Converting A Shed Into A Chicken Coop

Have you been wondering what to do with your backyard shed? Have you been wondering how you can repurpose your shed? How about converting a shed into a chicken coop? In this article, we will provide a guide to converting a shed into a chicken coop. 

Why are people converting a shed into a chicken coop? There are multiple reasons why someone might want to turn their shed into a chicken coop. 

The most common reasons for converting a shed into a chicken coop: 

• Repurposing unused space: Converting an old shed that’s no longer being used into a chicken coop is a good way to reuse it again. 
• Convenience: A shed may already have some features that are needed for a chicken coop, such as windows, ventilation, and doors. Depending on the size and layout, your shed may be perfect for a coop. 
• Cost saving: Building a new chicken coop from scratch can be very expensive. Converting an existing shed into a chicken coop can help you save money. 

How To Determine If A Shed Is Suitable For A Coop

How can you tell if a shed is suitable to convert into a chicken coop? There are several things and factors to consider when converting a shed into a chicken coop. 

The following is a list to consider before converting a shed into a chicken coop.

• Condition: Make sure your shed is in good condition before converting a shed into a chicken coop. Your shed needs to be free of leaks, rot, or any other major damage. Make sure there aren’t any hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint. 
• Size: Determine how big your shed is and how many chickens are you planning to keep. Make sure the size of your shed is big enough for the number of chickens you want to keep. 
• Accessibility: Make sure you can easily access the converted chicken coop for regular cleaning and maintenance. Make sure the shed has an entry that is large enough to accommodate you and the supplies needed. 
• Ventilation: In order to have healthy chickens, good ventilation is essential. Make sure your shed has vents or windows for airflow. If not, adding windows or vents is recommended. 
• Location: Where the shed is located is also important; you need a location that has a well-drained area that won’t be affected by a flood. 

Before converting a shed into a chicken coop, make sure you considered the above-listed factors. 

Converting a Shed into A Chicken Coop: Evaluate & Prepare Your Shed

Before converting a shed into a chicken coop, make sure you evaluate the shed and prepare it accordingly. The listed steps below will help you prepare with converting a shed into a chicken coop

• Clean and sanitize your shed: Thoroughly clean and sanitize the shed before converting it into a chicken coop. Clean and remove any contaminants, debris, or dirt that could be dangerous to your chickens. Scrub the walls and floors with vinegar, water, and soap, or disinfect with bleach and let the shed dry completely. 
• Secure the shed: Make sure the shed is safe and secure from predators. Seal any holes or gaps that may allow foxes, raccoons, or snakes to enter. 
• Check for leaks: Make sure your shed doesn’t have any leaks, and inspect the roof and walls of the shed. If there are any leaks, you will need to repair them before converting them. This may include sealing gaps with caulk or foam, replacing damaged shingles or panels, or patching holes. 
• Insulate the shed: If you live in a cold climate, insulating the shed is recommended in order to keep the chickens warm during the cold months. 
• Add vents or windows: Add windows or vents if the shed doesn’t have them; this will provide the chickens with good ventilation.

Converting A Shed Into A Chicken Coop: Designing The Coop

When designing a chicken coop, it is essential to consider the habits and needs of your chickens. The following are things to keep in mind when converting a shed into a chicken coop: 

• Space: It is important to provide enough space for your chickens. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 2-3 square feet of floor space per chicken. So, for a coop housing 6 chickens, a minimum of 12-18 square feet of floor space is needed. The more space, the better. 
• Ventilation: Good ventilation in your coop will help prevent the buildup of harmful gases in the coop. Provide openings on both the top and bottom of the coop for hot air to go out and cool air to enter the coop. 
• Nesting boxes: You need to provide a comfortable place for your chickens to lay their eggs. It is recommended that you provide one nesting box per 3-4 hens. Make sure the boxes are dry and cozy and enough space so that the hens can comfortably turn around and lie down. A good nesting box size is 12x12x12 inches. 
• Light: Chickens need light to lay eggs, make sure your coop is well-lit. If not, add artificial lighting or install windows. 
• Roosting bars: Make sure you provide your chickens with a roosting bar so that they can roost at night. The bar should be about 2-3 feet off the ground and 6-8 inches wide per chicken. Ensure the bar is strong and can hold the weight of the chickens. 
• Layout: Ensure the coop is in a dry, level area that is protected from the wind. Make sure the coop has an entrance that you can fit in, but also keep the entrance safe and secure.

