Farm & Flock Repurpose Your Shed
Farm & Flock— presented by Chicken Whisperer Magazine ®
Healthy Insulation
Insulation helps regulate the temperature inside the coop, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also helps prevent moisture buildup inside the coop. If you live in a residential area or have neighbors nearby, insulation can reduce the amount of noise that escapes.
To improve air circulation and manage moisture, consider using materials such as rigid foam board( EPS or XPS), mineral wool, sealed straw or hay bales in protected wall cavities. Unlike airtight installations, which can trap moisture, these materials are the most effective.
Using a deep litter system or adding adjustable vent panels can further protect your coop from inconsistent winter temperatures while maintaining healthy airflow.
Roosting Bars & Nesting Boxes
When installing roosting bars, be mindful to position them a couple of feet off the ground and spaced well apart from the wall. This allows your hens to perch comfortably. Also, be mindful of the type of wood you use for the roosting bars to prevent splinters; I recommend a smooth or rounded wood.
When deciding where to place nesting boxes, hens are most comfortable in quiet and dark areas that are low to the roosts. Ensure you have one nesting box for every three to four hens, and that both roosts and nesting boxes are easily accessible for the chickens and for cleaning.
Chicken Ramps When adding chicken ramps, make sure to allow easy access to your hens ' nesting boxes. Use sturdy, non-slip materials that allow for an easy incline, especially for hens who may struggle, such as older or larger hens.
Hens will have difficulty in icy or muddy conditions, so attaching cleats or small strips of wood horizontally will create extra grip. Ramps also help prevent injury and allow hens to move freely within their coop.
More Features!
Installing removable droppings boards underneath the roosts helps to maintain cleanliness, making this an easy-to-clean feature. Along with cleanliness, consider adding a dust bath station outside the coop. A dust bath can include sand, ash or a soil mix to limit exposure to parasites for your hens.
For an entertaining feature, add a treat hanger filled with cabbage or other leafy greens. To encourage your hens to lay in their nesting boxes, consider adding curtains along the front of them to reduce stress.
By focusing on the priorities of your coop and planning carefully, your coop will become a place your hens will feel at home in, no matter the time of the year. With these upgrades and features added to your coop, your shed will become a true haven for your hens!
About the Author:
Elam Miller is the owner and founder of Bird-In-Hand Pet Structures, including The Hen House Collection. The Hen House Collection is a custom chicken coop builder based in Pennsylvania, offering nationwide delivery.
12 AcreageLife March 2026 AcreageLife. com