Would this doghouse make a good coop?

[farmerjbell]

It has a removable roof.

Would this be a good dog house to convert to a coop?

 

[TXmom]

Looks like it will work well, as long as it's just a few hens in there. How many chickens, and what breed? What are the dimensions of the dog house?

Also, what is your climate? Looks like it needs more ventilation...windows or vents.

 

[LASmilingAtYou]

I know VERY little about chickens and coops - JUST got two. But I think it is very usable for a coop. Some minor modifications and Voila!

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

It looks very usable, but again how many/what size/weather? If you go twith this one I would hinge the door at the bottom instead of the top

 

[farmerjbell]

NJ here, so we do get cold winters. what modifications would you all make? I figure I'd drill maybe two large holes towards top of house, and cover them with hardwire cloth (for the ventilation) and maaybe shingle (or reshingle) the roof.

I'm not sure of the dimensions yet. It is advertised as a large doghouse, so I emailed asking the specifics.

The ad states "
This is a large custom built dog house. It's on wheels and insulated with a removeable top. It has a little green on the sides but nothing a quick power wash won't take care of."

Any other advice?

 

[TXmom]

I'm not familiar with cold weather

but if it's insulated that sounds good. I guess size compared to how many chickens you're putting in there is the only issue. If it's 4' x 4', then I think you can put 4 hens in there.

As for modifications...you'll need to add ventilation, roosts (obviously), nest boxes (1 or 2), and add a feeder and waterer without taking up much floor space.

 

[farmerjbell]

I've been told it's roughly a 3.5 foot cube. how many hens would this adequately house? I'd of course build an enclosed run.

thanks!

 

[farmerjbell]

I've been told it's roughly a 3.5 foot cube. how many hens would this adequately house? I'd of course build an enclosed run.

thanks!

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

I use dog houses...love them. Here is what I would do. Remake the door. Make it larger and hinge it at the side - don't forget to add a latch that locks. I would add ventilation holes around the top about two inches below the roof on all sides for cross ventalition. Check the floor is it in good shape? If it is rotten - replace it and make it's secure against a coon digging into the rotten wood and getting to your chickens. I put mine up on pallets - it keeps them off the ground and out of damp soil...they last longer. You may also add hay/straw under the bottom and around the sides during winter months. I'm not sure where you live. Don't forget to add a ramp for the chickens. I would also repaint it to help weather proof it a little. Good Luck!

 

[annek]

Quote:
3.5x3.5=12.25 /4 sq ft= 3 chickens