Preexisting coop in frozen MN... I’ve lost my mind!

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Thanks! It doesn’t appear so but it is solid. The foundation being open to predators is my main concern. I’m trying to figure out if I should build a false floor of sorts or build a coop within a coop. There’s large flat boulders of concrete in there as well. Working around them might be a challenge but I’m sure the girls will love the playground

I'd just seal off any gaps. Maybe fill in between the boulders of concrete inside with sand or shavings. Or rock. The concrete pieces will actually be good to keep predators from tunneling underneath (if you have any like that).

 

[DoeAndGander]

I'd just seal off any gaps. Maybe fill in between the boulders of concrete inside with sand or shavings. Or rock. The concrete pieces will actually be good to keep predators from tunneling underneath (if you have any like that).

Great idea!! I have two that are at least 2’x4’. I think what worries me the most about not fixing it a more concrete way is knowing it’s jimmy rigged and not “Fort Knox” like my last coop.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Great idea!! I have two that are at least 2’x4’. I think what worries me the most about not fixing it a more concrete way is knowing it’s jimmy rigged and not “Fort Knox” like my last coop.

But it's just temporary to get you through the winter, right? Don't need perfect for temporary, just secure. From the pictures it's hard to tell what's going on inside the shed, but I think I would put some hardware cloth or something to block off the gap between the roof and the wall. That's good ventilation, btw.

 

[DoeAndGander]

But it's just temporary to get you through the winter, right? Don't need perfect for temporary, just secure. From the pictures it's hard to tell what's going on inside the shed, but I think I would put some hardware cloth or something to block off the gap between the roof and the wall. That's good ventilation, btw.

Very true! I’m a perfectionist. Thanks for the reminder lol yes! The roof is actually the only thing I got to as far as fixing. The eves are open so that HC can be attached. I do have electricity to the building which will be nice. Do I need to add windows? So far I have yet to open the windows in my other coop this winter

 

[Birdsong 82]

Windows or more vents would be ideal But how large depends on what you have now. I would seal up any gaps to les quarter of inch. And use that electricity! Don’t know too much about -20 and how y’all do it. More power to ya! In VA most of us cry when it’s 20 don’t think we’ve ever seen-20

 

[DoeAndGander]

Windows or more vents would be ideal But how large depends on what you have now. I would seal up any gaps to les quarter of inch. And use that electricity! Don’t know too much about -20 and how y’all do it. More power to ya! In VA most of us cry when it’s 20 don’t think we’ve ever seen-20

Thanks! I have a few windows laying around to choose from.

Thankfully our winters don’t include months on end below 0. Winter hobbies definitely help with tolerating the cold snaps. It isn’t too bad when you’re out and about enjoying the cold white stuff

 

[Compost King]

I would build a coop with in a coop (you don't need a watertight roof!)... with what you have you need to secure an area to roost at night. Keep it safe and secure now and when it warms up you can fix up the building and make it safe and secure.

 

[aart]

I’m a perfectionist.

But a procrastinator(I can relate)....tough place to be as winter howls down the pikes.
Sorry, too tired for constructive suggestions at this time of day ....
...hope you enjoyed my attempted levity.

 

[DoeAndGander]

But a procrastinator(I can relate)....tough place to be as winter howls down the pikes.
Sorry, too tired for constructive suggestions at this time of day ....
...hope you enjoyed my attempted levity.

A procrastinator who stretches herself thin way too often! Between fixing up an old farmhouse, running 2 businesses and a needy family... there’s not enough minutes in the day. I will say, I’m leaning towards building a raised coop just big enough for the ladies to get me into spring. I will have to nix the idea of a run and only free range but I think I can pull it off. 10 sq ft/bird without a run, right?

 

[DoeAndGander]

I would build a coop with in a coop (you don't need a watertight roof!)... with what you have you need to secure an area to roost at night. Keep it safe and secure now and when it warms up you can fix up the building and make it safe and secure.

Thanks! Safe and secure is definitely what I need for a piece of mind. Too many predators in my area. I’ve decided to build a small coop, just need to decide - inside existing building or closer to the house