pics inside

[thistlewick]

So this bit of cuteness is sitting on a lot near us and I want more chickens. My notions of chicken keeping has changed *dramatically* from when I began in May.

Now I want a walk-in shed. The tractor idea is GREAT but not for me and my needs.

So I can get this adorable bit of shed and make it into a coop.

IF you could start from scratch with something like this; what would you do inside?

I was thinking of a U shape roosting bars with sand/poop areas under the roosting bars and underneath those have a brooder area, a broody jail and nesting boxes all over.

They will still free range.

we can build a run off this as well but for now (since they free range and we're home all the time) just this. What do ya'll think? What would you put inside if you could?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Biggest issue with this style of shed is ventilation, due to the roof. So that'd be one thing to consider.

If you're building from scratch then I'd look into extending the roof line to allow you to tuck vents underneath.

 

[Sefirothe]

Also if really is lofted, plan on figuring out a way to block off the loft or you are gonna end up with lots of poop and eggs up there.

 

[paintedChix]

Here in NC, that type of coop could get very hot. I don't know much about roofing or framing, but believe you may be able to extend it out. Both to the front & the rear. This would allow you to add the amount of ventilation needed here.

Good articles - search ventilation. There are several. 3killerBs wrote one & is here in NC.

I have always loved that barn style, but I prefer an open air coop for chickens here.

Edited to add:

Welcome to BYC!

 

[aart]

It's gambrel roof, not a gable roof.
And there are no roof overhangs.
Not really good for your climate.
Hard to ventilate, can work in cold climate with this modification:

 

[igorsMistress]

Roosting bars and nest boxes with deep litter on the floor. Extra ventilation. Use the tractor as a brooder.

 

[saysfaa]

I like an entryway/storage place inside the main doors - made by adding a wall inside. Wire garden fence works well for this. Minimum space would be big enough to stand in while you close the door behind you; better is big enough to do that while holding a bag of feed.

 

[thistlewick]

I like an entryway/storage place inside the main doors - made by adding a wall inside. Wire garden fence works well for this. Minimum space would be big enough to stand in while you close the door behind you; better is big enough to do that while holding a bag of feed.

Oooh didn't think of this!! I love this idea!!


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To everyone worried about ventilation and chiding me for it; I am sorry that I didn't expressly say we could easily saw into it and make ventilation holes at the top -- I figured that was obvious. When I made the post I was just thinking of how I could orient the roosting bars and what neat stuff I could put inside to make it cool and fun and useful.

My chickens live better than a lot of people living in the third world ; we had plans to put in a ventilation fan in here that is solar powered.. it was my husband's first thought when we went to look at the shed. Of *course* we will put in ventilation. That is 101 info. I'm new to this but I'm a quick learner.


That being said; the sides are wood and easy to saw like I said and cutting into it isn't a problem. There actually are overhangs, the 3D viewer isn't showing it exactly how it looks. I should have taken photos of it!!

We aren't building from scratch, we're old. This is a great way to start with a base of something and do little things we *can* do that won't break our backs. lolol

Also if really is lofted, plan on figuring out a way to block off the loft or you are gonna end up with lots of poop and eggs up there.

It's not lofted, its just open and there are no bits they can fly up to, thank goodness!! LOL

It's just on skids, the floor is plywood over 2x4s and looks secure but now I am thinking perhaps put a whole flooring with a skirt up the sides on the inside of hardware cloth -- and then laying OVER that put some vinyl or rubber mats?? The notion of it being just absolutely unable to be dug into puts me at ease.

I also like the idea of those roosting tables with the sand. I 100% do not mind scooping up poop every morning when I let them out being a chore I do.

Long story but *adding* chores to my extremely sedentary life is why I bought this land in the first place.

So just came up with this quick and dirty floorplan idea... what else can I add? What am I forgetting?

 

[Logar]

Oooh didn't think of this!! I love this idea!!


-----------------------------
To everyone worried about ventilation and chiding me for it; I am sorry that I didn't expressly say we could easily saw into it and make ventilation holes at the top -- I figured that was obvious. When I made the post I was just thinking of how I could orient the roosting bars and what neat stuff I could put inside to make it cool and fun and useful.

My chickens live better than a lot of people living in the third world ; we had plans to put in a ventilation fan in here that is solar powered.. it was my husband's first thought when we went to look at the shed. Of *course* we will put in ventilation. That is 101 info. I'm new to this but I'm a quick learner.


That being said; the sides are wood and easy to saw like I said and cutting into it isn't a problem. There actually are overhangs, the 3D viewer isn't showing it exactly how it looks. I should have taken photos of it!!

We aren't building from scratch, we're old. This is a great way to start with a base of something and do little things we *can* do that won't break our backs. lolol


It's not lofted, its just open and there are no bits they can fly up to, thank goodness!! LOL

It's just on skids, the floor is plywood over 2x4s and looks secure but now I am thinking perhaps put a whole flooring with a skirt up the sides on the inside of hardware cloth -- and then laying OVER that put some vinyl or rubber mats?? The notion of it being just absolutely unable to be dug into puts me at ease.

I also like the idea of those roosting tables with the sand. I 100% do not mind scooping up poop every morning when I let them out being a chore I do.

Long story but *adding* chores to my extremely sedentary life is why I bought this land in the first place.

View attachment 3921900

So just came up with this quick and dirty floorplan idea... what else can I add? What am I forgetting?

What about putting the feeder in the coop so you don’t have to worry as much about getting eaten by pests or a bad storm causing it to get wet?

 

[thistlewick]

What about putting the feeder in the coop so you don’t have to worry as much about getting eaten by pests or a bad storm causing it to get wet?

Yes we want to hang the feeder and water from the middle - anything to keep them from sitting on them and pooping in the food and water omg lolol