recycled coop/shed

[kywest]

We stumbled onto an old (someone carved '35 on a rafter) shed, about 14x14, probably used for chickens (or hogs?? -- there were metal bars on the windows...musta been some mean chickens...) but abandoned years ago. Most of the wood (hundreds of dollars worth, by my calculation) is still in good condition. The tin roof is rusted, but sturdy. We have disassembled, cut the walls in to pick-up truck size pieces and now need to reassemble at our property. Hubby wants to use half of the re-built shed for our riding lawn mower. We are planning on 3-4 hens. Any good advice from all you experienced coop builders? Is it possible to make their space TOO large? Any health concerns with the old building? We are basically suburbanites with a sawzall (dangerous!!) who would prefer to reuse and recycle rather than buy new wood, but I fear we have gotten in over our heads. ANY advice would be welcome.

 

[Im4dabirds]

No advice from me, but wow! I'd like to find one to recycle like that. Hope you'll post some pics along the way.

 

[chseeads]

I don't think there really is such a thing as "too much space," so I don't think you should worry there.

I wouldn't be too worried about there being health concerns either. Just clean it up and it should be good to go. Chickens are not too picky.

 

[ducks4you]

It won't be TOO LARGE for long!

You can subdivide your shed by building a frame for chicken wire out of 1 x 2's, with a door.

Here's a good example:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=6962-Breeders_coop

You'll probably want to store their feed on that side (remember to use METAL cans--buy glavinzed steel trash cans with lids), and bedding, grit, and any other feeding bowls or dispensers or cages that are not being used now, but you might need in the future.

IF your plans change and you buy or breed new chicks, you can always disassemble it later.

You should go to the BYC coop link and look at pics and designs for LARGE coops. There are literally dozens of well laid out plans that you can benefit from.

Good luck on your GREAT find!

 

[ducks4you]

almost forgot

 

[Karrie13]

Congratulations on the find! I am looking forward to seeing some pics too.

I don’t think there is ever too much room in a coop because once the fuzzybutt bug bites it bites hard! I only planned on 6 hens but have somehow ended up with 18.

(edited) I would just give it a good cleaning and maybe a coat of paint once it is re-assembled. Don't forget to install draft free ventilation and windows.