Am I nuts?

[CityChook]

We built our 6x8 coop as a shed for the specific reason that if the "chicken thing" didn't work out, we'd have a usable, functional building. I put in insulation, house windows, wired it for electricity (and heat) and have a nice, wide, human sized door. It's certainly big enough to use as a studio. Or a playhouse, or a potting shed, or even a party cabana. And because it's painted inside, all it takes to clean it out is soap and water. No smell. I say go for it.

 

[tinyscrafts]

I called Toys R us (near me in So. Calif) looking for that Savannah playhouse. I was told it's been clearanced out and is no longer available. It's been replaced in the lineup by an smaller & uglier wood one... I'm so bummed.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
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Yes, DE is diatomaceous earth. No, you don't NEED it, but it will help control flies and odors, not to mention mites and lice on the birds, along with some other uses. And there will be flies and lice and mites; part of owning chickens.

 

[cmom]

There is a thread on playhouse chicken coops. I will do a search for it. We built our first coop. Our second coop is a shed we bought and converted. Our third coop will be attached to the back of the new barn we're building. The second coop will be turned back into a shed once the new coop is built.

 

[Gwen]

ddawn, Maybe I'll use DE inside the coop. I have dogs and I've always heard DE is bad for dogs so I don't use it in my garden. But they won't be going inside the coop!

Cmom, I'd love to see that thread on playhouses if you find it!

 

[scogind]

Personally I think your husband is right. You won't be able to use it for anything else, cause you're always gonna have chickens in it! Addiction, all it takes is one chicken!

 

[ducks4you]

two (OLD) horses have died in my barn and I got the smell out

I think, that, with enough bleach, you can clean anything--that is, if you change you mind about the chickens.

 

[Poupoulles]

I think you are crazy to think that you will ever use it for storage. Once you have a "couple of hens, just for eggs" its all downhill from there...

Anyway, deep litter is the answer to all things... And make sure that the shed is very well ventilated. That will be half your battle right there.

Did you know that AARP was founded because some woman was living in an old chicken coop?! I'm not making this up!!

 

[Count Von Chickula]

I built a 6' x 10' chicken "house on a wagon running gear, complete with two walk in doors and windows. It had eight nests and we stocked it with over 20 chickens at one time. Today it is parked on blocks and is our kids "tree-less" house/fort. I put old carpet on the floor and ceiling after it had sat a while (took it through a car wash to get the worst out before letting it sit a year).

I guess if you let it sit clean (REAL CLEAN) for a while the bacteria will eventually be gone when the 'food' runs out. This spring I slept in our old coop with my four boys. So I guess I'd say it can be done, depending how you build it, how long you let it sit clean, and if you do a little remodeling...

 

[kezabel]

Yep your nuts.... lol NOT... have fun with it I recon, go for it, It will be beautiful