Can you turn a garden shed into a chicken coop? Absolutely! With a bit of planning and some DIY spirit, repurposing a garden shed for your flock is a fantastic and often cost-effective way to create a comfortable and secure home for your chickens. This ultimate DIY guide will walk you through every step of your garden shed conversion.
Why Convert a Shed to a Chicken Coop?
Many people have an old garden shed sitting unused or taking up valuable space. Instead of letting it gather dust, repurposing a garden shed is a brilliant way to give it new life and provide your backyard flock with a spacious, weather-resistant home. A garden shed conversion offers several advantages:
- Space: Sheds are typically larger than purpose-built coops, giving your chickens more room to roam and play.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Using an existing structure can be significantly cheaper than buying or building a new coop from scratch.
- Durability: Sheds are built to withstand the elements, providing excellent protection for your chickens.
- Customization: You have a blank canvas to design the perfect coop layout, including nesting boxes, roosting bars, and ventilation.
This guide will focus on creating a DIY chicken coop shed that is safe, comfortable, and functional for your feathered friends.
Step 1: Planning Your Shed to Chicken Coop Project
Before you grab your tools, thorough planning is crucial. This will save you time, money, and potential headaches down the line.
Assessing Your Existing Garden Shed
First, take a good look at your garden shed. Consider:
- Size: Is it big enough for the number of chickens you plan to keep? A general rule of thumb is 2-4 square feet of coop space per chicken.
- Condition: Are there any structural issues? Check for rot, leaks, or damage to the foundation, walls, and roof. These will need to be addressed before you proceed.
- Location: Where is the shed situated? Is it on level ground? Is it protected from strong winds or excessive sun? Proximity to your house and neighbors is also a consideration.
- Foundation: Does the shed have a solid foundation? If not, you may need to level the ground and consider adding a foundation or skids to keep it stable and prevent predators from digging underneath.
Determining Your Flock’s Needs
Think about the specific requirements of your chickens:
- Number of Chickens: This dictates the size of your coop and run.
- Breed: Some breeds are larger and may require more space.
- Climate: Do you live in a hot or cold climate? This will influence your ventilation and insulation needs.
- Predator Protection: What predators are common in your area? You’ll need robust security measures.
Sketching Your Chicken Coop from Shed Plans
It’s time to visualize your new coop. You don’t need professional chicken coop shed plans, but a simple sketch is invaluable. Consider:
- Coop Interior Layout: Where will the roosting bars go? How many nesting boxes will you need? (One box for every 3-4 hens is usually sufficient). Where will the droppings board be placed for easy cleaning?
- Access Doors: You’ll need a human-sized door for cleaning and access, and a smaller pop-door for the chickens to enter and exit the run.
- Ventilation: This is critical. Plan for ample airflow without creating drafts.
- Roosting Bars: Chickens sleep on roosting bars. They should be about 1.5-2 inches wide with rounded edges to be comfortable for their feet.
- Nesting Boxes: These should be dark, quiet, and at a lower level than the roosting bars to discourage chickens from sleeping in them.
Step 2: Preparing the Shed for Conversion
Once your plan is in place, it’s time to get the shed ready.
Cleaning and Decluttering
Empty the shed completely. Remove any old gardening equipment, tools, or stored items. Give the interior a thorough cleaning. Sweep out cobwebs, dirt, and debris. If the floor is dirty or stained, a good scrub or even a power wash might be necessary.
Repairing and Reinforcing
Address any structural issues identified during your assessment.
- Leaks: Repair any holes or gaps in the roof or walls. Use caulk or sealant to weatherproof seams and around windows and doors.
- Rot: Replace any rotted wood.
- Foundation: Ensure the shed is stable. If it’s on uneven ground, level it. Adding concrete blocks or skids can improve stability and elevate the coop off the damp ground.
- Flooring: If the floor is old or damaged, consider reinforcing it or laying down a new layer of plywood. Make sure the flooring is smooth and easy to clean.
Predator-Proofing Measures
This is paramount. Chickens are vulnerable, so your shed to chicken coop conversion must be secure.
- Hardware Cloth: Replace any flimsy chicken wire with sturdy ½-inch or ¼-inch hardware cloth. This will keep out determined predators like raccoons and weasels. Staple it securely to the inside of any openings or frames.
