Hello, everyone. I hope this question is not too vague, but we need to construct a small barn for our animals we will be getting soon. I need to know approximate size required needed to house 1-Jersey cow (w/milking area), 2-sheep, and 2-Angora goats. Iwould like ample room in the barn to store winter feed for them, and have a kid, calf,lamb area (I thought they could maybe use the same area, being that they probably won't be birthing at the same time). Also, if you have any inexpensive ideas for constructing it (materials etc.). We live in Michigan and although the winters haven't been "wintery" lately. There is always the possibility that we could get dumped on w/snow and bitter cold temps. My husband is handy when it comes to building, and has had experience w/ building houses but never barns. While I'm at it. Any help on the size and constuction of a chicken coop (for 25 birds) would also be appreciated. Thank you for letting this newbie pick your brain. Love In the Lord, Diana

-- Diana Courter (courterd@aol.com), March 10, 2000

Answers

One book I read listed 200 sq ft for 1 cow. This included hay and feed storage space. I've also read about cordwood construction. As it only uses firewood (DRY!) and mortar for the walls, it can be as low as 1.00 a sq ft. This is also very winter hardy construction. I've seen pictures of barns built in your area that are over 100 years old. For the chickens, read the chicken tractor. You will probably find it in your library. Good luck! annette

-- annette henry (j_a_henry@yahoo.com), March 10, 2000.

You might also check with local large manufacurers to see if they have any shipping crates they are trying to get rid of. We got some incredible lumber, free, from an industrial machine company.

-- Connie Christoffer (Connie@lunehaven.com), March 10, 2000.

Can't give you specifics on particular animals, but I'll give you some unsolicited advice from my experience. 1. You will never be unhappy because you built a barn "too big"! And the cost per square foot goes down as size increases (within reason). 2. You will appreciate the quality of construction (or materials) long after you have forgotten the price. 3. A quality barn will make your property much more valuable, should you ever decide, or be required, to sell. A poor building will be considered a liability that will be a cost to demolish. Really! Good Luck!

Brad

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), March 10, 2000.

Diana, Most animal books will give the square feet/animal information that you are looking for. Have you considered pole construction? A square building is the cheapest to build. Would a two story barn be feasible? Talking to people, looking at other peoples set-ups, and reading books can give you many ideas. The library is also a good place to get ideas.

-- Jim Mackay (jmackay@magnus.net), March 10, 2000.

My husband built me a chicken coop out of slab wood. I think we only paid $2 per bundle. We usually got 2-3 on the truck. None of this wood has the bark on it, is anywhere from 1"-2" thick and came in lengths of anything from 4'-6'. (they always gave us the option in lengths to buy).The end had to sometimes be cut straight and we had to use a drill to start the nail holes but that was basically the worst of it. We did put a heavy coat of paint on it to help last longer. But - if you're looking to build a large barn, that'll be alot of work. (cheap but work!)We also made several trips to a Menards to check their "bargain bin". That's an area outside in their building material section. Here they sell anything that was slightly dented or scratched or was left over from a bundle. I know we bought 16' steel siding for less than 1/2 the regular price. We weren't too picky on colors and threw a storage shed and pig pen together with that. Hope this helps! GOOD LUCK !!!

-- Pat (pmikul@pcpros.net), March 12, 2000.