Concrete Block Building?

[CClarke2023]

We have an outbuilding that is concrete block 3 walls with a tin roof. The question is could this be turned into a chicken coup and would the chickens weather well in a concrete structure? I would assume that an area would need to be blocked from the weather so they would have a warm place to go in the winter and we have the space to either let them roam the yard or make an area just for them. Thanks

 

[Acre4Me]

Yes, that would be good. But, where, in general, are you located? Weather? Extremes? Rain coming in?

Ventilation is important: draft free, yet ventilated. Often this mean upper vents, roof vents, etc.

What is the floor constructed if? Concrete? Dirt?

 

[CClarke2023]

Yes, that would be good. But, where, in general, are you located? Weather? Extremes? Rain coming in?

Ventilation is important: draft free, yet ventilated. Often this mean upper vents, roof vents, etc.

What is the floor constructed if? Concrete? Dirt?

Located in WV, winter's can get bad (although recent years have been mild). Rain wouldn't be a problem as far as getting into the structure. I think the ventilation would be good since it's a 3 sided building. I think the floor is concrete but not sure; it could be a dirt floor.

 

[Brooks_]

Located in WV, winter's can get bad (although recent years have been mild). Rain wouldn't be a problem as far as getting into the structure. I think the ventilation would be good since it's a 3 sided building. I think the floor is concrete but not sure; it could be a dirt floor.

Sounds like a good starting structure.

 

[Brooks_]

Please, pics.

 

[SourRoses]

It sounds fabulous! What a great start!

Here in Florida, I would just Hardware Cloth the whole front with a door and be done. Awesome coop & inexpensive!
Since it's a bit colder in WV winters, first we would need to know the dimensions - depending on the depth and width there may be a good "air cushion" allowing you to still have the fresh air design which is so great in summer, without winter drafts.
However, if the building is rather square, it's probably necessary to block the roosts from winter drafts.
What direction do your prevailing winds come from?

 

[CClarke2023]

Please, pics.

Lol. Thanks.

 

[CClarke2023]

It sounds fabulous! What a great start!

Here in Florida, I would just Hardware Cloth the whole front with a door and be done. Awesome coop & inexpensive!
Since it's a bit colder in WV winters, first we would need to know the dimensions - depending on the depth and width there may be a good "air cushion" allowing you to still have the fresh air design which is so great in summer, without winter drafts.
However, if the building is rather square, it's probably necessary to block the roosts from winter drafts.
What direction do your prevailing winds come from?

The building is probably 5'x10' and about 6' tall. Not sure about wind direction will have to ask my better half. The building is in an area of the yard that gets sun all day.

 

[SourRoses]

The building is probably 5'x10' and about 6' tall. Not sure about wind direction will have to ask my better half. The building is in an area of the yard that gets sun all day.

Cool! So is the open side the one that's 5ft wide or 10ft wide?
If it's 10ft wide, the design needs to be more closed, especially around roost level.

 

[Acre4Me]

Cool! So is the open side the one that's 5ft wide or 10ft wide?
If it's 10ft wide, the design needs to be more closed, especially around roost level.

Exactly! But if it’s 10’ deep, with only a 5’ cushion, then that can be great for many reasons.

I will note though, that our run is 10’ deep. It backs up entirely behind the barn, with a full slanted roof the entire 50’ length (enclosed goat pen on the North side too so nothing comes in from the north). It is generally protected from winds from the west. But, any other direction and rain can soak almost to the barn - it has to be pretty windy though. Also, we haven’t installed gutters yet, but that is planned. We just went through a very stormy night with tornadoes within 10- 20 miles of us so I’m interested to see how wet the run is this morning (someone else let out the chickens earlier). So just be aware of wind direction and weather exposure.