- Secure Doors and Windows: Ensure all doors and windows close tightly and have secure latches that can’t be easily opened by predators. Consider adding locks.
- Skirt the Coop: If you’re building an attached run, bury hardware cloth or sturdy wire mesh at least 12 inches down around the perimeter of the run and then extend it outward about 12 inches. This “apron” prevents predators from digging underneath.
Step 3: Modifying the Shed for Chickens
Now, you’ll start modifying shed for chickens by adding the features they need.
Installing Roosting Bars
- Placement: Roosting bars should be positioned at different heights, but all should be higher than the nesting boxes. Leave about 8-10 inches of space between roosting bars and 10-12 inches between bars.
- Materials: Use wooden dowels or 2×4 lumber with rounded edges. Avoid metal or thin branches, which can be uncomfortable or damaging to chickens’ feet.
- Attachment: Securely attach the roosting bars to the shed walls using screws or brackets. Ensure they are strong enough to support the weight of your flock.
Building Nesting Boxes
- Location: Place nesting boxes in a quiet, darker area of the coop, lower than the roosting bars.
- Size: Standard nesting boxes are typically around 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 12 inches high.
- Materials: Plywood or untreated lumber is ideal. Avoid treated wood, as the chemicals can be harmful. You can build individual boxes or a communal bank of boxes.
- Access: Consider building the nesting boxes so they are accessible from the outside of the shed. This makes egg collection much easier! You can build a hinged lid on the exterior for this purpose.
- Bedding: Fill the boxes with comfortable chicken bedding shed materials like straw or pine shavings.
Creating Ventilation Openings
Good chicken coop ventilation shed is vital for health. Chickens produce a lot of moisture from breathing and droppings, which can lead to respiratory issues and frostbite in winter.
- High and Low Ventilation: You need ventilation at both high and low points in the coop. High vents allow warm, moist air to escape, while lower vents allow fresh air to enter.
- Placement: Aim for vents on opposite sides of the coop. Consider cutting openings near the roofline (soffits) and lower down on the walls.
- Predator Proofing Vents: Cover all ventilation openings with hardware cloth to prevent predators from entering. You can also add hinged wooden covers to control airflow in extreme weather.
- Window Ventilation: If your shed has windows, consider replacing one or two with screened openings or ventilation louvers.
Adding a Chicken Run
Most shed conversions will benefit from an attached chicken run for shed. This provides your chickens with a safe outdoor space to scratch, dust bathe, and forage.
- Size: The larger, the better! Aim for at least 10 square feet per chicken in the run.
- Materials: Use sturdy wooden posts for the frame and cover it entirely with hardware cloth, including the roof and the buried skirt.
- Attachment: Securely attach the run to the shed, ensuring there are no gaps where predators can enter.
- Pop Door: Create a small opening (pop door) between the coop and the run that chickens can easily access. Install a sliding door or a ramp.
Flooring and Bedding
The floor of your coop needs to be easy to clean and provide comfort for your chickens.
- Flooring Options:
- Dirt/Grass: If your shed is on soil and you don’t have predators that dig, you might opt for a dirt floor. However, this can become muddy and difficult to clean.
- Plywood: A common and practical choice. Ensure it’s sealed or covered with a protective layer.
- Concrete: Very durable and easy to clean, but can be cold in winter. You’ll need to add thick bedding.
- Chicken Bedding Shed: Regardless of your flooring type, you’ll need chicken bedding shed material.
- Pine Shavings: A popular choice, absorbent and relatively inexpensive. Avoid cedar shavings, as the aromatic oils can irritate chickens’ respiratory systems.
- Straw: Also good, but less absorbent than shavings.
- Deep Litter Method: This involves adding fresh bedding regularly and allowing the lower layers to decompose, creating a natural compost. This is a great option for warmth in winter and reduces the frequency of full clean-outs.
Step 4: Finishing Touches and Safety Checks
With the main modifications done, it’s time for the final details.
Installing a Feed and Water System
- Feeders: Use sturdy, preferably elevated feeders to keep food clean and prevent waste. Hanging feeders or trough feeders are good options.
- Waterers: Chicken waterers are designed to prevent contamination. Consider nipple waterers, which are very clean, or a sturdy gravity waterer. Ensure water is always available and kept fresh. In winter, you may need a heated waterer to prevent freezing.
