Coop in a harbor freight greenhouse?

[WickedStewie]

I'm about to be getting chickens for the first time, i believe 9 or 10 bantams. I recently built a 10x12 harbor freight greenhouse for the purpose of extending our growing season and options in upstate NY. So while thinking about some options to build a coop, I started thinking what if i used the smaller 6x8 harbor freight greenhouse as a main structure and build a raised structure for nest boxes and roosting. My thoughts were if I wrapped the inside of the greenhouse in chicken wire I could remove the wall panels and add shade cloth to the ceiling during the summer to keep from getting too hot and remove the shade cloth and replace the panels in the fall. I was hoping for some suggestions as to what might work well for this as far as keeping my chickens happy and healthy, as well as making it easy for me to clean and maintain. Any and all suggestions are appreciated, I know how to build things as I do construction and remodeling for a living, but with this i don't really know where to start, and don't wanna build it one way only to regret what I did and have to change it later, although I'm sure Ill learn more as I go, I'm trying to think of everything and do it right from the start so both me and the chickens are happy.

 

[rosemarythyme]

First off scrap the chicken wire, that's a predator's dream come true.

I have a very similar greenhouse to this so I think it probably could work as a coop, though I think it might need reinforcing. I'd consider doing at least a solid wall in the direction facing prevailing winds.

Even in winter you will need ventilation, so don't be tempted to cover up every last inch of panels.

 

[hhill1970]

I'm about to be getting chickens for the first time, i believe 9 or 10 bantams. I recently built a 10x12 harbor freight greenhouse for the purpose of extending our growing season and options in upstate NY. So while thinking about some options to build a coop, I started thinking what if i used the smaller 6x8 harbor freight greenhouse as a main structure and build a raised structure for nest boxes and roosting. My thoughts were if I wrapped the inside of the greenhouse in chicken wire I could remove the wall panels and add shade cloth to the ceiling during the summer to keep from getting too hot and remove the shade cloth and replace the panels in the fall. I was hoping for some suggestions as to what might work well for this as far as keeping my chickens happy and healthy, as well as making it easy for me to clean and maintain. Any and all suggestions are appreciated, I know how to build things as I do construction and remodeling for a living, but with this i don't really know where to start, and don't wanna build it one way only to regret what I did and have to change it later, although I'm sure Ill learn more as I go, I'm trying to think of everything and do it right from the start so both me and the chickens are happy.
View attachment 2063612

Just make sure that you have it in a shady area during the Summer, and/or prepare to provide fans/cooling fans. I can't tell you how quickly a chicken will die in the heat!!
That said, there are many people who do use a greenhouse for a lot of different animals! Not to mention that it would be very light in the cool during the drabby Winter months, especially in upstate NY! I live in Northeast CT.
Agree with person who says that you will need to use reinforcement IF you do use the greenhouse as a coop.
But, you said that you were good with construction. My suggestion is to save your money from buying a greenhouse, and build an actual building. You can use leftover scraps/repurposed lumber from jobs, and older windows at a minimum cost to you.
Outside pens must have wire at least a foot down in the ground and then bent away from the coop in a L shaped fashion, to keep predators from digging their way in.
I use electric poultry net, from Premier 1 fencing in my outside free-range yard, with netting above, or 1"×2" wire, with bird netting above, in permanent outdoor enclosures. And, I now have a livestock guardian dog to protect the poultry.
Even with safeguards in place, a hungry predator will find a way. You just need to deter them as much as possible!! I've lost birds to a mangy/healthy foxes, coyotes, Fishercats, and birds of prey, before my dog. I don't have any bears around here yet, but I started planning for an inevitable bear, bobcat, and Mountain lions by getting my livestock guardian dog. He's an Anatolian Shepherd × Great Pyrenees × Maremma cross that I got from a farm using the parents to watch poultry and goats (exactly what I wanted!) My dog (just turned 1yr) has been watching over my animals since Day 1. He's been socialized properly with my animals, humans, and other dogs, as he does get a break during the middle of the day, when I walk other people's dogs.(which is not necessary) When just 6 months old, he was very wary of new dogs at the park we walk at. And, now, if a dog pushes him, he doesn't back down anymore. He knows "our pack" of about 20 dogs, and his place in it. You can find some pups at a lower cost, if you look and ask around. He's now 120 lbs (lean weight, not fat)
They DO need a consistent, strong leader who doesn't use force to try to get a dog into submission or anyone who hits a dog (they shouldn't own a dog in my opinion) as these dogs ONLY work and respond well with positive reinforcement and interactions. They will respond negatively to force, and they do NOT forget!
But, they will respect you as a leader, if you are consistent with training. Do some research on breeds. My dog has saved me thousands of dollars, keeping predators away from my poultry and goats! He has a very good temperament and loves my family. He's at the age where strangers are going to have to be escorted in my property.
***Also, I know that some people can't have a dog, so HEAVY reinforcement is necessary for any area that poultry are kept in!
You can use metal/over pipes with a flat, smooth piece of wood, etc on the end to keep the bird net, so it is high enough for you to walk in. They have some reasonable bird net, and I don't mean the cheap, easy to rip netting that you would use over berry bushes.
Your coop needs these criteria: protection from elements and drafts (yet having ventilation is important!) Roosts (a step style works well in a coop, and will hold many birds. Try using different width dowels (.5" for younger birds/bantams, then offer 1", 2" etc) round, smooth wood that's not slippery, held onto a frame, or use shower rod holders, etc to hold up dowels! A varied thickness works well in exercising feet during those COLD Winter days, if/when you can't let them outside), and laying boxes. Square footage is important too- crowded chickens fight and are not happy. But, a cozy area during the Winter helps too- a temporary box around the roosts will keep birds warmer.
Place your water and feed up off the ground at a varied height for different ages/size of birds to keep bedding and excrement out of it! I also have a "sandbox " for my birds, using Diatomaceous Earth to keep any external parasites away. It also is rich in calcium, so if they eat it, it's safe for everyone to eat! (People, dogs, everything)
A wooden coop, shingled, with the use of a clear plastic roofing piece, or window & screen used on the sides for light entry is good too! Your imagination is your limitation! Chickens are so much fun to have, and they have individual personalities, so happy chicken stewardship!!

