Thinking about giving new life to your unused storage shed? Converting your storage shed as chicken coop is a fun and rewarding way to repurpose space and bring fresh eggs and happy hens into your backyard. With just a few modifications, your shed can become a cozy, functional home for chickens, offering them a safe, warm, and predator-proof place to thrive.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to transform a storage shed as chicken coop. From adding roosting bars to improving ventilation, we’ve got simple, effective tips to ensure your chickens feel right at home. Ready to start this exciting backyard project? Let’s dive in!
Table Of Contents:
- Planning Your Chicken Coop Conversion
- Prepping the Shed
- Essential Modifications
- Additional Enhancements
- Wright’s Shed Co. – Creating Quality Chicken Coops and Sheds with Care
- FAQs About Storage Shed as Chicken Coop
- Conclusion
Planning Your Chicken Coop Conversion
Before starting your conversion, determine how many backyard chickens you’ll house. Space is vital for happy, healthy birds. Each chicken needs about 2-3 square feet inside the coop and 8-10 square feet in the run.
Choose a level, well-drained location for your storage shed chicken coop. This prevents moisture buildup and simplifies cleaning. Consider sun exposure: chickens need both sun and shade. Easy access for daily chores (feeding, watering, egg collecting) is essential.
Prepping the Shed
Evaluate your shed’s structure. Look for damage, rot, or pests. A solid structure is essential for conversion.
Clean thoroughly. Sweep out cobwebs and remove debris. Disinfect with a bleach and water solution.
Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. Using treated lumber, can prohibit rotting.
Essential Modifications
These modifications will turn your storage shed into an ideal chicken coop, a perfect environment for raising chickens from baby chicks to adults.
Ventilation and Lighting
Ventilation is critical for healthy chickens. Assess your shed’s existing windows and vents. Consider adding a box fan, ensuring adequate air circulation and cross ventilation, particularly in cold weather.
Cut new openings if needed. Install screens with hardware cloth to allow airflow while keeping predators out. Add exterior latches for extra security.
Window placement should allow for sunlight but also offer protection from drafts.
A window or two should provide enough light, especially during summer days. Supplemental lighting can be beneficial in cooler weather, although hens mainly lay when it’s sunny, not just when it’s light.
Roosting Bars
Chickens naturally roost at night. Install roosting bars made of 2×4 lumber (wide side up). Give each chicken 8-10 inches of roosting space.
Keep roosting bars away from nesting boxes. Elevated roosts are healthier, keeping chickens off the ground.
If roosting bars are placed above nesting boxes, be prepared to add extra bars. Hens often prefer the highest spot, which can overcrowd a single bar.
Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes offer privacy for laying eggs. Aim for one box per 3-4 hens. Line them with straw or pine shavings.
Place boxes in a quiet area of the coop. You can buy pre-made boxes or build your own. Avoid placing roosting bars above nesting boxes, as this can lead to droppings in the boxes.
Even with multiple boxes, hens often favor one particular nest area.
Additional Enhancements
Consider these upgrades for a premium storage shed chicken coop conversion.
Automatic Chicken Coop Door
An automatic coop door opens and closes at set times. This increases security against predators and provides peace of mind knowing your chickens are safe.
Mobile Chicken Coop
A mobile coop allows you to move your flock to fresh pasture, addressing some issues of stationary coops. Check out some examples here to get inspired for your chicken coop plan.
Other Points
- Use pressure-treated lumber for the coop’s base to prevent rot and pests. Use hardware cloth on the bottom to deter digging predators.
- Install a droppings board under the roosts for easy cleaning. This prevents manure buildup and maintains a cleaner coop. The droppings board simplifies cleaning for ground level coops too.
- Add personal touches. Decorate with signs, landscaping, or wall art to make the coop your own.
Wright’s Shed Co. – Creating Quality Chicken Coops and Sheds with Care
At Wright’s Shed Co., we believe in going beyond just building storage sheds. We’re passionate about helping you transform your backyard into a space that’s functional, safe, and welcoming, whether it’s for storage or as a home for your backyard flock. Here’s how we make a difference when it comes to building and converting sheds for chickens.
