Why not just have a coop, separate from the house, with chickens that are a hardy variety? There are lots out there that can withstand tough winters. Why invest in that space (near your bedroom) when you can just create a different space?
I wouldn't have them in my home, previous barn or not. I would never keep full grown poultry in my house. There are just too many cons and not enough pros! Stinky, dusty, buggy, pooey... give them their own space.
Edited to add: Here is a chart where you can see which chickens are cold hardy. I really think this is the better way to go. Also find local people who already keep chickens and see what they have. http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/dual.html
I wouldn't have them in my home, previous barn or not. I would never keep full grown poultry in my house. There are just too many cons and not enough pros! Stinky, dusty, buggy, pooey... give them their own space.
Edited to add: Here is a chart where you can see which chickens are cold hardy. I really think this is the better way to go. Also find local people who already keep chickens and see what they have. http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/dual.html
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