Question for those with knowledge in construction/framing

[phylodog]

I bought my wife an 8x12 shed five years ago which I converted into a chicken coop. We're pushing 50 birds now and she wants it extended. My plan is to simply build a replica of the current one (as far as framing/design) right behind/against to it and simply nail the framing of each together where they meet. I understand this isn't likely the most secure means possible of accomplishing the goal but it's a chicken coop so I don't need it to support thousands of pounds of weight either.

I plan to strip off all of the siding/trim from the backside here and just add on another 12'.

I figured I'd check with those more knowledgeable in case this is a disaster waiting to happen for some reason which hasn't occurred to me. I'm going to strip the shingle roof off of the existing coop and replace it with steel along with the new section. I've never installed shingles but figure steel will be a lot less hassle compared to matching what we have up there.

Interested in educated opinions but I'm not committing to taking the advice

 

[Magyars]

Sounds like a plan. Like you said, it's a chicken coop.
Try not to over think it.
Good luck!

 

[littletommy]

Your method will work just fine for what it is. If you really want to get fancy, you could take up the roof sheathing and floor and stagger in your new stuff, but I don’t think I’d even worry about that unless roof or floor of the existing shed is damaged or rotted.

 

[snapping turtle]

Add a few lags between the old building and the new building you be fine and the building will unite into the chick coop of your dreams

 

[shibumiseeker]

It ain’t rocket surgery. Your plan will work fine.

 

[cg21]

50 in an 8x12 isn’t very crowded? Unless planning on growing the flock just spruce that shed up by the looks of it they are only in there at night? Get an “omelette” automatic chicken door with your $$ instead lol it is a game changer in the chicken keeping world.

 

[indyjohn]

Send it.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Send it.

YEp. What you described would work. you're basically tying two freestanding barns together. The only strength you need is enough to keep them together so the roofing doesnt leak.

 

[KittySlayer]

I'm going to strip the shingle roof off of the existing coop and replace it with steel along with the new section. I've never installed shingles but figure steel will be a lot less hassle compared to matching what we have up there.

I have never installed a steel roof. Suggest evaluating cost. Also consider if there is a weight difference compared to asphalt shingles that may impact what your current framing will support.

Installing asphalt shingles is about the easiest (intellectually) job in the world, especially with a simple roof like yours. If sticking with asphalt I would say simply strip off the old and put all new shingles on the entire roof.

Look for advice from people smarter than me on asphalt vs. steel roofing as I have been drinking fluoride water and may not be the smartest one in the room.

 

[phylodog]

50 in an 8x12 isn’t very crowded? Unless planning on growing the flock just spruce that shed up by the looks of it they are only in there at night? Get an “omelette” automatic chicken door with your $$ instead lol it is a game changer in the chicken keeping world.

50 is very crowded in ours. I'd imagine configuration has a lot to do with how many they'll hold comfortably.

 

[cg21]

50 is very crowded in ours. I'd imagine configuration has a lot to do with how many they'll hold comfortably.

All they do is roost in it though? That’s what I was meaning. They don’t need room for activities. Now that I have the auto chicken door it opens right at dawn closes 30m after dusk. It is great.

So they have minimal time in the coop and maximize the free range time not dependent on me waking up and opening the door or closing it for them, because that would undoubtedly shave minutes off the outdoor time.

 

[phylodog]

Ours are in and out of the coop all day. Some of the hens lay in there, some other places. They're all roosting in the rafters of the coop so once I expend I'll block the rafters off and have roosts built in they'll have to use.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

All they do is roost in it though? That’s what I was meaning. They don’t need room for activities.

But what if they decide they'd like to have some friends over and entertain?

 

[Cameramonkey]

But what if they decide they'd like to have some friends over and entertain?

Then he can add a disco ball.

 

[KittySlayer]

But what if they decide they'd like to have some friends over and entertain?

Maybe serve a bucket of chicken?

 

[cg21]

But what if they decide they'd like to have some friends over and entertain?

Just put in mirrors I hear birds like them and it will give the illusion of more space, worked in the 80’s/90’s apply purple where needed

 

[Jaybird1980]

Your plan will definitely work.

If it was me I would just convert the lean to that's already on it into a roosting area. Add a clean out door in the back, and move the bird door to somewhere else

 

[phylodog]

If it was me

I don't make the rules

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Everything useful has been covered, so allow me to introduce you to the world of safety gear for chickens for all your poultry construction related project needs:

This, BTW, is a real product. I just searched it up as a gag, never expecting the market was already there...

 

[Creedmoor]

But what if they decide they'd like to have some friends over and entertain?

Geesh.. Don't let them put a Pineapple on the front porch.
And its not entertaining its called "Hosting"