Thinking about getting a few feathered friends but tight on space? Or maybe your gardening tools need a home just as much as your hens need a palace. This is where the brilliant idea of a garden shed chicken house comes into play. It’s a twofer. A garden shed chicken house provides a practical and charming solution for chicken-loving gardeners.

But you probably have questions about garden shed chicken houses—lots of questions—we all do when starting something new. This article guides you through transforming a garden shed into a safe, comfy haven for your chickens while offering handy storage space.

Table Of Contents:

Can You Actually Use a Garden Shed as a Chicken Coop?

You bet. In fact, turning an existing garden shed into a chicken coop is an ingenious way to save money and maximize your backyard space. Many garden sheds are just the right size to give your flock room to roam while still leaving you ample storage for tools, feed, or whatever else your green thumb requires.

But—and this is a big “but”—chickens need some specific things to thrive. You can’t just toss them into the shed and call it a day. When chicks are growing, they require a droppings board to keep their living area clean. Before you know it, those chicks will be full-sized hens that are ready to lay farm eggs.

What Makes a Good Chicken Coop—I Mean, Garden Shed Chicken House?

First, resist the urge to build your chicken coop on a hill. It’s harder to get supplies to the chickens (trust me.). Next, make sure your dream garden shed chicken house has the following:

1. Plenty of Elbow Room for Your Peeps

Ever heard the phrase “pecking order?” Well, overcrowding can turn your hens from happy cluckers into feathery gladiators. Give those girls space. A good rule of thumb is a minimum of two to three square feet per bird inside the coop and three to four square feet per bird in the run.

Imagine if you had to share a tiny apartment with five roommates—not fun, right? So when planning your garden shed chicken house conversion, be generous. Remember those baby chicks will be full-sized hens before you know it.

Red and white chicken coop with windows and nesting boxes, set in a workshop space.

2. Roosting Bars – Your Chickens’ Nightly Perch

Chickens don’t sleep in beds like we do; they crave a place to perch up high where they feel safe and secure. Enter roosting bars. It’s important to use the right material and provide enough space for your feathered family. Imagine them lined up like birds on a wire, except instead of a wire, it’s a comfy, wooden perch.

Each chicken wants their own 12 inches of space on the roosting bar, at least. This is vital for their comfort and to prevent any disputes amongst the flock.

Number of Chickens Length of Roosting Bar Needed
3 36 inches (3 feet)
5 60 inches (5 feet)
10 120 inches (10 feet)

3. Cozy Nest Boxes for Happy Hens

Here’s a fun fact: happy chickens lay more eggs. And what makes for happy hens? Having a dedicated, private space to lay those little treasures—cue the nest boxes. Aim for at least one nest box for every three to four chickens, or every 48 inches, but be warned: Chickens can be picky.

4. Airflow is Everything – No One Likes a Stuffy Coop

In transforming your shed into a chicken sanctuary, make sure it’s well-ventilated. Good airflow keeps things fresh, reducing moisture buildup and the risk of respiratory problems in chickens. You’d be amazed at how quickly a coop can become a sauna in the summer or an icebox in the winter if ventilation isn’t addressed.

No one wants a sick chicken on their hands. You want to make sure they are in a space with good air circulation. A box fan strategically placed can work wonders.

For quick and easy paint application in your garden shed chicken house, the Wagner Control Pro 130 sprayer is highly recommended. This can help streamline your painting process and achieve a smooth finish on your coop’s interior and exterior.

5. Safety First—Because Raccoons Love Chicken Dinners

We love our backyard chickens, but predators? Not so much. Your garden shed chicken house should be Fort Knox for your flock.

Enclose your run area completely using wire mesh or hardware cloth with half-inch openings or smaller, even around windows. Bury the wire underground about 12 inches deep to prevent predators from digging under. Those crafty critters can tunnel like nobody’s business. Remember, sturdy latches on all doors and windows are a must.

Tan and white chicken coop with a sloped roof, windows, and nesting box, set outdoors on a paved surface.

Choose something predator-proof – those raccoons are smarter (and hungrier) than you think. Keeping chickens safe from predators can be challenging. Using extra latches, in addition to a door handle, can help deter those pesky predators.

