Coop within a Bank Barn Granary

[aoutback]

HI,

I'm contemplating converting my old dairy barn granary (now housing alpacas in the basement), on the second floor of the barn adjacent to the 'bank' entrance . . . into the 'coop'.

This is a 50 foot x 36 foot wooden barn, and rather drafty currently. Weather hits from the west, and the granary is on the eastern side, with a window 'exit' we can use to head to a run (to be built).

Any downsides to an indoor coop in a big barn?
So far, 25- 3week old peeps now flying out of their 'bins'. We are also building a bantam tractor that will hold all the pullets for a month or two, while we finish the big coop.

Thanks, from a newbie
Allie

 

[LynneP]

We built inside a former horse stall in a barn, details here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693

If you pay attention to a few things it can go well and you can use the alternate species to your advantage.

First, you need to eliminate all drafts and instead provide closeable vents so your birds are cool in summer and snug in winter;

Second- avoid the deep litter method since you wil be over the alpacas and will want to eliminate all moisture that could seep through causing corrosion and contamination below. Keep the birds dry and the litter overhead will act as insulation for both the coop and the alpaca stable;

Third, be sure that the dust from feather-grooming cannot drift into the space occupied underneath- can cause respiratory problems in all mammals.

It's a neat idea and if your bird have proper ventilation without drafts, plenty of light and a thoughtful space it could work very well!

 

[standardbanty]

If what you are asking is Have you built inside a large barn? Yes I have. I have done it three times in our barn. I have taken over one half of the bare with chickens.

We first lag bolt 2x4 into cement. THen into ceiling too. Then put up frame of 2x4s. (we did this in a corner with a window and a door already built into barn.) Then covered with plywood, then we put in door, the boxes and were done.

 

[standardbanty]

It is great. Easy to clean .safe. Big.

 

[aoutback]

Thanks heaps! I feel much better, and after reading about your Canadian winter I feel toasty warm in PA.

I'm off to finish the bantam house. We're all sleepy after being up late; one of our little chicks will be a pet I think, she's been bandaided to address her spraddle legs, then upset the water in the plastic tub brooder.

We spend a bit of time fixing that mess, towel and blow dryer and warm scrambled egg for the culprit . . I don't even fuss over my daughters this much! We've called her Cricket after her little chirping, she's a Buff Orpington and about 4 days growth behind the rest but moving along.

Yawn. , ,
Allie