Chinchilla Shed

When we moved house we had the opportunity to invest in a new shed. We have visited many breeders around the country and took note of what would provide the best most practical set up. Taking ideas from various breeders we began to design our new shed. Looking at our garden we chose the most sheltered and shaded spot, behind our neighbours garage and underneath two mature trees. This meant the shed would be shaded from high summer sunlight and late afternoon and evening sunlight.

Preparation

The ground work was prepared by digging down 6 inches to allow for a subgrade to be laid then 6 inches of concrete on top. The finished shed would then sit above ground level. A trench was dug around the base, lined with weed suppresing membrane then filled with gravel, this would allow any surface water to drain away.

The Shed

We asked local companies to provide quotes and specifications for a 24ft by 8.5ft shed, divided into 2 larger rooms with a central access corridor. We chose Saltire Stables who used supperior materials to others builders, provided a great service and could provide exactly what we wanted at a reasonable cost.

The shed is 7.5 ft high (to the eaves) and 10ft high to the peak with an overhang of 8inches. There are 8inch vents on the longest sides of the shed, these are covered in 1/2inch wire mesh. The roof is made from corrugated Onduline roofing, with OSB boarding underneath. The entire shed has a vapour barrier to prevent any moisture entering the shed. It is insulated with the equivalent of 6 inches in the roof and 4 inches in the walls then lined with OSB. The floor has been left concrete and coated with diluted solvent to prevent dust from the concrete. Inside is painted white, cables and sockets installed to allow heat pads to be plugged in for kits being born in winter.Lighting is provided by 4 5ft flourescent tubes.