Turning an Old Barn into a Coop

[3KillerBs]

@TJAnonymous might have insight too - live in a similar climate

@U_Stormcrow is here in the Steamy Southeast too.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I don't believe you will need the fans - though if you get them, make sure you get fans designed for that environment - sealed against dust. Otherwise, they will break rapidly and are fire hazards.
Deep Litter is an excellent solution for that space, since you already have ground contact and its large. You will want to create some form of "gasket" so the composted deep litter (that is, damp rich soil) doesnt sit right against the wall of the barn, where it could contribute to rot. Metal flashing would work, as would a row or two of bricks/pavers. Depending on how the ground is sloped, if there is a tendency for water to run towards that space, you could french drain it, then cover with pavers - kill two proverbial birds with one more attractive solution.

 

[blackdog043]

Do you keep the feeder in the run overnight or take it in?

I leave it in the run all the time. No problems with rodents. I have feed and water in the coop and run.

 

[Devorah]

I leave it in the run all the time. No problems with rodents. I have feed and water in the coop and run.

Thanks. So many different preferences!

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks. So many different preferences!

Because individual personalities, flocks, and situations differ so much.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Thanks. So many different preferences!

There is no "One, Right Answer" or everybody would do it (except that one guy, because there's always that one guy...) There are thousands of wrong answers.

The best answer is the one that works for you, respecting your circumstances, your conditions, and with consideration of your resources and your goals.

 

[Devorah]

There is no "One, Right Answer" or everybody would do it (except that one guy, because there's always that one guy...) There are thousands of wrong answers.

The best answer is the one that works for you, respecting your circumstances, your conditions, and with consideration of your resources and your goals.

And that — after all the research and tries — is what the conclusion will be. Thanks!