Examples Of Different Coop Designs

Did you know about the different coop designs? There are several different coop designs that can be adapted to fit a shed. Consider these designs before converting a shed into a chicken coop.

• Tractor Coop: This is a portable chicken coop that can easily be moved around in order to provide a fresh grazing area for your chickens; this design can be adapted to fit a shed. Build a smaller tractor coop inside the shed, and add wheels to the bottom of the shed to make it moveable. 
• Classic A-Frame: This design can easily be adapted to fit a shed and is a popular design for backyard chicken coops. To adapt this design, simply build the A-frame structure inside the shed and attach the roosting bars and nesting boxes to the walls. This design is perfect for good ventilation. 
• Vertical coop: If you’re looking for a space-saving coop, then this is the choice for you. Build the coop vertically and stack multiple levels of roosting bars and nesting boxes on top of each other; make sure you’re providing space for each section. 

Steps Involved In Building A Chicken Coop

Converting a shed into a chicken coop can be an easy option for you; it is also a good way to repurpose your existing shed. We know that building a chicken coop requires careful planning and execution so that it can provide a safe and comfortable home for your flock. Here, we will list the steps involved in building a chicken coop from scratch.

• Designing and planning: Start by figuring out the size of your coop and the number of chickens you want to keep. Make sure you consider things like the climate of your area, the space available, and the material planned to use. 
• Site preparation: Choose a suitable location for the coop, and prepare the ground. This will include removing any grass, debris, or rocks and then leveling the ground. If needed, install a foundation or flooring to prevent predators from digging underneath the coop. 
• Framing: Build the frame of the coop using sturdy materials. Make sure the frame is strong and stable to support the weight of the roof and any other features planned to include in the coop. 
• Siding: In order to provide protection from the elements, installing siding on the walls is a good idea. Use materials such as plywood, metal, or vinyl because they are weather-resistant. 
• Roofing: Use weather-resistant materials such as metal or shingles to install the roof. To prevent moisture buildup inside the coop, the roof has to be sloped to allow proper drainage. 
• Windows and doors: Allow natural lighting and easy access to the coop by installing windows and doors. 
• Nesting boxes and perches: Add nesting boxes and perches to provide comfortable space for your flock to rest and lay eggs. 
• Finishing touches: Finish your coop up with paint or stain to protect the material used and also enhance the appearance of the coop. You can add additional features such as a ramp or a run to give your birds more space to roam around. 

Converting A Shed Into A Chicken Coop: Common Problems & Tips To Solve Them

Keeping a chicken coop functional and healthy can be challenging, especially for beginners. Things can happen and sometimes we might not know what to do or how to solve them, here is a list of common problems when converting a shed into a chicken coop and how to solve them.

• Ventilation problems: Poor ventilation can cause moisture buildup and ammonia in the coop, this is dangerous to your chickens because it can cause respiratory problems to them. To ensure this doesn’t happen, inspect the ventilation system regularly. Clean the coop on a regular basis to prevent moisture buildup and replace bedding frequently. 
• Pest problems: Pests such as lice, rodents, and mites can infest the coop and cause health problems for your flock. To solve this problem, regularly inspect the coop for any signs of infestation. Look for signs such as droppings or bite marks on your chickens. It is recommended to clean your coop regularly and remove any food that could attract pests. Use natural pest control methods such as neem oil, or diatomaceous. 
• Egg-laying problems: There are several reasons why chickens stop laying eggs. Those reasons could be illness, stress, or inadequate nutrition. To solve this problem, ensure you’re cleaning the nesting boxes regularly. Give your birds a balanced diet that includes protein and calcium. 
• Aggressive behavior: Chickens can become aggressive and peck at each other because of overcrowding or a stressful environment. To solve this problem, ensure that your flock has enough space to move around and that they are not overcrowded. Add toys or distractions such as perches to keep them occupied. 

By implementing these practices, you can keep your chicken coop clean and help keep your birds healthy and safe. For more ideas about converting a shed into a chicken coop, check out this Pinterest.

Converting A Shed Into A Chicken Coop: Backyard And Beyond

Are you looking for quality and durable sheds or chicken coops? Backyard and Beyond is a local company in Missouri that builds and customizes quality storage sheds and chicken coops. The Backyard and Beyond offers quality workmanship completed on time and on a budget! We offer different styles and designs on our storage sheds and chicken coop.