Converting old shed to Barn/Coop

[jvls1942]

I don't believe anything will dig under the foundation. if something does try, You will see evidence of it before it succeeds .
plug all holes in all the walls.
.......jiminwisc....

 

[Finnisher]

Will do thanks for your help. If I house rabbits in there and they dig, do you think they'll escape?

 

[turtlerouge]

I've the same similar problem. I turned my old horse sta into a chicken coop. The sliding door and the chain link gate is presenting quite a challenge for me how to close all the gaps a d yet be able to slide the door and open and close the gate. I don't have recent pictures of what we did but there is still space for small animals to come in.

 

[BYC910]

Sorry here are the picsView attachment 1028075 View attachment 1028077

Eight inch concrete block 1950s model probably set on a thin strip of mortar . The holes in the roof will only continue to cause the whole structure to deteriorate. I see lots of wood rot there already . If you don't own it be careful how much money you spend on it . I would stop the leaks first and consider building safe cages for the birds and rabbits . Trying to make the shed it'self safe will require a lot of work and expense. Use as much salvage materials as you can. Check craigslist for free stuff .Try to build so you can remove and take it with you . Free range chickens go everywhere . Why did the chicken cross the road ? Because it's a chicken . Start by sketching out you floor layout for rabbit and quail separation . Think about how many you want to have . Then ask how much space is required for each bird and each rabbit . Use that as your guide . If the prevailing winds aren't blowing in the door opening then it can remain open. It's important to keep them dry so they will stay warm . Good luck with your project Just stay at it and you'll get there .

 

[Finnisher]

I don't see myself using this place for long maybe 3-4 years max so you hit the nail on the head about investing too much into this barn.

I figure it's going to be more expensive to create cages for all the animals I want to have than to just buy a little mesh and couple 2x4. I have scrap wood for the door frame.

For now I'm going to construct the door and we'll go from there. Will post updates.

 

[Finnisher]

Hey,
Just wanted to update you guys. The barn I was planning on using was deemed unusable by a contractor friend, the base was rotten and eaten away mostly, he said a strong wind on the left wall would take it down.

There was another abandoned building on the property I can use, I already moved my animals in there. Here are some picks take a look, I just have to make some rabbit cages inside the room, add some more material on the floor and fix up the door. I want to make the door that has two parts that open, top and bottom, that are hinged and can be locked separately, sorry I don't know the name.

Sorry for the bad pics, they don't do the room justice. There is also another room connected to this one, also pretty good size.

 

[jvls1942]

it is called a Dutch Door.
If a strong wind hasn't taken the building down by now, it probably won't for a long time to come.

 

[aart]

@BYC910 and your contractor friend gave good advice on that barn.
Would have taken more money and effort than I'd want to invest in something I didn't own.