Logistics of converting a cinder block building into a coop.

[CuriousChicken]

There are chickens everywhere, I just don't want to have to deal with moldy bedding... I guess if I went with sand it wouldn't be so much of a problem. Now to source scrap roofing... I guess I should have a conversation with the property owner about altering the building before I get to far...

 

[yellowchicks]

There are chickens everywhere, I just don't want to have to deal with moldy bedding... I guess if I went with sand it wouldn't be so much of a problem. Now to source scrap roofing... I guess I should have a conversation with the property owner about altering the building before I get to far...

Since you are on the Big Island, use the trade wind/prevailing wind to your advantage to ventilate the coop.

Widen the roof overhang on the windward side and raise that side of the roof higher to create a larger ventilation intake area along the roof line. Provide a smaller ventilation gap on the downwind side of the roof line for cross flow high up the coop. With the bottom coop door opened, the trade wind can create an upward drag, thus ventilate and cool off the coop.

As for the bedding material, I would not recommend sand for the humid or cold regions. Sand will smell in a humid/wet area, and freeze in the winter to a solid chunk. You would be better off using pine, wood shaving, or some kind of moisture absorbent materials on natural ground if the ground drains well.

It is a good idea to talk to the landlord first before you do any major modification to the structure.

 

[CuriousChicken]

It never gets cold enough to freeze where I am, I'm not high enough on the mountain. I'm also not set on what kind of bedding to use, but I'll probably go with pine and sprinkle DE on it. The building has a solid concrete floor, I've checked it after a good hard rain and it doesn't seem to wick much moisture. At this point I'm starting to wonder if converting the building is going to be more trouble than its worth... IDK, I'll discuss it with the land lord next time I see him and then decide. I have some time yet.