Wine Barrel Coop - used, and needs cleaning

[JulieAdams]

Just got a used henhouse off of craigslist today. Good thing because the chicks are almost 4 weeks old. It's a wine barrel with roost bars and nest box inside. Anyone else have this type of coop? Just curious. Can't find any messages about such a design on the board.

Also, looking for advice on cleaning it out. Will scrubbing with a wire brush damage the wood?

I am so new to this, everything is a little scary!

 

[Shelly_WNC]

ohhh sounds neat - can't wait to see a pic

 

[maplesky7]

pics pics pics!!!

 

[JulieAdams]

Okay, here come the pictures. It feels very clandestine because when I read about the coop in the ad and googled it, I couldn't find a photo anywhere. But the company that made it seems to have disappeared. I hope nothing nefarious! We'll be putting 3 hens in it. Need to build a run still... our plan is, after we get used to being chicken farmers, to build a coop that can house 5 or 6. We have no building experience. So just getting something that would work for the chicks kicking up a dust storm in our laundry room at present, was a huge relief! Even if it seems we are the only ones who have this thing. It's really a work of art. Note that the horseshoe is a lever rigged to wires that open the henhouse door. Also note poop that needs cleaning out...

 

[Shelly_WNC]

that is the cutest coop I have ever seen, definitely a work of art.

 

[EweSheep]

Its cute but I do see problems with it...one is ventalation and how you are going to discard the poop?

 

[JulieAdams]

It may have a slight design flaw in that the roost bars are slightly lower than the nest box ??? -- I've read on other threads that this is a no-no. The woman who sold it to us was quite enthusiastic, had used it happily for four years. She and her husband are expanding their flock so are building a bigger coop.

RE: ventillation -- there's a vent in the top and holes by the nest box. I think there's a vent on the other side too. Will go check again tomorrow. She said for poop to hose it out. I guess we'll be scooping and scraping a lot. Maybe that's why the company didn't succeed.

 

[chickenwhisperer]

Why did you have to post pics of it . . .

That is the coolest coop I have ever seen!

I am sooo gonna make one of those.
I see a couple ways it can be improved a little, but its pretty much fantastic the way it is.

If I were you, Id sand the outside also, and put some clear sealer on it.
Maybe even brand your farm's name with a wood-burning kit or soldering iron first, then seal it.
That would look sharp . . .


If you ever decide you dont want that one, lemme know.
Im in Sac.

If your handy enough, you might try to knock a few boards up from the bottom, trim them slightly and make a trapdoor for cleaning, or even just put wire mesh across the open bottom.


Too cool . . .

Can we see the inside a little better, please?

 

[NonnasBabies]

VERY cool coop!!

Missi

 

[maplesky7]

The other design flaw... my kids would try to take the chickens for a ride. ha ha ha ha.... that is precious though!