Ok barn converted to coop!?

[Rostercogbern]

So I have a old barn 1899 or 1901 can't remember but it use to have young stock and in it uo to a few years ago it was used now one lean is my work shop or trap shed the big part is used for the bulls and such the east lean is not being used. Was going to turn it into a coop it has uneven cement floor and is 10x50 big in size. Would it be better to start all over then to try to convert it over? It has power and water in also. Thanks for any input I'll try to post pics later

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

I use my barn for a co-op, especially during the winter months. The advantages: Storms are a non issue for me. Others get windstorms, snowstorms, rainstorms and have coops fall over, roofs bust off. My barn has seen as bad or worse but my chicken roost happily without worries. Also I have a great amount of space, when the snow is two/ three foot deep my chickens just happily root through my barn all day. I have water right there, so no lugging water to the coop on cold winter days. It rarely freezes baddly enough to freeze the hydrant in the barn.
The negatives: it is a large space to need to predator proof. I have old doors I need to replace and fix, open areas that need fencing. And there are lots of areas for a predator to hide in. Cleaning is also a greater chore. I lay straw down over the concrete, that helps alot. Then there is the normal maintenance required to keep a barn up to par. Ensuring you still have adequate ventilation, while repairing all the holes.
I think it is worth it.

 

[Rostercogbern]

soon to be chicken coop

 

[Rostercogbern]

needs a little work but should do fine I think

 

[FarmBurl]

Any updates on this project? I'm thinking of doing the same thing for my chicks- was thinking of sectioning off a part of the barn near a door for a coop that will have access to the garden outside... I'd love to learn from your experience!

 

[aart]

Any updates on this project?

They haven't been around for a couple years.

 

[FarmBurl]

Thanks for letting me know!