hot climate coop/run siding question

[wahmommy]

I am planning on using just 1 x 6 pine boards laid horizontally with a small 1/8" spacing between each board. I do not think I need insulation because it gets to only about 35F here in the winter at the most, we don't really get frost even. The coop/run combo is 7 feet deep and 8 feet wide, with the roost and poop boards at the back. The front 3 feet of the coop are roofed but otherwise pretty open to the elements, just hardware cloth - but the back four feet is solid planks. I know in a hot climate we need more ventilation, and we don't really need insulation. So do I need to back the boards with plywood? Or do anything to seal the 1/8" spacing? We also don't get a lot of rain here except for about 2 months out of the year, but when it comes down, it comes down in a deluge. I am currently coming under the assumption that the spaces will help with ventilation but I wanted to ask other BYCers.

Also is there any issue with mites? I don't think my birds have them now, but what do I do if I they come down with them since I understand mites can hang out in small spaces?

 

[JackE]

I would go with the board and batten method. Install the boards vertically, as they should be anyway, then nail 2" strips over the gaps. Your ventilation, if I understand you correctly, ought to be good to go with the front of the coop open to the run.
Jack

 

[wahmommy]

Hi Jack - thanks for your response - I want to keep the boards horizontal as I like the way it looks, its a design element. Any thoughts about what I need to do (if anything) if the boards are horizontal?