Advice on using old coops

[jmafisher]

We are in the process of buying a farm and it has two existing chicken coops that have not been used for years. The one on the left is attached to a "barn" and the other is free standing, I don't have the exact measurements but they seem to be about 10' by 20'.

They both have large windows that appear to be about 3' square. The one on the left has a covering for the window made of plexiglas that's not in very good shape.

Inside the one on the left there are 6 nesting boxes and the one on the right has three nesting boxes. Here's a picture of the one with three boxes, and the roosts are tree branches about 2" in diameter.

I have not raised chickens before, so aside from cleaning and some paint (or using linoleum tile as one person suggested), what would I need to do in order to make these ready for the girls. I intend to get 3 to start with.
Is there a reason to have two coops?
I believe they each have their own runs.
The fencing seems to be in good shape but there is nothing on the top and they are about 6.5' high. Should I build a frame and put in something to give them shade?
Any other things I should be looking for?
The farm is in Northern Illinois where it gets hot in the summer (normally not over 95) and cold in the winter (can get to -10) with a lot of snow.
Thanks

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

Looks like a good setup to me! Maybe add a wire roof to the run to keep the birds of prey out

 

[sylviethecochin]

Is there a reason to have two coops? Oh yes. More is better. Eventually, you're going to want to bring in a couple or a trio of new chicks because egg production slacked off. Or you're going to want to separate a broody hen. Or you'll see this absolutely darling little pair of blue hens and you will want them so badly and you'll need a place to quarantine them before introducing them to your main flock. Trust me. These thing happen with alarming frequency.

I believe they each have their own runs. Great. And the fact that they're built like sheds is good too, because it is going to be much easier to clean those things.

The fencing seems to be in good shape but there is nothing on the top and they are about 6.5' high. Should I build a frame and put in something to give them shade?
Speaking as a Pennsylvanian, I'd be more worried about hawks than shade. If it's feasible for your budget, you might consider making a top out of netting or something. Especially if you don't have dogs.

Any other things I should be looking for? Rat holes. Mice holes. Chewed-looking wood. Exterminate now before they get in there and set up, and patch holes with hardware cloth, not caulking. (AND DON'T BLOCK YOUR VENTILATION HOLES)

Check that fence thoroughly for weak points, too. Replace any rotten wood now, so it doesn't become one of those, "oh, eventually I'll get to it" projects. And think about a skirt for around the fence, if it doesn't already have one. That way, if a predator begins digging down, what he hits is wire.

Clean everything thoroughly, because those things look filthy inside.

Do you have a way into the run? (Climbing through the hen's hole has a distinct lack of charms in early spring and in winter. Trust me, I know.)

Check out @patandchickens' article on ventilation.

Think about setting up an area for dust-bathing. They'll make their own, but a tire with dirt in it will help stop them from tearing up the yard quite as much.

Get a proper door for that little coop entrance. Even if you don't always close it (and I don't; I have little/no predator problem) it will almost certainly come in handy some day, and you'll be very glad you have it.

Get someone to take a look at that electrical setup. It's nice that the chicken coops are wired, but never assume that it was done by a professional. If you're feeling lazy, search "coop burnt down overnight" and be motivated.

Also, it's nice to have a pre-determined spot for a compost pile, if you're into that sort of thing and aren't using the Deep Litter Method.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Welcome to our flock too!!!!!

 

[ellie62706]

Congrats on the new farm! Looks like a pretty good set up. I would add a screen on top so no predators get in. Other than that it looks great!

 

[JDN]

Two coops for a lot of different reasons...could have bred a specific breed(s), could have liked the ability to have two runs for integration/introduction/new chicks.

The one with the interior pictures looks like its in nice shape aside from being dirty. The wood looks new-ish and clean, etc...

I'd clean it out as much as I can. Then I'd probably paint inside and out but that's just be.

More than shade, predators are why I'd put something over the top. Just secure the run as best you can to keep coons and whatnot out.

 

[CPT]

That's a pretty awesome setup! Looks like the other coop was used as a brooder for a mama hen and chicks. I would rip down those old nesting boxes, though. We had a similar set up and hubby ripped them down. We bought raised nesting boxes from the feed store and attached them to the wall. Put on a new little coop door; it looks a bit torn up. Check the electrical and ventilation. Clean out the old poop. Get some chicken wire to place over top that existing fence.....and follow other advice in posts above. Welcome to BYC! Congrats on your new property!

 

[jmafisher]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am get into the runs and an thinking about getting one of those automatic doors for the main house.
I'll definitely get something for the top of the runs. If possible I'll build a frame or just get some netting to start with although it will take a while to get them cleaned.