Would this work for 5 chickens?

[Love Ducklings]

Hi there! Was wondering, would something like this work for 3 chickens with the possibility of adding 2 more eventually? I would obviously need a lot more ventilation. Would metal get way too hot in the summer? They would have a nice sized run for the daytime. Thanks in advance!

4x6Ft Metal Outdoor Storage Sheds,Patio Garden Tool Shed,Outside Storage Cabinet,White https://a.co/d/avIlMyI

 

[Love Ducklings]

South Jersey

 

[nuthatched]

I think so, just add lots of ventilation to the peak.

 

[Love Ducklings]

Thank you! Any idea how to attach a nesting box so I have access from the outside? And where would you suggest I add a small door for the chickens. Might eventually want to have it automatic.

 

[nuthatched]

Thank you! Any idea how to attach a nesting box so I have access from the outside? And where would you suggest I add a small door for the chickens. Might eventually want to have it automatic.

An exterior nesting box might be difficult since that would involve cutting into the structural supports. I'd frame in the inside with 2x3 to add more support, and frame in the areas you want to cut out.

 

[Love Ducklings]

That makes sense. Thank you!

 

[Love Ducklings]

And another thing I just thought of, how would I make the floor predator proof?anything else that I'm missing?

 

[5Australorpasaures]

Use pressure treated for the base and set it on the ground. Our 10x10 is 18 yrs old and still level and solid. Chipmonks seem to get in though.

 

[Love Ducklings]

So no steel wire neccessary? We have raccoons, foxes, and skunks...

 

[3KillerBs]

The trick will be to create sufficient airflow when you don't have any roof overhang.

Repecka Illustrates Coop Ventilation

What level of DIY skills do you have? Have you worked with metal before?

You'll want to put vents at the top of the walls and the peak of the gables and those vents will need to be protected by some kind of awning to keep the weather out.

Roosts can be free-standing, like a, over-sized sawhorse, and, as noted above, you can frame out the area for the nests with wood so you don't compromise the structure.

Here are some shed conversions to help inspire you, though I don't have a link to a metal one:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-mulligan.74743/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-coop-page.65912/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-scoop-on-a-rubbermaid-big-max-coop.76444/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/toy-shed-conversion.64879/

As for keeping predators and pests out, you have several options for setting your coop up, including:

• Pour a concrete slab. Advantages -- absolutely predator proof, bedding can be easily removed when cleaning. Disadvantages -- expensive, porous so that fluids can be absorbed, may cause condensation under certain weather conditions so that bedding becomes wet and potentially moldy.
• Build a wooden deck. Advantages -- relatively proof against predators and pests (rats and some others *may* chew their way in), less expensive than concrete, reasonably easy to clean especially when topped by sheet vinyl or Blackjack 57. Disadvantages -- can be time consuming to build, expensive in times of lumber shortages, vulnerable to wood-destroying organisms, unwanted pests may take up residence underneath a raised platform.
• Secure to the ground (optionally on a foundation of timbers or concrete blocks). Advantages -- easy and inexpensive, facilitates the use of the Deep Litter (moiste, actively-composting), system of manure management. Disadvantages -- requires either buried wire or a wire apron to stop digging predators, needs to be located in a well-drained area to keep the coop at the right moisture level, more difficult to clean out if not using the Deep Litter system.