Construction Materials

[Wingnut 107]

I've looked but I couldn't find anything on the materials for the coop. My questions are;

Yes / No on using treated wood for the coop, inside or just on the outside?

Cement board for the flooring? ...... I do like the idea of using construction sand and the 'sand rake' from the Country Chronicles, so I will check into that as I draw up plans for the coop.

The 'roosts' should they be flat or could handrail type wood be used? Which is easier for the chickens, round or flat?

How much space is needed for 10 to 12 birds? I'm planning on a space of 30' by 18' for the run, and with a fenced yard, some 'free rangeing' also.

Nesting boxes, how many, and what is the best construction material?

I've seen the lights, so I'm figuring to wire the coop, for lights (heat and other) inside and outside floods.

Any rules for the height of the coop off the ground? I've seen some right on the ground and others about 3' off the ground. I'm assuming that that is for shade for the chickens, any other reason?

That is about all I can think of at this time.......TIA Larry

 

[4 the Birds]

Wow a lot of questions.

1. I would use treated wood for the floor boards/joists and any exterior boards. Interior wall studs and roof joists can be untreated.

2. You could use cement board by treated wood would be easier and cheaper.

3. If you are in a cold climate then the roost bars should be at least 3" wide. I use landscape timbers. Sturdy, rounded and 3" wide.

4. 30x18 ft is a huge run and you are good to go.

5. For 12 birds I would have at least 3 nesting boxes. 5 would be great and would be the number that I would try for (wood construction).

6. For your number of birds I would have a walk-in coop. Try to make a floor up 3 or 4" off the ground to keep things dry.

 

[chfite]

If not a walk-in coop, raise the floor about 24 inches from the ground so you can reach into the coop while standing.

Chris

 

[Wingnut 107]

I've been looking at the 'coop construction' forum and there are some 'cool coops'. The question I've got....most of the runs are covered, is this to keep the chickens in....or to keep 'other things' out ???

 

[nab58]

I've been looking at the 'coop construction' forum and there are some 'cool coops'.  The question I've got....most of the runs are covered, is this to keep the chickens in....or to keep 'other things' out ???

Both. I've recently learned 'chicken wire ' will keep chickens in but not keep predators out. To keep predators out, you need to use 1/2 " hardware cloth and bury it either 2' straight into the ground or 6" down with an 18" wide apron.