When I transformed my shed into a coop, my go-to resource was “50 Do it Yourself Projects for Keeping Chickens”. This book, published by Skyhorse Publishing in 2018, was a game-changer, offering loads of practical advice.

Outdoor Chicken Run Options: Giving Those Legs a Workout

Now that your garden shed chicken house is prepped, think about giving your ladies (or gents) a secure, spacious outdoor run. Why is this so vital? Imagine spending all your time stuck indoors.

Your chickens are no different – they crave fresh air, sunshine, and the opportunity to scratch around in the dirt just like nature intended. You will be amazed by how quickly they can turn an area into ground level. Providing them with access to the outdoors is crucial for their physical and mental well-being, allowing them to engage in natural behaviors.

Here are a few run styles I’ve incorporated into my own chicken-keeping setup:

  • Attached Run: Directly connected to the shed for seamless indoor-outdoor access. Imagine a little chicken door they can saunter through whenever the mood strikes them. Think of this style as the chicken equivalent of a patio door leading to your backyard oasis.
  • Free-Range Fun: If you’ve got the space (and your chickens don’t mind returning home at sunset), giving them free reign of your yard can be an option. However, this is only for those with a fence around their garden shed chicken house.
  • Portable Electric Poultry Netting: Perfect for folks who want to give their flock access to different areas of the yard (and prevent those hens from overgrazing their favorite spots). These fences can be moved and set up wherever—versatility is key.

Whether you go big, small, portable, or permanent, always consider your space, your flock’s size, and, most importantly, those hungry predators. The key? Finding the best option for you and your feathered companions. You’ll learn a lot about garden shed construction for chickens with further research.

Turning a Garden Shed into a Chicken Coop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready for a new DIY project? Consider a garden shed chicken house. They’re surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying to create. This easy step-by-step guide helps get you started on building your chicken paradise:

Step 1: Pick Your Shed.

Size matters here. Do you have a spare shed already? Can you squeeze in five chickens? Maybe twenty? Figure that out first. Then assess if the existing shed works or if you need to consider other options. This is also a great time to see what larger garden sheds are available at places like Happy Farmer if you plan on needing a large production facility.

Step 2: Prep Like a Pro.

Cleaning is your first mission. Imagine a chicken-sized spa day for your shed, only instead of cucumbers and face masks, you’re using disinfectant.

Next, ensure there are no cracks or holes—think of yourself as a construction worker with a fine-toothed comb looking for imperfections. Now is a good time to give your future chicken abode a fresh coat of exterior paint for protection. This helps make cleaning so much easier. Be sure to use treated lumber to ensure its longevity and resistance to the elements. Using cinder blocks as a foundation for the shed can add stability and prevent moisture damage.

Step 3: Ventilation – Not a Luxury, a Necessity.

Remember how we talked about airflow? Now’s the time to get serious about it. This involves installing a window, maybe adding vents, anything to get that air moving. Think about strategically placing windows and vents to encourage a gentle flow of air without creating drafts. This will create a comfortable climate for the flock.

You wouldn’t want to live in a stuffy room and chickens feel the same way. This was highlighted in my video blog on the initial transformation process. Adding a window with a hardware cloth covering on the interior is ideal. If you are feeling creative you can hang planters you find at home improvement stores.

Step 4: Access Is Key—Create a Welcoming Entrance.

Think about how your chickens will get from their cozy coop out into the great wide run. How to build a chicken coop from a garden shed: It needs a designated entrance that is both secure and easy for them to navigate. You can create a designated entrance for your flock with a small ramp or a chicken door cut into the side of the shed, ensuring easy access to their outdoor haven.

Step 5: All About the Ambiance – Let There Be Light.

Unless your chickens are fans of dungeon living, your shed needs plenty of natural light. Ample lighting encourages laying. Plus, it’s nice for those chickens to sunbathe (it’s true—chickens love a good sunbeam.).

Consider supplementing with artificial lighting, especially during the shorter winter days, to keep your chickens feeling cheerful and productive. As mentioned before, be sure to cover the interior windows with hardware cloth—protection is key. If you’re feeling really fancy, adding a whimsical touch can turn your chicken dwelling from simple to stunning.