 

[WickedStewie]

First off scrap the chicken wire, that's a predator's dream come true.

I have a very similar greenhouse to this so I think it probably could work as a coop, though I think it might need reinforcing. I'd consider doing at least a solid wall in the direction facing prevailing winds.

Even in winter you will need ventilation, so don't be tempted to cover up every last inch of panels.

Yeah i think "chicken wire" is the wrong term, i more meant a tight 1/2"x1/2" hole wire mesh i guess, something sturdier and more closed off, i suppose i said chicken wire for lack of a better term. Also, just like with my plant green house i will add a solar vent opener, and temp regulated exhaust fan to keep it from getting too hot, and to help ventilate in general. Also it is going to be positioned next to my house, and between my shed and soon to be closed in porch, which i think will give then just the right amount of sunlight, and help protect against strong winds and storms. Thanks for your help.

 

[WickedStewie]

Just make sure that you have it in a shady area during the Summer, and/or prepare to provide fans/cooling fans. I can't tell you how quickly a chicken will die in the heat!!
That said, there are many people who do use a greenhouse for a lot of different animals! Not to mention that it would be very light in the cool during the drabby Winter months, especially in upstate NY! I live in Northeast CT.
Agree with person who says that you will need to use reinforcement IF you do use the greenhouse as a coop.
But, you said that you were good with construction. My suggestion is to save your money from buying a greenhouse, and build an actual building. You can use leftover scraps/repurposed lumber from jobs, and older windows at a minimum cost to you.
Outside pens must have wire at least a foot down in the ground and then bent away from the coop in a L shaped fashion, to keep predators from digging their way in.
I use electric poultry net, from Premier 1 fencing in my outside free-range yard, with netting above, or 1"×2" wire, with bird netting above, in permanent outdoor enclosures. And, I now have a livestock guardian dog to protect the poultry.
Even with safeguards in place, a hungry predator will find a way. You just need to deter them as much as possible!! I've lost birds to a mangy/healthy foxes, coyotes, Fishercats, and birds of prey, before my dog. I don't have any bears around here yet, but I started planning for an inevitable bear, bobcat, and Mountain lions by getting my livestock guardian dog. He's an Anatolian Shepherd × Great Pyrenees × Maremma cross that I got from a farm using the parents to watch poultry and goats (exactly what I wanted!) My dog (just turned 1yr) has been watching over my animals since Day 1. He's been socialized properly with my animals, humans, and other dogs, as he does get a break during the middle of the day, when I walk other people's dogs.(which is not necessary) When just 6 months old, he was very wary of new dogs at the park we walk at. And, now, if a dog pushes him, he doesn't back down anymore. He knows "our pack" of about 20 dogs, and his place in it. You can find some pups at a lower cost, if you look and ask around. He's now 120 lbs (lean weight, not fat)
They DO need a consistent, strong leader who doesn't use force to try to get a dog into submission or anyone who hits a dog (they shouldn't own a dog in my opinion) as these dogs ONLY work and respond well with positive reinforcement and interactions. They will respond negatively to force, and they do NOT forget!
But, they will respect you as a leader, if you are consistent with training. Do some research on breeds. My dog has saved me thousands of dollars, keeping predators away from my poultry and goats! He has a very good temperament and loves my family. He's at the age where strangers are going to have to be escorted in my property.
***Also, I know that some people can't have a dog, so HEAVY reinforcement is necessary for any area that poultry are kept in!
You can use metal/over pipes with a flat, smooth piece of wood, etc on the end to keep the bird net, so it is high enough for you to walk in. They have some reasonable bird net, and I don't mean the cheap, easy to rip netting that you would use over berry bushes.
Your coop needs these criteria: protection from elements and drafts (yet having ventilation is important!) Roosts (a step style works well in a coop, and will hold many birds. Try using different width dowels (.5" for younger birds/bantams, then offer 1", 2" etc) round, smooth wood that's not slippery, held onto a frame, or use shower rod holders, etc to hold up dowels! A varied thickness works well in exercising feet during those COLD Winter days, if/when you can't let them outside), and laying boxes. Square footage is important too- crowded chickens fight and are not happy. But, a cozy area during the Winter helps too- a temporary box around the roosts will keep birds warmer.
Place your water and feed up off the ground at a varied height for different ages/size of birds to keep bedding and excrement out of it! I also have a "sandbox " for my birds, using Diatomaceous Earth to keep any external parasites away. It also is rich in calcium, so if they eat it, it's safe for everyone to eat! (People, dogs, everything)
A wooden coop, shingled, with the use of a clear plastic roofing piece, or window & screen used on the sides for light entry is good too! Your imagination is your limitation! Chickens are so much fun to have, and they have individual personalities, so happy chicken stewardship!!

