Corrugated plastic sheets to provide a windbreak inside the coop?

[sonomachx]

We are planning on getting 3 to 4 large breed chicks this spring. I am building the coop now so it will be ready by then. With two kids under four, I only have a couple hours a week to work on it. I am building it by myself, don't have a lot of construction experience (translation = none) and also want to keep the cost as low as possible. Anyways, we have a 60ft long 6ft tall wood fence that will be torn down this winter. The rails are rotten, but most of the cedar fence boards are in decent shape. My plan is use the fencing for the walls of the coop, but since there will be gaps between the boards, I need to block them somehow. I have been looking at corrugated twin wall plastic (same stuff most political signs are made of) to install on the interior walls. It is waterproof, lightweight, should be easy to clean, and can be easily cut to size with a utility knife. Has anyone used this stuff, and will it hold up to the hens? Our weather is pretty mild with rare dips into the upper 20's F, so I don't need an insulated coop, just one free from drafts.

(BTW I know cedar can be dangerous to birds, but these boards are well weathered and no longer smell of cedar)

 

[Arielle]

Back to your cedar boards--an idea popped into my head-- would you consider board amd battan style ? It's where a thinner board is tacked over the space between two adjacent boards. Just a thought.

 

[SteveBaz]

to the BYC


I would just fill in the North and the West side only Good luck.

 

[fireguy56]

Hi, I used cedar fence boards on outside of my coop like lap siding. worked out great. Here are a couple of photos. Erik

 

[thaokou21]

Quote:
I dont know what corrugated plastic sheet is but if its just a role of plastic sheet(like 150 feet in a box) then I do. Its best if you buy a darker color and warp it on the outside of the coop because your chickens will be tearing it into pieces if you put it on the inside. lol. My uncles coops is built out of wooden fence, he use plastic sheet roles to keep it from drafts and its a good insulate too. I hope this helps.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I dont know what corrugated plastic sheet is

It's made just like cardboard, but with plastic instead of paper.
It should work fine under the fence boards​

 

[Nicole01]

We actually used corrugated steel for the wind break and sun shade. It works well. We do have plastic up for the winter, but here's a photo.

 

[coonhoundmama87]

I know what you are talking about and it sounds like a good idea to me! I also agree that you could layer wood over the gaps if you have enough.

 

[sonomachx]

Thanks for the replies

. The corrugated plastic is constructed like plastic cardboard, it comes in sheets not a roll. I had thought of installing the fence boards in either lap fashion or board and batten style, but then I would still end up with the rough weathered board facing the inside of the coop. I'm not sure how easy the rough wood surface would be to keep clean or disinfect should the need arise. My thoughts on the plastic is that it should be smooth and easier to clean. I know I could use lauan plywood, but I don't think it would be nearly as easy to cut to size; I may have a 4 year old assistant so the need for fewer power tools is ideal. Lauan would also be less water resistant should rain make it through the space between the cedar boards. Am I over thinking things? Is the weathered wood less of a concern than I am making it? We live in the city and one of my top priorities with the coop will be cleanliness so as to not irritate the neighbors.

 

[teach1rusl]

That makes sense...because you're right, that weathered board would most likely absorb "stuff" and would be hard to clean. So the plastic sounds good, and it would be fine with your chickens (and as you said, easy to wipe down).

ETA - also, unless you have a super duper stapler, I'd opt for either washers or strips of wood around the edges to hold it in place. I'd worry about it coming down to easily if it was just stapled up w/no other reinforcement. Just a suggestion...