Is Drywall OK ?

[rickandcarolyn]

We are building the inside half of our coop in our garage. I was going to put insulation between the studs,and cover with some drywall I have laying around. Will that be ok, or should I use plywood instead ?

Thanks, Rick

 

[Judy]

Sorry, drywall is not good. One tiny hole and they will peck it all down and eat it. Most use OSB or plywood. You could probably use it up high if they can't get at it, though.

 

[patandchickens]

Yeah, they peck/eat drywall. Ask me how I know (I hasten to add that I am NOT the one who PUT the drywall in there, the building was already like that

)

You could use it up above peckable level, I suppose; but you'd want it reeealll well painted to seal it against moisture.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[rickandcarolyn]

Thanks for the help !

I am in the planning stages, so it is an easy decision, plywood it is !

Regards, Rick

 

[rancher hicks]

Most of the humidity in your coop will come from the chickens themselves. I would choose either plywood or some used paneling if you can find it. If you don't like the right side turn it inside out and use the back. Chickens don't complain. Personally I believe alot of respiratory problems are due to folks sealing up their coops to tight.

Ventilation is important and chickens can deal with the cold better than the heat. Each large bird generates approx. 100 watts. That's alot of heat. Insulate if you must but be sure your ventilation is sufficient for the number of birds you house.


Wish you the best

Rancher

 

[Daphne16]

I have some paneling I ripped (well dh) down from our basement, we were planning on using that for the inside (plywood outside, insulation then paneling). That is going to be ok?
thanks

 

[rickandcarolyn]

Rancher,

Concerning ventilation, the insulation will only be on two walls of the coop. The other two "walls" will be frame and wire. The ceiling will be a piece of plywood that serves as a storage shelf. All of this is inside a large garage, and will be connected to a 6' x 8' outside pen. The inside portion will be about 3' x 8'. As of now, my wife has six chicks (10 days old) in the house....

Thanks, Rick

 

[Celtic Chick]

rickandcarolyn:
Your comment:
"As of now, my wife has six chicks (10 days old) in the house...."
I don't know which made me chuckle more: the "as of now, my wife has six chicks" part, or the "in the house" part.
You do know about chicken math, don't you?

 

[trilyn]

Quote:
Apparently not!

They'll soon learn...won't they!

rickandcarolyn....there are excellent books out there on coop building with plans for nearly every climate. Some of the best, in my opinion, are the old timey books that deal with open fronts...and lots of ventilation. I also, am planning on putting the styrofoam (pink) insulation and the paneling with the grooves turned towards the insulation. So I have a smooth surface to deal with and the chickens won't be tempted by anything...amazing what they're tempted by! But my rationale on the basics are ventilation, no drafts, plenty of south facing windows and my personal favorite-is a roost all on one level...this cuts down on the bickering and pooped on birds! I've a ladder style roost in front of one window and the worst they do is shove for the spot closest to the window! My white birds are...still white! LOL Oh...don't forget the nipple waterers!

Ahh...and the poop board! Cannot wait to put mine in-it should really cut down on the need for new shavings..which have become ridiculously expensive due to rising fuel costs..argh!

But a one level roost also gives you more floor space and the ability to add a poop board easily, imo. Good luck and have a blast!!

 

[spottedtail]

Apply 2 or 3 coats polyurethane to the interior side of the plywood.
It creates a hard shell finish that looks good and lengthens the life of the wall.
Time and money well spent there.

spot