Just plywood okay for walls of coop?

[ErinO]

My husband and I are trying to figure out plans for our first coop, and I was wondering if just plywood is appropriate for the walls, or if we need something with more insulation. Any suggestions?

 

[Judy]

Welcome to our forum!

You shouldn't need insulation unless you live really, really far north. Chickens have a lot more trouble with heat than cold. Plywood is great.

You might want to add a general location to your profile, so we have a better idea of your climate.

 

[conny63malies]

I am building a small coop right now using 11/32 exterior grade plywood. I am painting it just in case and because i wanted some color.

 

[jdeoliveira74]

Plywood will need to be painted if you want it to last

 

[ErinO]

We are in Westchester County, NY, so not too far north. We are thinking of plywood walls covered with old decking that was donated to us for a little extra protection, and because it's better looking than the plywood. Thanks for the heads up about painting - we will definitely do that. More fun for us to plan!

 

[jdeoliveira74]

The decking won't need paint. You may want to think about insulating the floor at least to stop some drafts. My girls are spoiled. Its cool to use old wood too it gives it character.
Good luck on your adventure

 

[4 the Birds]

Exterior Bead Board! The stuff is great and pre-painted. You can get this at Home Depot or Lowes. Put up your 2x4 studs for your wall and add your sheets via wood screws. Works well and you can also use it for your roofing. I have insulated my dog houses but not the much larger coops and goat houses. You can add a heat lamp if you want some added warmth for the Winter months.

 

[aart]

You don't really need heat, ventilation is much more important.

I would suggest you do ALOT of reading here before you build, find the reccurance of methods that make sense to you after long study.

Pay especial attention to predotor protection and ventilation.