Complete newbie - building our coop now need info on BEST fencing

[dkl38]

Hi Folks - I am very excited to get chickens and have read tons and tons and I swear I still can't find a definitive answer on what type of wood to look for in a coop!? Perhaps I go a little over the top in my research but I have read that pressure treated contains toxins which are dangerous for egg laying, etc. Is this true? So to break it all down:

1) Is PT wood ok?

2) What is best wood for cold New England (MA) climate; Teak or Cedar or something else?

Help! I have read now 2 weeks and I can't pull the trigger on a coop without some real answers.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Mass Mike]

Hi. We live in MA. Our coop is made of PT pine. The girls are as happy as can be and are laying like champs. PT pine is used all over NE for outside structures and will withstand many a cold NE winter. Plus, if you get a cold tolorent breed, they'll be fine. The biggest thing is to make sure that your coop is draft free. If you go with PT wood, let it dry outside a few days before you build. If it is installed wet (you know how sometimes PT wood feels kind of moist?) it will shrink a bit, and can leave gaps (found that out the hard way). Here's a few shots of our coop,

have fun!!

 

[dkl38]

Yup I want your coop! Thank you for replying. I am in Upton and still toying with the idea of using the old dog house (PT) or buy one new but of course they are expensive...but oh so nice like your coop!

 

[Mass Mike]

I'd strongly advise to build your own coop vs. buying something pre-made. You'll pay twice the price for a pre-made coop vs. something that you can make yourself. Coop design/building is very fundamental carpentry. You'd be amazed at what you can accomplish on your own. It'll take some time to plan and desing, and more time to build...but in the end, you'll end up with something that you'll be much happier with. It may seem daunting but...you can do it!! I'm sure that you have some building savvy friends in you circle. You'd be amazed what some pizza and beer will do to get some good work out of a good group of friends. Some good planning, 1 long weekend, $400 bucks, and 2 trips to home depot will yield you wonders. Good Luck!!

 

[FrozenCanadian]

Build your own coop!

It's a very rewarding experience!

Go see my coop pictures I just posted "Coop for Canadian Winters" a few moments ago.

As mentioned by Mass Mike, you will pay too much for a pre-made kit. If you do it on your own, you'll be able to do it your way with your personal touch. It can be time-consuming, but it's all fun, trust me!

 

[dkl38]

Thanks folks and I appreciate the advice. I will do my best and hopefully start this weekend. Some fantastic threads on here about coop building!

 

[Wrigley62]

I used OSB then covered it with #2 pine boards (Board and Batten). Fortunately one of my best friends is a General Contractor, he gave me all the wood he had leftover from previous jobs.

I used PT 2X8's and 2X10's for the base around my run. everything else was regular Doug Fir. I know I will have to replace some of it in the years to come. I just didn't have the cash to spend on new PT wood.

I still need to side the addition.

I'm sure you know this already, but make sure you have plenty of vents for fresh air circulation.

Good luck!

 

[dkl38]

My dear husband started our coop last night and I think I scored 6 organically raised hens and one rooster from Craigslist for not a lot of $$. The rooster is aggressive so I am a nervous as I have a 4 year old adventurous boy but my friend who is also getting some of the flock said she will take him if it proves too difficult for me...being a beginner and not chicken savvy I just want to do right by the rooster if he proves more than I can handle (son being my number one concern of course).

Awesome thanks again for the advice and pics.

How does my list look so far?

Feed
Poultry Grit - does that mean I don't need oyster shells or I still do?
Diatomaceous Earth
Numerous coop cleaners (Happy Hen)
MannaPro Coop n Compost
Water and Feed containers

What else? Any suggestions? Thanks!

Note: I live in high predator country (abutt a state forest) so plan to use heavy wire for the run; do you suggest I put something under the run to prevent preds from digging in?

 

[Wrigley62]

I think it looks GREAT!! I would make a "skirt", dig down a few inches (4 to 6) then out 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Then bury it.
Keep the pictures coming and good luck.

He looks thirsty, lemonade should hit the spot

 

[BigRooNTN]

Gonna look and be a LOT better than store bought. I have read too many post on here about the bad things of buying on line. "They" say that "pictures are worth a 1000 words", but in most cases the pics are deceiving. I was just cruising around one day and went by my local co-op, saw the coops they had, investigated them and saw first-hand how poorly built they were.

Your coop will be 100% better and you will have enjoyed the experience of building it.

More pix please