Caulk to deter mites in new wood coop?

[AnnPann]

I've primed + 2 coats of paint every surface, even the cut ends that aren't visible (all painting was done before assembly). Is there any benefit to caulking the seams in terms of mite deterrence? Coop will be 66 sq ft inside + covered run is 200 sq ft (+ extra fenced area in nicer weather). 14 hens max.

Do I need to worry about mites enough to spend this week caulking the seems? Or will that not do much (other than make me hate life)?

 

[Shadrach]

I've primed + 2 coats of paint every surface, even the cut ends that aren't visible (all painting was done before assembly). Is there any benefit to caulking the seams in terms of mite deterrence? Coop will be 66 sq ft inside + covered run is 200 sq ft (+ extra fenced area in nicer weather). 14 hens max.

Do I need to worry about mites enough to spend this week caulking the seems? Or will that not do much (other than make me hate life)?

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I don't think so. There is also the risk, albeit small that the chickens may peck at the caulk. In my view it's better to leave the gaps open so that if and when mites move in any treatments can be sprayed/painted into the gaps. Caulking is fine when it's new and often looks like there is a full seal. A few months down the road and thermal expansion and contraction and any humidity brought in by say damp chickens is likely to make the wood move around and break the caulk seal.

 

[3KillerBs]

Have you already had problems with mites or are you doing this on general principles?

 

[sandburRanch]

Your chickens need a wood ash dust to dust bath in and the roost needs to be washed down with Lye water .

 

[AnnPann]

I don't think so. There is also the risk, albeit small that the chickens may peck at the caulk. In my view it's better to leave the gaps open so that if and when mites move in any treatments can be sprayed/painted into the gaps. Caulking is fine when it's new and often looks like there is a full seal. A few months down the road and thermal expansion and contraction and any humidity brought in by say damp chickens is likely to make the wood move around and break the caulk seal.

This is excellent explanation - thank you! I have not heard this reasoning before, but definitely helps with the decision (no caulk!) I’d rather be able to treat easier it if if happens!

 

[AnnPann]

Have you already had problems with mites or are you doing this on general principles?

Never had a problem - just wanting to do it right the first time. Best practices and all.

 

[3KillerBs]

Never had a problem - just wanting to do it right the first time. Best practices and all.

Reasonable precautions are good.

But don't stress yourself too much about problems you don't have and may never have.

 

[AnnPann]

Your chickens need a wood ash dust to dust bath in and the roost needs to be washed down with Lye water .

To be clear - I don’t have a current mite problem and never had one. Just building a new coop and wanting to “do it right” the first time.

 

[AnnPann]

Reasonable precautions are good.

But don't stress yourself too much about problems you don't have and may never have.

Haha good advice! For chicken coop building -and everything else!

 

[Shadrach]

It's too late now but there is great merit when using sheet material in having the framing on the outside. It seems that people build a frame and then cover it from the outside almost automatically.