Would you rebuild this shed or start from scratch? (Image heavy)

[Harlequin]

the shed looks great, just replace any structural / security vulnerabilities. the inside just needs some form of laying boxes and a roost, i doubt you would need to spend $150 to re-make it into a good coop. you could always add bells and whistles later, the people here have plenty of ideas for that kind of stuff. thats for sure

 

[Mac in Wisco]

That's a perfectly good shed. I'd jack it up and either put it on concrete piers or a pressure treated 4x4 base to keep the siding from wicking up water. Don't pull the siding off. I'd treat the mildew and moldy areas with a bleach solution to kill all of that and nail 1x10 or 1x12 pine boards around the base to seal up the rotted areas. Nail up the loose trim and give it a fresh coat of paint.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

What's wrong with that shed? Minor issues. I'd take off the bad wood around the bottom and replace it, one side would be replaced with some outside access flip top nest boxes, one side would be the run side with the bottom replaced and a pop door installed in the process, and the other side would just be replaced or added onto for storage space using the bad wall as the back of the storage cubby. That would leave the people door side having to replace the bottom portion of bad wood...though I didn't see much bad on the people door side. That shed could be GREAT with a bit of work, and I think $300 is a good budget to get that done.

 

[LadyWoodsong]

Quote:
Just checked it out...nice!!

Thank you! I can't personally take credit for it as my hubby did all the work on it. I only did the paint.

 

[oldchickenlady]

I would not start over. I would fix the holes, maybe add a new board around the bottom where it may be rotting. Definitely cut some ventilation holes near the top of the walls (not on the north side). You could find an old window at a salvage yard and install that for light, or even plexiglass. Maybe put another latch of some sort at the bottom of the door. I have seen some coops with window holes cut, hardware cloth over the holes, then plexiglass or plastic sheeting over the hole to block wind, but let in light. In summer just take down the plastic/plexiglass. Cut a pop door and add a run, or let them free range in your yard. Inside...fix a roost with 2x4 turned with 4" side up, maybe a poop board underneath the roost, 3 or 4 nest boxes (milk crates, cat litter boxes, etc) throw some shavings down and you have a hen house! You could make a space near the front for your feed and supplies. Later you could make a chicken wire partition for the front 1/3 of the building and put your rabbits there. 8 hens will need a minimum of 32 square feet in the coop (4 sq feet per bird) but more is better. Less pecking and squabbling since you wont have a rooster to keep order. What are the dimensions of the shed? I would try to jack the building up and put it on pavers or bricks to keep the bottom from rotting any more (if it isnt too late). Go to salvage place or Habitat for Humanity store, Big Lots, etc to find some cheap linoleum to put on the floor, then put the shavings, 3-5 inches deep (read up about deep litter method). Of course if the roof leaks that will have to be fixed. I definitely think this shed is salvagable!

 

[Intheswamp]

Aw man, you've got LOADS OF POTENTIAL right there!

I'd follow Mac In Abilene's que and get it up off the ground, be it on cement blocks, pressure treated runners, or both...raising it up 20"-24" would make some good ventilation underneath (to keep moisture at bay) and also give the chickens a good place to get out of the rain and make dust baths. If you only raise it a few inches you very well might create a wonderful breeding ground for rats...EEEKKK!!!!

You might want to add your location in your personal information so folks can give recommendations more specific to your climate.

Best wishes, you've got plenty to work with there, go for it!!!
Ed

 

[EweSheep]

If you have concrete floor there, that is better!

Replace or fix the walls, if you can, put in some hardware wire on the bottom half to deter coons, mice, etc. predators that might want to sneak in.

Install windows, be sure to put hardware wire over them or hardware window (a wood frame with wire) on hinges and a snap so you can open and close the storm window or regular recycled house window.

That shed has LOTS of potential! Go for it!!!!!!!

 

[TigerLilly]

I checked out the other thread & saw the pics of what you started with & ended up with--impressive, to say the least! Of course, I loved the look of the original wood, but ya do what ya gotta do, right?
This other barn should be a piece of cake compared to the first one. Doesnt look like you have much to do as far as remodeling--replace the rotted sections only, vent & paint. Looks like it'll be lots easier than the other one.

 

[chicks4kids]

Definitely fix that shed up for sure! I transformed my shed into a coop -Here's the thread link with lots of interior and exterior pics.... https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=309746&p=1
But here's the before and after pics for quick reference.

 

[Carols Clucks]

shoot I want that shed!

if the floor is okay I think I would cut my pop door out of the rotten spot and call it good!