this post was submitted on 11 Sep 2025
28 points (93.8% liked)

Load Bearing Wisdom

122 readers
69 users here now

A community for homeowners, and anyone handy or curious, to discuss all the mysteries and pitfalls of owning your own home, from DIY repairs, to navigating utility options, to refinancing wisdom. No hostility or condescension, and show each other respect. #homeowner #homeownership

founded 1 week ago
MODERATORS
 

It’s 12’ square and I think 12’ high at the peak.

top 8 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] Cort@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Big sheet of linoleum flooring will make it much easier to clean out. Put it 6-8 inches up the wall and cover with straw. Then shovel it out quarterly. Whatever linoleum is the cheapest, patterns shouldn't matter since it'll soon be caked in shit

In Maine you may want to look into a diesel heater or propane, since it's cheaper than resistive electric heat

[–] ptc075@lemmy.zip 7 points 6 days ago

I do not have chickens myself, but my brother does. Every 2-3 years, he picks up & moves the shed to another location, because the chickens shit constantly. Gets so bad he cannot keep up. You will not have that option, so stop & think in advance how you plan to keep the place clean. Depending on your tolerance for cleanliness, it may not be feasible to use the shed for anything else once you've had chickens in there for a few months.

Also, the chickens attract all manner of wildlife, from other birds who want to grab food, to snakes who want to steal eggs, up to downright predators who want to eat your chickens. Realize you cannot simply let them out in the morning & come back from work in the evening & expect everything to be alright.

[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 5 points 6 days ago (2 children)

I suggest ducks. Stink less, less noise, can be trained to come out of the coop to forage in the yard and return... The only real downside is less frequent eggs.

[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

I would like both. But, stupid question: do ducks not require a water feature?

[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 4 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

A small trough will do. They don't need to swim in it. I suspect the need will change based on the variety of ducks you choose.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrrUBr6fdJU Nate has some videos about raising ducks that night help you decide.

[–] Nomad 2 points 6 days ago (1 children)

I hear duck shit is much more trouble than chicken shit.

[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 4 points 6 days ago

I can't imagine something worse than chicken shit. I'm curious on what you think makes it troublesome.

[–] Chrysanthemum@piefed.social 3 points 5 days ago

I have the link below bookmarked because I was hoping to do this myself. Good luck and keep us posted.

https://www.pamsbackyardchickens.com/2021/04/how-to-turn-shed-into-chicken-coop.html?m=1