DIY wood coop or metal shed?

[JoshR]

Hello, I am looking at getting chickens this year and I was originally planning on making my own coop out of plywood and 2x4's but after looking at the cost of wood I was wondering if it would be better to purchase a metal shed and use that as a coop. I was planning on making a 4x8 coop and it is going to cost be around $900 to make where as I can purchase a metal shed for around the same size for about $400. My concern is that it will be too cold in the shed during the winter. I live in Michigan so it gets pretty cold here in the winter months. Where I am going to be putting the coop there will be plenty of shade so I am less concerned about the heat. Does anyone have any experience with using sheds as a chicken coop?

 

[DobieLover]

I converted an old wood shed on my property into my chicken coop.

I don't recommend metal coops to anyone for several reasons. First of all they are very difficult to modify. Secondly, in colder weather, moisture can condense on the roof and drip back down onto the birds. I also feel that they are not as strong and durable as a wood coop.
If left in the full sun they will reflect heat back into the structure and that is the last thing you want with chickens.