Newbie, question about housing

[Uniquetanner]

So we have horse stalls and will be using one of the stalls as a chicken coop, along wirh fencing in the stalls so they have room to roam. Exactly what will i need to do to convert this for the chickens? It only has a half door so can i add fencing to the top or replace the whole door? Just close them in the stall at night? Sorry, first timer here and want to get all the info before i get any chickens.

 

[Farm life101]

You just have to make sure that at night they have a completely closed in area with good ventilation

 

[Farm life101]

So yes you can just put fencing on the top part

 

[Hamiam]

Welcome to BYC. There are so many experienced BYC owners here that love helping newbies. I'm glad you are researching before you get chickens. Pictures of the space will help. Add your general location to your profile. Climate is important when designing a coop. Sounds like a fun project.

 

[Uniquetanner]

Sure, i will get pics shortly. I am in Denton nc

 

[Uniquetanner]

Oh and we also plan to get a few goats, and maybe sheep and a miniature donkey, for protection .do they need sep quarters?

 

[Uniquetanner]

Here are a few pics. There are 3 stalls and are going to use the one on the end

 

[Percheron chick]

A stall makes a fine chicken coop. Not sure what structure you plan to use as the last one needs a lot of work to make it functional.
The first shed would need all the windows covered with hardware cloth or have windows added. If it's a normal front open loafing shed, then you will need to frame in the front including a people door. It doesn't need to be a solid wall as it can be quite dark in there. If it's S facing or not to the prevailing winds, just cover it with more hardware cloth. Pay attention to any gaps between the walls and the ground and take care of those. Àdd 2 full length roosts and 4 nesting boxes and it's good for 20-30 chickens.
You do not want to house goats, sheep and donkeys with your chickens. Goats and donkeys will drain the feeders and destroy whatever is in their way to get to it. Sheep suffer from Cu toxicity when they indulge in other species feed. Chickens also need higher security at night while the others prefer to stay out. It will benefit your hoof stock to have the chickens forage in their pastures as they can dramatically reduce the fly and worm larvae loads you just don't want them living together. You might also want to consider adding guinea fowl to control ticks.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

So we have horse stalls and will be using one of the stalls as a chicken coop, along wirh fencing in the stalls so they have room to roam. Exactly what will i need to do to convert this for the chickens? It only has a half door so can i add fencing to the top or replace the whole door? Just close them in the stall at night? Sorry, first timer here and want to get all the info before i get any chickens.

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYC! So glad you joined us. There's some great advice above and there's a wealth of info, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. The main thing you'll really need to consider with all your livestock is safety for them. Dogs are the #1 killer of small livestock... strays, the neighbor's, and YOURS... Fencing is your #1 best friend. Be aware of what predators are in your area. Virtually all of them love fresh chicken dinners. The chickens can free range if you wish, or stay inside a "run" attached to their coop for protection.

Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home!

Oh, if you haven't done so already, PLEASE put at least your general location in your profile. It could be very important if/when you ask for or offer help or advice. You know, climate issues and such. Old folks like me will never remember from this thread. To add it, mouse hover over Account top right and a drop down will appear. Click on Personal Details and scan down. You'll see the spot for Location. Then go to the bottom and save changes. Thanks! Hope you enjoy the site!