[Connor]

I have got a new chicken coop and it is second hand but needs fixed up a bit. It has been stained but the colour is too dark how would i remove the colour as i want to put a lighter colour on the coop? Also it was very wet so whats the best way to dry it out and it isnt on legs or raised so how would i put legs on the coop?

[HesterF]

Stain - I guess it depends what it's been stained with but you can't remove most stains, they go into wood unlike paint which sits on the top of the wood. But could you try painting it instead? If it wasn't a heavy waterproof stain, you should be able to paint over the top relatively easily. If it was stained for waterproofing purposes, I don't think there is much you can do until the stain has aged. I know I've had problems doing even a second coat of paint as the first coat is often so impervious. Maybe sugar soap or sanding would help but I'm no expert.

Which bits are wet? I think the general idea is to waterproof the outside, make sure it's well ventilated and keep the bedding fresh so it absorbs internal moisture - I find hemp bedding to be really good and the only thing to cope well with the ducks. Raising off the ground will definitely help. My duck houses are stood on pallets which just raised them a bit but means they can get in and out easily. Otherwise your easiest solution is to build a frame to sit the house on - that's what my new chicken houses have got so they're 12 inches up with a ramp. The original chicken house is on a frame on skids. Having said that, I've paid somebody else to make the houses and stands so I have very little practical knowledge myself!

H

[lord flynn]

my smaller coops are on small pallets, makes them easier to drag around (I learned earlier on that coop legs are the work of the devil!). My large coop, which isn't portable, sits on top of two sleepers that are on a large rubber cow mat (on grass). Large coop is painted, smaller ones creocoted and I also bungee small, cheap tarps on (while allowing ventilation) as I find it really helps the life of the coop to do this.

[Foobar]

Try a light sanding and see if that takes off enough colour, if it doesn't then there's prob not much you can do.  I'm sure the chickens won't care what colour it is .
If it's wet, sit it out in the open during the day with all the doors open.  If you have a windy spot even better as that will dry it quicker.  Then cover it over or bring in at night to prevent frost dampening it again.  Even though it's cold out and not much sun the air will still dry stuff very well.
Consider wheels or skids rather than legs, as Lord Flynn says legs are a pain in the butt.  Some people find an old cart and slap the house onto that.  The stack of pallets idea is very good too, I might try that myself!
Does it have a felt roof?  If so, you might want to replace that as it'll be a haven for red mite.

[Connor]

It has a felt roof i have it striped off atm then i am going to re felt it!

[waddy]

No chickens yet (getting our first this spring) so no expert but on reading around roofing felt tends to become infested with red mite. You may want to look at alternatives such as onduline sheets. Good luck with your DIY! 


Helen

[HallePalomino]

my smaller coops are on small pallets, makes them easier to drag around (I learned earlier on that coop legs are the work of the devil!).

Can't believe I never thought of this, will definitely be doing this with the new coop. Cheers!

[HesterF]

I've just got new houses from Wells Poultry and they have no wood at all on the roof - just sheets of Coroline (similar to Onduline) over a couple of batons batons. They assure me that they're weather proof which was my concern when I saw them (winter will tell) but I'm sure that helps with the red mite. Will have good ventilation too.

H

[Foobar]

I have an Onduline r

oof on mine and yes it is very weather and wind proof, but also provides excellent ventilation without the need for additional vents in the side walls.

[doganjo]

It has a felt roof i have it striped off atm then i am going to re felt it!

The felting on mine blew off recently and my son said not to refelt but to paint with waterproof paint instead.  Ready to get going on that in next day or so.