How to easily and inexpensively divide half a gable roof barn into a chicken coop.

[aart]

Do we screen under the rafters?

I would screen/mesh under the rafters, so you can still store some stuff up there.
Well, you've seen my build.
I wouldn't worry too much about the dust, if you have a dust aversion probably shouldn't have chickens
It does get thick tho, but ventilation is more important IMO.


Ventilating a gambrel roof is tough.
At least this one has taller walls than most.
Is there any opening along the eaves?
One of the best gambrel roof mods I've ever seen:




I know you said you have the rest figured out, but...
How's the floor?
I see some rot on the siding near ground.
Anti-dig apron might be a good a very good idea to keep critters out of coop and out from under coop.
Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[tigger19687]

We @aart

Maybe think about keeping only a small section for walk in and storage.

You can also leave some plywood on the top for storage too.
I closed off the top (but have many spaces along the sides and in the middle) for storing things up that I won't need every day. Like Shavings.

 

[hoosierhens101]

I would screen/mesh under the rafters, so you can still store some stuff up there.
Well, you've seen my build.
I wouldn't worry too much about the dust, if you have a dust aversion probably shouldn't have chickens
It does get thick tho, but ventilation is more important IMO.


Ventilating a gambrel roof is tough.
At least this one has taller walls than most.
Is there any opening along the eaves?
One of the best gambrel roof mods I've ever seen:

View attachment 1292920


I know you said you have the rest figured out, but...
How's the floor?
I see some rot on the siding near ground.
Anti-dig apron might be a good a very good idea to keep critters out of coop and out from under coop.
Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Thanks for all the tips. We are replacing all the lower walls where the rot is. We have plans for 6in by 8ft vents under the eaves and putting vents in the peaks at both ends.

 

[hoosierhens101]

Thanks for all the tips. We are replacing all the lower walls where the rot is. We have plans for 6in by 8ft vents under the eaves and putting vents in the peaks at both ends.

The floor is in good shape. It is treated plywood. Should I cover it with something more water proof? I might have some roll vinyl flooring left over.

 

[aart]

The floor is in good shape. It is treated plywood. Should I cover it with something more water proof? I might have some roll vinyl flooring left over.

I like my single sheet vinyl over plywood floor for water proofing.
I'd be more concerned about something getting under that floor,
thus the apron suggestion.

 

[hoosierhens101]

I like my single sheet vinyl over plywood floor for water proofing.
I'd be more concerned about something getting under that floor,
thus the apron suggestion.

Do you have a picture of the apron you are describing?

 

[aart]

Do you have a picture of the apron you are describing?

There are 2 links in the post where I first suggested it.