Keter plastic shed strong enough to resist foxes?

[dehill]

Hi all,

Our little flock of bantams has expanded and we’re going to need a bigger coop. My current plan is to buy the below keter plastic shed, and add ventilation, roosting bars, poop board, nesting boxes and swap over out automatic door and feeder/drinker. Just wondering if anyone has experience of whether these sheds are strong enough to keep the girls safe from fox attacks at night?

Had a look at one in a large DIY warehouse yesterday and it seemed as sturdy as any of the timber coops we’ve used before…?

Thanks!

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/458...HAT:alternatives:4588171:oPYu1uu1A225yuFxXGFy

 

[Alagirl]

I have a similar plastic shed from a different manufacturer though. I don't see how a fox could breach it. we used adhesive to build it to waterproof it. Make sure the foundations are secure! I had mine laid out and the men changed them over, now the floor is giving way! (sigh)

Doors will be your weak point.
As always in castle construction.

 

[Shadrach]

Given you've linked to an Argos site I take it you live in the UK?

I bought a recycled plastic coop from these people,
https://www.solwayrecycling.co.uk/

This is the coop I bought.
https://www.solwayrecycling.co.uk/shop/pig-poultry/hen-houses/standard-eco-hen-ark

These pictures may give you an idea of what alterations I made. It's not finished yet.

There are a number of other companies that make plastic coops.
https://greenfrogdesigns.co.uk/chicken-house-medium/
https://www.omlet.co.uk/

Whichever way you go the probability is you will have to make quite a lot of alterations/additions to the structure to make it chicken friendly.
I would go for something like the above rather than a shed as a starting point.

 

[dehill]

Thanks both for your thoughts, reassuring to know it should be strong enough. Door reinforcing a must.

I’ve been through smaller coops and I’ve decided I’d like a walk-in one. Easier to clean and care for the girls, and I’m slightly suspicious of how many chickens manufacturers like to claim they can house! The models I have found are £1k+ and are made from wood, which I’d like to move away from. I think a small composite shed can be made to the spec I’d like for under half of that.

 

[3KillerBs]

Obviously brands differ from the UK to the US, but here's an excellent conversion on a plastic shed: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-scoop-on-a-rubbermaid-big-max-coop.76444/

Just to help inspire you.