6' x 4' shed - what next?

[amandaandherveg]

After waiting for a few years for the time and the space for a polytunnel and chooks, we're now good to go on both counts. We've refelted the roof on a 6' x 4' shed and placed it on a raised base on top of slabs. I plan on getting 6 ladies, possibly going up to a max of 10. Could you help me with a few points?

Given the size of the shed and the amount of chooks I'm planning, would it be acceptable to mount the nesting boxes inside the coop? (my joinery skills are decent but basic and I'm not overly keen on hacking out the side of the shed). Their attached run would be approx 8' x 8' accessed by a sliding hatch/door at the side of the shed.

I'm thinking along the lines of creosote for the inside walls and vinyl for the floor - I also need to think of where to put roosting perches, etc. Does this sound ok, what else should I be thinking about?

[RedThorn]

old fashioned milk crate for nest box and a scaled down balance beam(trying to give the imagery) so both are removable during cleaning makes life easier

[Hilary B]

Did you use the creosote-substitute before felting the roof? If not, might be best to treat the inside of the roof, and ALL the inside (if you use vinyl, you won't want it so stuck down you can't lift it to clean underneath, so creocote under there as well).
If you are having an internal nest box there are advantages to leaving it unattached (simplifies cleaning etc) and it should be at a lower level than the perch (but not directly below)
I'd go with a cardboard box, and reckon on replacing it when it gets mucky (BURN the one you are getting rid of) and simply place it on the floor, but NOT below the perches.
Removable perch could be supported on fixed 'bearers', but you WILL need to treat all gaps (especially the small ones) at least once a year as well as creocote before adding the hens.

[amandaandherveg]

Thanks RT and Hilary

Shed not yet been treated inside - what creosote substituted gets the thumbs up? How many ladies would be comfortbale in a 6' x 4' shed? I'm planning on 6ish to start but may wish to add some more at a later date.

[Hilary B]

If the run is big enough, you could keep 10 in there wthout any bother at all, 12 if they weren't the very biggest of breeds. Run size is much more important than house size (as long as they can all get inside without it getting like a sardine tin).
I haven't kept chickens for years now, last time I needed creosote I could still buy the real thing... I have heard good reports of one called Creocote.
Remember it has to be fully dry before the hens go near it!