Oh believe me i considered building my own structure, but i know me and just like my shed i built it becomes a $3,000 dollar project, lol. So i figured this would not only be a quick cheaper alternative, it also will help keep them warmer in the winter naturally, so less heating costs. Also i do have 2 dogs that already seem to help keep the wildlife at bay, so not too concerned with predators, but of course i will be regularly monitering them and the area to make sure the chickens haven't peaked the interest of the local wildlife. I do plan on reinforcing and making modifications to the greenhouse to both sturdy it up some and protect from predators and to ensure proper ventilation and temp regulation to keep it comfortable and healthy for the chickens. Thanks for all the advice and pointers, something tells me i still have a lot to learn, lol.

 

[mowin]

Oh believe me i considered building my own structure, but i know me and just like my shed i built it becomes a $3,000 dollar project, lol. So i figured this would not only be a quick cheaper alternative, it also will help keep them warmer in the winter naturally, so less heating costs. Also i do have 2 dogs that already seem to help keep the wildlife at bay, so not too concerned with predators, but of course i will be regularly monitering them and the area to make sure the chickens haven't peaked the interest of the local wildlife. I do plan on reinforcing and making modifications to the greenhouse to both sturdy it up some and protect from predators and to ensure proper ventilation and temp regulation to keep it comfortable and healthy for the chickens. Thanks for all the advice and pointers, something tells me i still have a lot to learn, lol.

Are those greenhouses meant to be up yr around? How long will the panels last in the sunlight, weather?
Just a few things to think about.
I fully understand about the building plans getting out of hand, and a simple structure turns out much more elaborate. Lol.

I didn't bury my hardware cloth (HC) apron. I attached it to the run, then laid it on the ground. It extends about 16".

I've had coyote and fox attempt to dig under my coop and run with no success on their part. I'm in upstate NY also, and the only critter getting in my coop,run is a bear. Which we have also.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Are those greenhouses meant to be up yr around? How long will the panels last in the sunlight, weather?
Just a few things to think about.

Probably depends on climate but I've had mine since we moved in 5 yrs ago (and from looks of it it had been here a while before that), so no reason it shouldn't last a while.

I will say we've had issues with panels blowing off in high winds, so that would be a possible concern.

 

[aart]

You'd need a few solid panels in there, that's what gives those things their strength.
Not sure if the clear panels would be easy to 'replace', but I've never put one together.
Not sure the autovents would work well, if you could protect opening with 1/2 x 1/2" HC from predators without interfering with the auto-open mechanisms.
Attractive as a 'framework' all ready to go, but the details might make it a PITA.

 

[WickedStewie]

Are those greenhouses meant to be up yr around? How long will the panels last in the sunlight, weather?
Just a few things to think about.
I fully understand about the building plans getting out of hand, and a simple structure turns out much more elaborate. Lol.

I didn't bury my hardware cloth (HC) apron. I attached it to the run, then laid it on the ground. It extends about 16".

I've had coyote and fox attempt to dig under my coop and run with no success on their part. I'm in upstate NY also, and the only critter getting in my coop,run is a bear. Which we have also.

Yes they can be left up year round, being from harbor freight they are not the sturdiest structures around but luckily they're fairly simple to modify and make more sturdy, in fact theres kind of a whole communtiy of people who share their ideas to mod these things. And though the panels have their issues my thoughts were as i have a problem with a panel i will replace it with a piece of plexiglass, so that way this starts out cheaper and is able to be improved over time. And we've lived here for almost 4 years and never had issues with wildlife but i plan on taking the standard measures to protect them from predators, and will most likely go above and beyond and add some security lights, so if something comes creeping up in the night lights will turn on and hopefully help scare whatever away, but seems our dogs do a pretty good job of that as it is.

 

[WickedStewie]

Probably depends on climate but I've had mine since we moved in 5 yrs ago (and from looks of it it had been here a while before that), so no reason it shouldn't last a while.

I will say we've had issues with panels blowing off in high winds, so that would be a possible concern.

I plan on replacing any panels that break or have some sort of issue with plexiglass as the problems occur, but i also take preventative measures to prevent that from happening, for example ordering extra clips that hold the panels in, and also using grommet screws through the center of the panels, and also using weather proofing tape around the open edges of the panels which keeps out moisture which keeps them cleaner allowing more light and therefore heat to enter and also adds a bit more r value for lack of a better term it makes the panels more insulating.