Little Red Barn

There's a new addition to the farm! I ordered this cute little red barn from a local builder to use as a second chicken coop. It was delivered on Friday. I'll still be using the large coop that's already on the farm, but wanted a second coop that's slightly smaller, for some of my bantams and the baby geese.

The barn is 8'x8', with 4' side walls. Instead of one large door on the front, I chose to have two smaller doors. They will be easier to manage, and easier to create screen doors for. There is a nice 2'x3' window on the back wall.

I wanted it placed just behind the end of the larger garden, so I had to wait to plant that area knowing that they would have to drive through the garden to place the barn in the location I wanted. Not only does it get shade all day in this location, but it also creates a wonderful wind break for the garden from the hot, dry southern winds we get all summer long.

To deliver the buildings, the builders use a fancy trailer with multiple sets of wheels that allow the trailer to move sideways, or backwards. Cool!

Once the barn was in place, the fella that delivered it made sure it was level. Arizona, Alan's mother's dog, supervised.

With the barn in place, it was time to get started with the modifications. I had a little assistance putting the flooring in place. Actually, Daisy was less than thrilled to be helping. Pretty sure she would have rather been in the house lounging on her big soft bed.

I like using laminate flooring in the coops. It makes it so much easier to keep the floors clean -- sweeping up wood chips is so much easier when they glide across a slick floor! And it helps protect the flooring of the building from any moisture. Home Depot didn't have two boxes of the same "cheap" tiles, so I got creative. Pretty ugly! *grin*

I also made a heavy duty screen for the window, installed perches, and Alan helped me hang "poop catchers" so when the chickens are perched at night, their droppings don't fall all the way to the floor. Instead, they'll fall onto the "poop catchers". Hopefully they will make cleaning the coop easier and the hens will have a larger, cleaner floor space in the coop.

We don't have the run attached yet, no "chicken door" cut in the wall, and I haven't built the screen doors yet, but we have our first residents! The geese moved in, as well as four little baby chickens -- you can see a couple of them flying around in the background of this photo. They were very excited!

I'm so happy with this little red barn! Lots more work to do, but it's a wonderful addition to the farm!

Comments

[diane mcvey]

You did an amazing job on every level!! I love your little barn, and the geese look very happy there! The flooring is a GREAT idea, an it looks so pretty! I'm sure the chickens are also going to love it when they get in. Yes, you are SUPERWOMAN OF THE FARM!I am jealous of your life!! But I'm just happy for you, that you have this nice place for your feathered friends.

[lyndisan6]

I love your blog with the gardening and critter stories and the card ideas. Makes me want to have a little red barn with a fancy floor and chicks. I would love more detail also. Even though I'm a city girl, I can dream about retiring with a little land.

[Nebraska Dave]

Anna, What a great way to start the year. Your barn looks great. As for your floor, I've never seen a better looking floor in a coop. I sure am glad to see Spring arrive this year. We had a long cold Winter. Not much snow but it was long and cold. I set out some tomatoes and peppers a couple days ago. It's about three weeks until the last frost date so it's a bit chancy but that's what gardening is all about, don't you think? It's been rainy here that last couple days and it looks like April will end with a couple more days of rain. Not that I'm complaining mind you.

I hope you have many generations of chickens that will call your new barn home. Have a great new barn day.

Nebraska Dave

[Dee in NH]

Ha! Your critters are living the good life in their new digs! I love the floor!

[carol dee]

Love the new coop and its fancy flooring! I need to show this to #2 son as his chicks are about ready to move outdoors. I/he would be interested in the poop catchers, too.

[Michelle W]

Oh, I love this! I'm now thinking about how I can make a bigger, grander coop with laminate flooring! Would you show us the photos of the "poop catchers"? I'm curious to see the design and placement. :-)

[Dan Wight]

I figure it'll work out just fine when you get the wheels on it the only thing that has me worried is what happens when you have to go around a corner with 3 or 4 of these things tied together and headed on down the highway. Spose it'll stear like a flock of chickens..... I'll need video...Love, Dad

[Dotty]

In my next life, I'm coming back as a critter and reside at your place!! You and Alan are the best parents ANY kind of critter could ask for! :)

[S. Carter]

You never cease to amaze me.

[nise]

Ha Ha! I like that "quilt" floor! Never said I was right in the head! Looks like you got yourself a dandy new coop. I am always impressed with how well thought out your projects are for the ultimate comfort of your critters. Hope you spoiled Alan properly for his big day. Oh and I have to tell you that I framed the card you sent to me -- yeah --- I am that crazy about it! Or maybe just that crazy, since it's in the guest bathroom ;)!!?!

[Deb]

I grew up on a farm and I really enjoy all your farm adventures (and I love your artwork and cards, too!). Thanks!