Box Shed Converted Into A Coop??

[GreenEggsNSpam]

Okay. So we had bought plans for a chicken coop (the Shiloh) from My Pet Chicken, but I'm starting to wonder if my husband will ever get it started. My chicks are scheduled to come the week of July 16th and I wanted a coop ready the week they got here (not that I'm planning on putting them out there any time soon, I just want to be sure they have a place to go when the time comes). So I am starting to look at my other options, options I think I can handle mostly on my own if need be.

I am considering buying a traditional shed from a box hardware company, Lowe's, and adding to the shed ventilation, linoleum floors, roosting bar, chicken door and a couple additional windows... maybe insulation in the roof. Do you think that a box shed can be safely converted like that for chickens? I mean do you think it'll be an okay coop?

Here's the shed I'm looking at buying, the Heartland Stratford 12-ft x 8-ft Saltbox Engineered Wood Storage Shed;
http://www.lowes.com/pd_437509-57658-182938_4294720405_4294937087_?productId=4507034&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

I really would like peoples thoughts and ideas on this. Time is running out and I need to get things ready even if my husband won't. Thanks!

 

[SobbaChickens]

This is exactly what I was planning on doing for my girls coop, but I'm on a very small budget so I was having to look at metal sheds,

not the greatest choice when thinking about the summer temps.

I think it'll be great! I'm sure you'll need to add more vents/windows, and do whatever you can on the floor to make it last. Don't put it right on the ground, maybe apply Blackjack 57 to the inside flooring, or actual linoleum.

Getting the coop done now is the best thing you could do. My girls should be going into their coop now but it's STILL not built.

 

[TXchickmum]

Yes. A box shed can easily be converted to a very nice and functional chicken coop. We purchased one, added windows purchased for next to nothing off of Craigslist, installed a large roof vent, finished with a wall of hardware cloth, and painted/landscaped. -much more spacious than the traditional coops.







With a box shed kit, you also have room for storage. We use the front for our coop broom, run rake, metal cans for feed storage, etc.

Good luck with your coop project!!!!

 

[GreenEggsNSpam]

Thank you SO much guys for being such an inspiration! I feel much better now about pursuing this course to get a nice coop together for my (very near) future chicks. And a gentle reminder to get it done (or at least well started on) BEFORE my chicks arrive. And I feel this is a project that I can absolutely start on myself, and then recruit my husband to help with the windows and chicken door and whatnot.

 

[GreenEggsNSpam]

TXchickmum, your coop is BEAUTIFUL. A true inspiration.

If you don't mind me asking, how big is your coop? It looks perfect!

 

[TXchickmum]

Thank you, GreenEggsNSpam. It is 8 x 12.

I really think you will do well with a box shed. The one which you are contemplating is lovely. It should make a very nice coop, and should come with a good set of instructions by which you can get it constructed easily. Also, the actual "shed" kits are much larger and less expensive than the "coop" kits. Our local feed store has some beautiful (very, very small) coop/run combos that are between $700 - $1200. -just doesn't make sense to pay the same price for something half the size, IMO.

Again, best of luck and enjoy your chicken endeavor!!