1897 Coop Rehab

[Robert Millette]

My name is Robert and I'm beginning to rehab a chicken coop that was built in 1897. I've never raised chickens before but I have a very close friend that is helping me out. Any suggestions as to the pitfalls of a hundred-year-oldyear-old Coop would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[Freeloading slacker]

Hello and welcome to Backyard chickens! Wow that's the oldest Coop I've ever seen, I'd love to see it when it's all finished.

 

[Robert Millette]

Hello and welcome to Backyard chickens! Wow that's the oldest Coop I've ever seen, I'd love to see it when it's all finished.

As things move along I will post more pictures.

Thank you for the greeting!

 

[Robert Millette]

Here are some starting pictures from the inside.
This is my starting point!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue
• Good link to read before building a coop / run - Space requirements

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Robert, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
The hardware cloth is good but you want to seal up those gaps between the boards with battens and make sure any nails you use to attach the battens don't penetrate through the boards so far as to be a hazard to the birds. Ring shank nails might be the best option.
All the upper gaps between the roofing and the walls need to be closed off with hardware cloth too.
I'd add more ventilation as well.
You should start a coop restoration thread in the Coop and Run Forum for additional help along the way. Make a sketch of the interior and exterior layout (to scale) for help with the optimal placement of everything and ideas on how to make things more efficient. For example, that little ladder isn't much help to a chicken. They can traverse ramps with cleats much easier than that ladder.
Good luck with the restoration!

 

[N F C]

Hi Robert, best of luck with your old coop rehab...what an interesting project!

 

[Riv-6]

Hi, Robert! Welcome to BYC! What an awesome coop to restore. Would love to see updates and the finished product! Best of luck.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am with everyone else, I would love to see this as you go along. I love anything old and you got it!
Welcome to BYC!

 

[21hens-incharge]

What an interesting and fun project!