Chicken coop.

[Tiffchick88]

So I am in the beginning stages of my coop. What wood is best? I have read mixed things about what wood is good and bad. I have read up already on how to predator proof the coop.

 

[Hamiam]

So I am in the beginning stages of my coop. What wood is best? I have read mixed things about what wood is good and bad. I have read up already on how to predator proof the coop.

Areas exposed to the elements should be either pressure treated wood or painted with an exterior house paint (make sure you primer first). We always build our coops to last. This last coop we built, we used cedar beams removed from the ceiling during a remodel of our house (because it is naturally insect resistant, normally you don't paint cedar wood. However, it was already painted dark brown by previous owner) When you look at the pic of the framing, the dark gray wood by the floor is pressure treated in case it gets wet from cleaning etc. the stairs are pressure treated, the lite colored wood is pine, we used "smart side" panels for the outside sheeting that is pre-primed. Best of luck with your build.

 

[lilmillefleur]

Just make sure it has plenty of ventilation, is the right size and is built like Fort Knox...
We have a wood coop and there's nothing wrong with it.

 

[Welshies]

I have a wood coop. Plywood is best. Treated is even better.
If you live where it gets below -4F (-20C) on the regular consider insulating.

 

[imnukensc]

Every bit of lumber I used to build my coop and run is pressure treated. All 4x4s I used for the legs of the coop and the base of the run are rated for ground contact.

 

[Tiffchick88]

I was told that pt and cedar were not good to use cause it could harm the chickens. So is that accurate or not ?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Aged cedar is much less harmful then say cedar shavings for bedding.

PT for ground contact is a good idea to prevent premature rot. My base is made from PT rated for ground contact. It is separated from the birds by the plywood floor and the siding.

If it would be exposed to the chickens I would be hesitant to use it without painting it.

Reclaimed older cedar fence planks are OK since they have aged and are no longer outgassing.

Fresh shredded trees are not good either for bedding. Kiln dried is tremendously safer as bugs, mites, molds, and spores are killed off in the drying process.

I hope this helps.

 

[Hamiam]

I was told that pt and cedar were not good to use cause it could harm the chickens. So is that accurate or not ?

@21hens-incharge is right, the wood that you build with that touchs the ground should be cedar or pressure treated. The wood that the chickens are in contact with should not be cedar or pressure treated, unless it is painted. The plywood floor & walls cover any pressure treated wood in our coop.

 

[Hamiam]

Also.. Welcome to BYC!

Make sure to add your location to your profile so it will show up under your avatar.

You can visit the coop section & find tons of coop builds/ideas. You can start a thread on your coop build & ask questions along the way. We all love to see pics & help when we can.

 

[Tiffchick88]

Is cypress ok to use ?