Building new coop..what to do with my girls through construction

[kmsfullmer]

Hello! I'm currently in the planning stages of building a new coop for my girls. The home we purchased has a 100 year old shed with a small portion designated as a coop. The shed is 80% wasted space as there is no electricity and resembles something out of a horror movie. The new shed/coop will be functional and amazing. My last hangup before starting is, what to do with my girls? I have 8 hens and I'd like to not traumatize them anymore than I have to, but worst case scenario is they would be displaced from their current "home" for a week. Anyone ever experienced this? Tips? Ideas?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Provided you don't have a lot of large predators, you might consider a make shift chicken tractor using construction fencing or pet fencing with bird netting over it. You could move that around as they forage.

Of course the girls will be keenly interested in what you are doing and likely interested in digging in the dirt for the bugs you stir up. Mine tend to be "construction helpers." We've even let them spread the bark dust. They are pretty good at it!

LofMc

 

[aart]

The new shed/coop will be functional and amazing. My last hangup before starting is, what to do with my girls?

Do you plan on tearing down the old building?
.....and building a new coop all within a week?

Oh, and ....Welcome to BYC! @kmsfullmer
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[kmsfullmer]

Thanks for the welcome! I have thought of a tractor, but want to make sure they have enough space. I do let them free in my backyard, but when we are not home for long periods during the day, I want a safe/large place. I think the biggest concern is at night. Making them safe and comfortable, etc. I told my husband they may be in the garage, because our girls deserve the Hilton for the time they are displaced. They will for sure be interested in the construction, but safety first!

Here in Northern Utah, temps are in the hight 70s, so not hot. Yes, I am tearing down the old coop/shed. The new one will arrive with walls, trusses all pre-built. And yes, ventilation. It will have a solar fan/vent system, as well as typical vents. The coop portion will be 10x12 and I'm being told that it can be assembled in one day. Once up, I will get roosts, nesting boxes installed quickly. Unsure on how long the demo will take. Thank you for the links. I have been researching for some time, but will look through them, for sure!