[thestephens]

we are going to convert a 8 x 6 shed for a new home for the hens, any advice or photographs would be fab!

[SallyintNorth]

Some random things I have learned about chicken houses over the years:

• perches rounded or (better still) square with edges rounded off, about 2"-2.5" diameter / square
• if you have perches at different levels, make sure no bird will be getting pooped on by the bird(s) above
• birds should be able to reach the lowest perch without having to jump more than about 12" (use a ladder if you want the perch higher) - bigger jumps up to higher levels will mean only the good jumpers / flyers get up to those
• others will have more advice on things like how to avoid pests (mites etc) but I do know that onduline roofing is preferable to roofing felt for that reason
• doing a shed conversion you will need to add a lot of ventilation - and make as much of it adjustable as you can
• reduce rodent problems by putting 1" weldmesh all over the underside now before anything else

I'm sure there will be loads of things I've forgotten, and loads more I never knew - but there are plenty of other folks on here who'll contribute their experiences, I'm sure

[knightquest]

Hello. I've converted a dog kennel. I used old branches for perches after I lined it with plywood (1/4") and painted it with creosote before putting it in place.
I used old wall and floor tiles on the floor too. It makes it easy to clean.
Hope it helps.

Ian

[deepinthewoods]

old lino on the floor of mine, dont forget ventilation!

[thestephens]

IM liking the different floor options!
now i understand while looking at bigger coops on ebay that the perch frame is that way, poop drops down not on your friends head!
keep  the info coming!!

[ramblerskitchen]

Hi   We are doing the same.  I have just obtained (free of course) an old rabbit hutch which we are going to fix on the outside as laying boxes, so that we don't have to walk into the shed to collect the eggs.  Have changed the roof so that it is hinged and opens for ease of collection of eggs.  And split into three boxes

Fingers crossed it will work when fitted and the side of the shed removed to accommodate it.

Sarah

[Mel]

Here is just that,we bought the shed from the tip £15.00,two old cupboards,some laminate flooring also from the tip and as shown,originally we had two old branches but changed these as the flock grew as they could not all fit,we have those machined post's now.

[thestephens]

perfect! almost there, hopefully 4 more hens by the weekend and hopefully a litter of piglets just to top it off!!