Renovation of Old Shed for a New Coop

[HDHudson]

After a couple of years of thought, we are ready to start raising chickens. Initially we were going to either buy a premade coop or build our own. Then the thought came to mind: Why not explore renovating this existing shed on our property to serve the purpose?
Structurally, it is very solid. The house was built in the late 1840s, not sure when the shed was built but it is definitely old and built of quality wood. At one point it was sided with aluminum, and the double swinging doors appear to have also been added at some point in its lift.
I actually question if this actually was a chicken coop at one point due to the small window and door that is seen in the photos. Of course, the window and door would need to be replaced, and a few gaps plugged/covered, but I think this could be a good project. The ceiling at its lowest point is 7 1/2', the length of the shed is 14.5' and the width is 7'.
I also am thinking that an opening could be made in the side of the bldg. and a run constructed next to it.

Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[springvalley123]

First, I'm a little concerned about that tree growing apparently right up next to the shed---it could sway and damage the shed roof. What is that floor--is it concrete that's cracking? The space between the floor and the walls needs to be closed off somehow because rodents and predators can get in there. What side is the most of the wind from? And, what is your location/climate? You might need an entire side open due to heat, or you might need a lot of ventilation added--depends on climate.

 

[paddock36]

Looks like that could be a really nice coop. Maybe add an exterior accessible nest box so you don't have to go inside and collect eggs.

 

[HDHudson]

First, I'm a little concerned about that tree growing apparently right up next to the shed---it could sway and damage the shed roof. What is that floor--is it concrete that's cracking? The space between the floor and the walls needs to be closed off somehow because rodents and predators can get in there. What side is the most of the wind from? And, what is your location/climate? You might need an entire side open due to heat, or you might need a lot of ventilation added--depends on climate.

Good points, thanks for your reply!- The tree branch that is leaning on the roof would be removed.
The floor is concrete and is cracking, so I would need to remedy that.
The wind would be blowing towards the double doors that were added. I am in Wisconsin.

 

[avjudge]

Good points, thanks for your reply!- The tree branch that is leaning on the roof would be removed.
The floor is concrete and is cracking, so I would need to remedy that.
The wind would be blowing towards the double doors that were added. I am in Wisconsin.

A lot of us here feel that a renovated shed makes the best coop, so you are way ahead of the game! (Me, I think a shed is the 2nd best, after a coop inside a barn like mine, since that makes it much more pleasant to deal with in cold/bad weather. ) @springvalley123 makes good points but they are all far from dealbreakers and sounds like you are on top of them.

I was originally going to suggest you just fill in the window with hardware cloth but since you’re in Wisconsin that probably is not the kind of ventilation you want in the winter. I would still fix hardware cloth in the space, then frame a glass or plexiglass window that hinges at the top, swinging outward, to provide sheltered extra ventilation in the warmer months, especially since your roof has no overhangs to shelter an open window from blowing rain.

It does look like you are going to need to add some year-round ventilation. Given your cold winters, that should probably be up high so you do not get cold drafts at the height chickens will be at, either roosting or on the floor. And we are talking some square feet of ventilation, not little holes with louvered vents. The challenge with those small roof overhangs will be to create ventilation that doesn’t allow rain or most especially snow to blow in. Coincidentally, a thread was just revived in this coop design forum (“Vent protection from blowing snow”) in which a poster reported how she had added an awning over her excellent ventilation.

 

[ChookaPete]

I think it is great!