Why Our Sheds Are Perfect for Chicken Coops
Our sheds are built with quality, durability, and safety in mind — key features for any successful chicken coop. Here’s why our sheds are ideal for creating a comfortable, safe space for chickens:
- Strong and Durable Materials: We use premium materials like LP SmartSide paneling, which resists weather and moisture damage. This means your coop will stay sturdy through harsh winters, rainy seasons, and hot summers, ensuring that your chickens have a stable home all year round.
- Customizable Design Options: We know every backyard and flock has unique needs, so we offer customizable features that let you adapt your shed to create the perfect coop. From adding extra windows for sunlight to specific vent placement, we can help you design a layout that works best for your chickens’ comfort and health.
- Insulation Options for Comfort: Chickens need a stable, cozy environment to stay healthy. Our insulation options help keep the interior at an optimal temperature, protecting your flock from extreme temperatures. This is especially important in colder climates where a well-insulated coop can keep your chickens safe from the chill.
Our Commitment to Backyard Farmers
We’re committed to supporting your goals, whether you’re a seasoned backyard farmer or new to keeping chickens. Here’s how we help make the transformation from shed to coop easy:
- Consultation and Guidance: Unsure where to start with your shed conversion? Our team has experience in building chicken coops and can guide you through the essentials, from roost placement to predator-proofing tips. We’re here to answer any questions and provide you with insights to make your coop functional and safe.
- Built with Predator Protection in Mind: We know that keeping your flock safe from predators is a top priority. That’s why our sheds are built with strong, durable materials and can be customized with features like secure door latches and reinforced wire mesh, giving you peace of mind that your chickens are well-protected.
- Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable: We believe in sustainability, so our sheds are designed to reduce waste and make the best use of materials. By converting an existing shed into a coop, you’re repurposing a structure and minimizing environmental impact, and we’re here to support that eco-friendly transition.
Our Promise to Quality
At Wright’s Shed Co., we stand by our work and the quality of our materials. Each shed we build is crafted to stand up to the demands of any purpose you choose. When it comes to transforming our sheds into chicken coops, we pay close attention to the details that ensure your flock’s safety, comfort, and well-being.
- Expert Craftsmanship: Our team has years of experience in shed design and construction, which means we know exactly how to create a space that works for chickens. From the layout to the finishing touches, we build with precision and care to ensure your coop stands up to the demands of both weather and time.
- Easy Maintenance for Health and Cleanliness: Cleanliness is essential for keeping a chicken coop healthy. Our sheds are designed with easy access, making it simple to clean and maintain your chickens’ space. We offer advice on features like removable nesting boxes and roosts that can make coop maintenance even easier.
FAQs About Storage Shed as Chicken Coop
Can you use a storage shed as a chicken coop?
Yes. It’s a cost-effective and practical way to house your flock. Ensure proper ventilation, lighting, roosting bars, and nesting boxes for the well-being of your backyard chickens.
Can you keep chickens in a shed?
Absolutely, provided it’s properly set up. Prioritize ventilation, sunlight, sufficient space (2-3 square feet inside, 8-10 square feet in the attached run), predator protection (chicken wire and extra latches on doors and a door handle), a nesting area, and easy cleaning. Consider local climate conditions.
Do plastic sheds make good chicken coops?
Plastic sheds can work but have drawbacks. They offer less ventilation than wood, and may provide less security against predators.
A box fan can help with air flow and keep the coop chicken cool, especially during hot, humid summer days. Making sure the fan is clean and ceiling pointing can make a big difference.
What size shed is best for a chicken coop?
The best size depends on the number of chickens you plan to raise. The chicks arrived at different ages and their company made their growing process so much better. When converting an existing shed for chicks growing to full size, factor in their adult size for the best results.
Conclusion
Converting your storage shed as chicken coop is a rewarding project that brings fresh eggs and a lively atmosphere to your backyard. At Wright’s Shed Co., we combine expertise, high-quality materials, and attention to detail to ensure your coop is safe, durable, and perfectly suited to your chickens’ needs. Our sheds are built to withstand the elements, keep predators at bay, and offer customizable options tailored just for you.
If you’re ready to start transforming your shed into a chicken coop oasis, let Wright’s Shed Co. be your trusted partner. Click here to get started and turn your vision into reality!