Can I turn an old freezer into a "winter home" for the girls?

[fldiver97]

Quote:
I think that's a better use for it.

It may be better to get some free/inexpensive wood or something like a doghouse, wooden shipping crate etc from freecycle, craigslist, construction sites etc and make a coop for the chickens. It will be safer and more suited than the freezer I'd think. Check the coop construction site for some ideas. Some folks have used all free/recycled materials. Pretty isn't the issue...safe and functional are priorities

 

[BigPeep]

I use an old freezer for feed storage. You have to be careful it doesn't leak if it is outside. Otherwise it is perfect for inside. You should keep the feed in plastic garbage cans inside the freezer rather than use loose feed as it can sweat in humid weather and the feed can mold. I am building my winter coop to dimensions that will allow me to put it inside in a hallway area.

I converted a wooden lawn mower packing crate into a coop for use during the warm weather. With the number of birds you have, it would be a good size for indoors, and you can varmit proof it. The roof is hinged and I have flaps to retreive the eggs (painted yellow, of course). You may be able to find one behind Home Depot type stores. Be sure you ask permission to take it. Sometimes they send them back to the manufacturer.

You can also stand the freezer up and rig it for use as an incubator, but it sounds like you won't have nearly enough eggs to fill it with the number of birds.

 

[JudyInd]

Ok, I'm going to go with the majority here and build something instead. I thought it would be a way to use it since I can't seem to get anyone to take it away for free but if it isn't 100 % safe for the girls it isn't worth it. I like the idea about using it for feed storage. Right now I keep feed on the porch in a plastic box but knew that wouldn't work for winter. Thanks for all the replies and great advice!
Judy in Indiana