New to the coop. Renovation help.

[Happy hen lover]

So glad you joined here, tons of knowledge here. I too have 5 hens for almost a year now. I love that old coop hope it can be saved. I also have a metal roof on my coop. Not all of my hens love to be held but there are a couple I have come to me all the time. I started with 6 week old chicks last September and I love them. My coop has mini pine shavings in coop and nest boxes I like that so much more than straw. My coop is raised so I use a litter scoop to clean out poop which only works with the mini shavings. I agree about the roost don't skimp on that as they are on it every night. They won't spend much time in coop when it's summer, and remember the size they're going to grow up to be and aim for that size roost. Scan all the articles here there is a blog about everything and all are so helpful to us newbies.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Chickens are not the kind to splash around in water. Ducks would but chickens don't.

If there is a housing development going in very close by I wouldn't get peacocks for the sole purpose of proving you were there first. It could backfire and they gang up to change YOUR zoning.

I agree better to stay low key

 

[aart]

I’m putting a new tin roof as part of the renovation. Just not sure how to build the inside for them.

Make sure you leave big(12-18") roof overhangs all around.
It will protect the ventilation you'll need to add.

Ground hogs are herbivores, but their massive tunnels leave an opening for the carnivores.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[3KillerBs]

I’m just wanting chickens because I think they’re awesome creatures. And I love eggs! I’d like to be able to hold them and pet them, if possible. Just want maybe 5 or so, although I’ve got plenty of space.

sounds like I’ll have the same kind of predators as you. There is a groundhog at another of my barns (pest!). I hope they don’t like chicken.

I’ve been reading the thread about watering systems but wondered if they’d like a trough to get wet in and splash around.

Hello, Neighbor!!!!

from the Sandhills.

In our part of the world we need VENTILATION in a big way. When you put on your new roof, plan to include generous roof overhangs then open up the top of the walls on all 4 sides to let our steamy-hot summer air out. Then add some windows and supplemental vents lower down for better airflow.

Your generous space will be a big help. Exactly what are the dimensions? Could you shows us photos from more angles and also the inside?

Not all chickens will like to be petted, but most will be willing to follow you all around -- treats are the way to their hearts. Mine mostly get garden weeds as treats and go nuts over dandelions and sourgrass.

As was said above, chickens don't like to get into water -- though they'll sometimes stay out in the rain hunting for the best bugs and worms.

 

[Farmers Daughter]

Chickens are not the kind to splash around in water. Ducks would but chickens don't.

If there is a housing development going in very close by I wouldn't get peacocks for the sole purpose of proving you were there first. It could backfire and they gang up to change YOUR zoning.

It’s not my sole purpose. I’ve ALWAYS wanted peacocks. They’re so majestic. Will they get along well with the chickens?

 

[21hens-incharge]

It’s not my sole purpose. I’ve ALWAYS wanted peacocks. They’re so majestic. Will they get along well with the chickens?

I have never kept peacocks so do not know if they get along with other species.

 

[aart]

It’s not my sole purpose. I’ve ALWAYS wanted peacocks. They’re so majestic. Will they get along well with the chickens?

Might want to ask, or browse, here.
They are loud, they need way more space than chickens, they can wander very far from home.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Might want to ask, or browse, here.
They are loud, they need way more space than chickens, they can wander very far from home.

They are VERY loud and they roost high on roofs and trees would pbly hate a covered run