children playhouse conversion!

[easton coop]

Hi All,

I have the chance of getting a child's playhouse (a small shed) from a neighbour that i would like to convert to a chicken coop. I understand that I would have to strip the paint off and replace it with a chicken friendly wood preserve. Can anyone give me some advice on strippers and paint. I live in the UK in hampshire.
Thanks for any help.

David

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

Why do you need to strip? I paint the inside of my coops. You just don't want them access to pealing paint.

 

[easton coop]

Hi, I'm not sure what paint was used on the wood! it's about 7 years old, but has been stored in a garage. I am a bit worried that harm may come from the chickens and the paint. However it may be safe now it's been a few years! Chicken coops are so expensive in the UK, for a well built one, and have been looking to build my own, so when I got the chance of acquiring a structure already made i would love to use it, also good re-using/re-cycling.

David

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

Post some pictures for us. We love to see pictures.

If you are worried about the paint, you could always paint over it with something you are comfortable with. Something that is easy to wash.

 

[gsim]

from Tennessee, USA.


Go for it and do not be concerned unless it is leaded paint. Figure on allowing 4 sq ft per chook. If it does not have gable vents, then add some. I did 1 sq ft permanent ventilation for each 4 chooks. Put it as high as possible to vent fumes out. A ventilated cupola on top would look nice and would do the job. Security and ventilation are the two most important things.

 

[Jess N Jeff]

I would say if you are really worried about the paint, sand it a little and then primer it, then use an animal friendly paint over the primer or use a sealer.

I would not strip it...chemically speaking, strippers are going to be much worse then just repainting.

By the way....

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Nice recycling! It must not be lead paint if it was a child's playhouse. Unless it was peeling I wouldn't worry too much. Very good find, Congratulations.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Sand it down if neccessary and paint it over with a laytex paint. I've got 3 plastic playhouse that I'm making into coops. If it ever stop raining or snowing

 

[easton coop]

Thank you everyone. you have all been a great help. I will re-construct the new house over the next few weeks and post some photo's.

 

[easton coop]

just to update you all. the weather has now got a little better which has allowed me to start constructing the coop and run. I have built a frame to fill with gravel/shingle for the chocks to play in, which will then have wire around the sides and top. hope fully this will be done in the next few weeks, when i will post some images.