Okay, as mentioned in the Next Big Project thread, I’ve started renovating our old chicken coop. Last year I wanted to put in a solar power system for our home, which my wife agreed to, but she wanted the coop fixed up first. Well, the solar system was done and finished in April, but I didn’t fix the coop, so now I’m holding up my part of the bargain.
Anyways, the first task was to clean up around it, it had lots of weeds and several huge multiflora (wild rose) bushes in the front of it. So the last few days I mowed around the back sides, and cut out the rose canes and the roots.
Lots of work, but looks much cleaner around it. There’s a huge sycamore tree in front of it, so it’ll obviously stay, it provides good shade for the coop.
Her late father built it about 40 something years ago, but it’s still in decent shape, but will need some of the south facing boards replaced, plus the nesting boxes inside will need to be replaced.
Here’s a few pics of the progress:
Pic of the corn crib further up the driveway, the coop is down behind it.
Front view, with someone photo bombing the shot.
Back view with old outhouse (out of commission) in background.
Another front view
Roosting posts, still in good shape.
Also, if you want post some pics and a description of your coops, I’m interested in seeing the different ways folks have built theirs. Thanks!
if you want to preserve what is there and keep it rustic looking, get yourself some eco wood treatment. i treated 1 side of 1’’ x 12’’ fir boards and built a raised bed with them 6 yrs ago. they are still solid now. it comes from Canada as a powder in a silver-gray box. you mix with water. turns raw wood to a nice gray patina. its good preserving even old wood. non toxic to plants and animals. good luck with your new birds.
