Coop opinions needed

[NewToFarming]

I have just joined and am in the process of moving on to a nice size farm. I wanted to get my own chicks after we had everything cleaned up and ready (It is a mess) but the previous people had left 3 roosters there. Their current setup is free range but they have an area in the back of the barn. It is a smaller room with a door to enter. They have their feeder & water in this room. What I have been wondering if this setup is OK or should I really build a separate coop not inside the barn. To me, it just seems like it would take a lot for them to go all the way back there to eat, nest etc., especially when I get the new chicks.
It also looks like one had dies previously in one of the stalls. I was thinking maybe he couldn’t get out of the stall to access food or water??? The previous people had moved April 1st and we didn’t start going in there until the end of April so they have been on their own for awhile before I started putting feed out for them.
I would like your opinions on which way you would think would be better, a separate coop or if being in the room in the barn.

 

[lilblessings5]

Its too bad nobody was there to make sure the chickens were taken care of for so long.

My chickens are free ranging right now and they go all over the place so I wouldn't think it would be a problem for them to go into the barn. They seem to know where home is. You could always and I probably would put a feeder and waterer outside during the day when they are out there.

when you get new chicks you will want to keep them in a brooder and won't want to let them free range until they are older.

 

[NewToFarming]

OK, thanks. So the room in the barn should be fine but also keep feed & water outside? Yes, and now that we are there everday until we move in hopefully next weekend, we shouldn't have issues if they get into one of the stalls and not getting back out.

 

[hennyjenn]

I think using the barn in lieu of building is a great idea, as long as it is, or can be made, predator proof.

 

[NewToFarming]

Thanks! I think I will keep this setup when I get my chicks and they are old enough to be in the barn. At least I will have time to get everything cleaned up and ready to go for them.