Greenhouse coop combo - Can it be done?

[new chick 203]

I keep reading about all the benefits of making a structure that the south half is greenhouse and the north is chicken coop. The wall between provides ventilation between the spaces and both chickens and plants benefit by the exchange of CO2 and Oxygen. I want to build one but I am yet to find anyone who has actually made and used one. Is this a permaculture legend or does it exist?

 

[Judy]

Especially in winter, it is important for a coop to be ventilated well enough that the warm humid air from the chickens can escape, as the humidity is what mostly contributes to frostbitten combs and toes. Also, chickens put out a lot of ammonia which can't be good for plants (and is certainly not good for chickens.) If i built a coop attached to a greenhouse, I would be careful to ventilate them to the outside separately, myself. The chickens might appreciate a little warmth coming through the wall to the greenhouse, though; it should make a good spot for their roost, at least in winter. (Even in CT, they might need a cooler, breezier spot to sleep in the summer.)

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I've been thinking about this myself as we plan on building a larger coop in the spring. My only problem is location. On my property, the optimum spot for a greenhouse isn't the optimum spot for a hen house as it would be too hot for the birds in the summer. The best spot for the birds, which has summer shade, isn't the best spot for a greenhouse as it's situated at our tree line which will block much of the winter sun that the greenhouse would need.

If I could figure our location without either frying the birds in the summer [pun intended] or reducing sunlight to the greenhouse in the winter, then I think it's very doable.

 

[new chick 203]

I can't imagine that ammonia is an issue. It's a matter of coop hygiene. If there is enough ammonia to hurt the plants there is too much for the birds. Of course there would be ventilation to outside as well. I tend to keep the coop tidy, and with the greenhouse attached I can have a small composter in the greenhouse part which is convenient and will generate heat. The key to the whole thing is making sure it can open up enough in Summer to vent out heat

 

[new chick 203]

I've been thinking about this myself as we plan on building a larger coop in the spring. My only problem is location. On my property, the optimum spot for a greenhouse isn't the optimum spot for a hen house as it would be too hot for the birds in the summer. The best spot for the birds, which has summer shade, isn't the best spot for a greenhouse as it's situated at our tree line which will block much of the winter sun that the greenhouse would need.

If I could figure our location without either frying the birds in the summer [pun intended] or reducing sunlight to the greenhouse in the winter, then I think it's very doable.

I've been thinking about it and really both coop and greenhouse want the same thing; a spot under some deciduous trees. This give shade all summer and full sun all Spring, Winter, and Fall. You don't really use the greenhouse for growing in Summer so that works fine. I'm putting mine under my apple tree, with evergreen to the north side to protect from winter winds.

 

[pellepeterson]

I am going for it. I laid out my design yesterday, materials as the local HD are not that bad for the clear material, and I plan on using the same stuff for the coop roof. A bit more time consuming perhaps, but watertight and lightweight. I have the spot all picked out, next to the house, flat open area, higher in elevation than the rest of the yard, and somewhat sheltered by the house and tall hardwood trees. I will be posting pics as I progress this weekend, and as always looking for insight from you all! The greenhouse by the way was my payment to my future wife for my purchase of more chicks...

 

[aart]

I am going for it. I laid out my design yesterday, materials as the local HD are not that bad for the clear material, and I plan on using the same stuff for the coop roof. A bit more time consuming perhaps, but watertight and lightweight. I have the spot all picked out, next to the house, flat open area, higher in elevation than the rest of the yard, and somewhat sheltered by the house and tall hardwood trees. I will be posting pics as I progress this weekend, and as always looking for insight from you all! The greenhouse by the way was my payment to my future wife for my purchase of more chicks...

Please do start a new thread showing your design and construction!