When we decided to add laying hens into our homestead we wanted to get them set up with a secure and comfortable coop. We were looking to not spend an arm and a leg on purchasing a coop from the store or lots of materials to build one from the ground up so we went with repurposing a shed into a chicken coop! We even decided that it was possible to keep some of the space for shed storage too.
Repurposing our shed into a chicken coop
We built a divider wall made part way of wood and the top half chicken wire. Air flow was important. We wanted to be able to open the opposite side and allow cross flow between the divided sections.
We then built boxes for the chickens to have a comfortable space to lay their eggs, seek shelter or rest.
Next we cut a 14×14 square opening on the side of the shed and attached hardware to allow a door leading out for movement during daylight hours and security from outside predators during dark hours.
We then collected wood, debarked and created a tip to utilize as fence posts and attached chicken wire held down by ground tent stakes to make a large outdoor enclosure that the swing door led to.
A generalized breakdown of costs of repurposing our shed into a chicken coop…
Ground Stakes: $10
Chicken Wire: $75
Hardware: $15-$20
Our hens took right to the coop and started laying the very first night. They were comfortable- very apparently.
We were able to repurpose our shed into a chicken coop for about $100.
By repurposing materials we had on hand, using natural materials like small limbs for posts and being creative we were able create a space for our layers that didn’t cost an arm and a leg!
You might even have a structure on your property other than a shed that could be used or upcycled into or part of a chicken coop!
Using what you have, repurposing and recycling is not only cost effective but helps in making less waste overall….and THAT is a homesteaders dream!
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Love, light and a little grace…
-Olivia
Olivia Whalen is mama to three young girls who is devoted to creative learning, exploration and free range imagination. Olivia enjoys thinking outside of the box when it comes to preparing homemade baby food or meals for her family. She most enjoys allowing the little minds in her life to flourish and with that you will see her write about creative kid crafts, recipes that fit a family budget and keep everyone asking for more, tips and tricks for a tiny babe, and beginner homesteader fun! Some of her hobbies include gardening, hiking, reading, cooking or just basking in motherhood.