Step 6: Run, Chickens, Run.

Remember that enclosed space we talked about for your chickens? You can either purchase a ready-made enclosure from Tractor Supply, a local hardware store or farm and garden center, or construct your own to perfectly suit the dimensions of your garden shed chicken house and available yard space. If you’re going the DIY route, secure it to your shed, ensuring a predator-proof barrier.

Step 7: Time for Those Finishing Touches

Make the nesting boxes inviting (maybe add some herbs.). If you are planning a garden right outside your chicken coop, consider raised garden boxes like the ones offered at Vego Garden in charcoal or at Home Depot and add decorative edging. Make sure the run has shade. Add some fun things for chickens—a dust bath, some logs, a place to perch up high and survey their kingdom.

Once the garden shed chicken house and run are built you might be tempted to stop there, however, watering your garden consistently will help deter pests from entering your garden shed chicken house. We use drip irrigation with a timer and I also installed a motion sensor sprinkler, which can come in handy when the flock decides they want to take a stroll.

Tan chicken coop with raised legs, nesting box, and ventilation window, located indoors in a workshop.

How Wright’s Shed Co. Helps You Build the Perfect Chicken Coop

At Wright’s Shed Co., we’re more than just a shed provider—we’re here to make your backyard vision a reality, whether it’s a workspace, storage, or a home for your chickens. When you choose one of our sheds for your chicken coop conversion, you’re investing in a high-quality structure that’s built to last and simple to adapt.

Why Choose Our Sheds for a Chicken Coop Conversion?

  • Durable Materials: We use weather-resistant materials, like LP SmartSide and galvanized steel foundations, that stand up to the elements, keeping your chickens safe and comfortable in all seasons.
  • Customizable Design: Our sheds can be customized with options like extra windows, vents, and even colors to create the ideal environment for chickens. Whether you need added ventilation or easy-access doors, our team can help with modifications.
  • Convenient Add-Ons: We offer helpful add-ons like nesting boxes and double doors, making it easy to clean, maintain, and gather eggs. Each shed can be tailored to make caring for your chickens efficient and hassle-free.
  • Expert Support: Our design team is available to guide you through the setup process, ensuring that your shed conversion is both functional and safe for your chickens. With years of experience in custom shed designs, we understand the needs of backyard chicken keepers and are here to help every step of the way.

Commitment to Quality

Our sheds are crafted with a strong framework and high-quality finishing touches, making them ideal for chicken coop conversions. We understand that your chickens are important to you, and we take pride in building sheds that provide comfort and security to your flock.

By choosing Wright’s Shed Co., you’re choosing a partner in your chicken-keeping journey—one that delivers quality, expertise, and peace of mind with every shed. Let us help you transform your backyard space into a secure and inviting home for your chickens!

Banner ad encouraging users to build a garden shed chicken house, with a 'Contact Us Now!' button and an image of a red and white shed on the side.

 

FAQs About Garden Shed Chicken Houses

How Big of a Shed Do I Need?

The answer is, it depends. It all comes down to your flock size. Figure out a number you are comfortable with and do your best to ensure proper square footage within the coop and in the enclosed run area. The last thing you want is an overcrowded coop because that’s when your feathery friends might turn on each other.

Plus, overcrowding makes cleaning extra difficult. Always provide more space rather than less. Remember to consider the chicks arrived, they won’t stay small for long. You need to plan ahead for the space you will need when they grow to full size.

Will a Greenhouse Make a Good Chicken Coop?

Not ideal. Although a greenhouse can provide chickens with great space, in the warmer months this could be disastrous. A greenhouse will get too hot during those dog days of summer and might even get too cold in the dead of winter. Stick with something made from wood or metal.

Conclusion

Creating a garden shed chicken house is a practical, rewarding way to provide your flock with a secure, cozy home. Converting a quality shed means you’re not just building a coop; you’re crafting a space that’s comfortable, durable, and designed with care. If you’re ready to transform your backyard space with a reliable, custom-built shed, we’re here to help.

Get started on your garden shed chicken house with Wright’s Shed Co. today!