Lighting (Optional)
While not essential for most backyard chickens, supplemental light can increase egg production during the shorter winter days. If you choose to add lighting, use low-wattage, red-tinted bulbs, as bright white light can disrupt their natural cycles.
Paint and Sealants
- Interior: Consider painting the interior walls with a non-toxic, washable paint. This makes cleaning easier and can help illuminate the coop.
- Exterior: Seal and paint the exterior of the shed to protect it from the elements and prolong its life. Use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints for the safety of your flock.
Final Predator Sweep
Do one last thorough check of the entire coop and run.
- Are all gaps sealed?
- Is all hardware cloth securely attached?
- Are doors and latches robust?
- Is the skirt around the run properly installed?
Step 5: Introducing Your Flock to Their New Home
Congratulations! Your DIY chicken coop shed is ready.
Acclimation Period
When you introduce your new chickens, let them explore the coop and run at their own pace. It might take a few days for them to feel completely comfortable.
Daily Routine
Establish a routine for feeding, watering, and collecting eggs.
Regular Cleaning
Even with the deep litter method, regular cleaning is essential.
- Daily: Spot clean any soiled bedding and check food and water levels.
- Weekly: Rake or turn the litter. Remove any droppings from roosting bars and nesting boxes.
- Monthly/Bi-Monthly: Depending on flock size and ventilation, you might need to do a more thorough clean-out and add fresh bedding.
Key Considerations for Your Garden Shed Conversion
Here are some additional points to keep in mind during your garden shed conversion:
Shed-to-Chicken-Coop Conversion Checklist
| Task | Status (Done/To Do) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shed Assessment | Structural integrity, size, location, foundation | |
| Cleaning & Decluttering | Empty and clean interior | |
| Repairs & Reinforcement | Fix leaks, rot, stabilize foundation | |
| Predator-Proofing | Hardware cloth, secure latches, predator skirt | |
| Roosting Bar Installation | Proper height, width, and spacing | |
| Nesting Box Construction | Adequate number, size, and placement | |
| Ventilation Openings | High and low vents, predator-proofed | |
| Chicken Run Construction | Sufficient size, secure, attached to shed | |
| Flooring & Bedding | Choose appropriate flooring and bedding | |
| Feeder & Waterer Setup | Install clean and accessible systems | |
| Exterior Sealing/Painting | Protect the shed from weather | |
| Interior Painting (Opt.) | For easier cleaning and light | |
| Final Predator Check | Thorough inspection of all security measures |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What size shed do I need for chickens?
A1: A good rule of thumb is 2-4 square feet of coop floor space per chicken. For a coop attached to a run, aim for at least 10 square feet per chicken in the run. A small shed (e.g., 6×8 feet) can comfortably house 4-6 chickens.
Q2: Can I use a treated wooden shed for chickens?
A2: It’s best to avoid treated wood where chickens will have direct contact, such as roosting bars or inside nesting boxes, as the chemicals can be harmful. If the shed itself is treated wood, ensure it’s well-ventilated and that you don’t use treated materials for interior elements.
Q3: How do I keep my shed coop warm in winter?
A3: Proper insulation and ventilation are key. The deep litter method also adds warmth. Ensure there are no drafts. You can add extra insulation to the walls and roof if you live in a very cold climate. Avoid brooder lamps unless absolutely necessary, as they can be a fire hazard.
Q4: How do I keep my shed coop cool in summer?
A4: Ample ventilation is crucial. Ensure your coop has plenty of openings for cross-breeze. You can also add shaded areas in the run and ensure water is always available. Consider painting the roof a lighter color to reflect heat.
Q5: What are the best ventilation methods for a shed coop?
A5: The best methods involve creating high and low vents on opposite sides of the coop to allow for natural convection. Covered vents prevent rain and snow from entering while still allowing air exchange. Screen all vents with hardware cloth to keep predators out.
Q6: What kind of chicken bedding shed is best?
A6: Pine shavings (not cedar) and straw are excellent choices for chicken bedding shed. They are absorbent and comfortable. The deep litter method, where you continually add to the bedding and allow decomposition, is a popular and effective way to manage coop cleanliness and provide warmth.
Turning a garden shed into a chicken coop is a rewarding project that offers a custom, spacious, and secure home for your flock. By following these steps, you can successfully complete your garden shed conversion and enjoy fresh eggs from your happy hens.