metal lining inside coop?

[kirbyr76]

I've decided I want to build a coop rather than buy a premade one. I'm a metal fabricator by trade and am wondering if lining the inside with light gauge stainless steel would harm anything? I figured this would make cleaning much easier. The coop will be underneath trees for shade. I also will be able to ventilate with a fan.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated

 

[Life is Good!]

Not sure where you're located, but with a metal interior, I'd be concerned about heat, even in shade.

Also, chickens LOVE LOVE LOVE to peck at anything shiny. I think you'd find your chicks pecking the walls!

Our walls are plywood and as long as you plan your roosts far enough from the walls, the walls really don't get 'dirty' from poop. I find the dust accumulates more on the plywood than any dirt or poop. I simply brush the walls every time I change out the litter (not using deep litter method) with a broom and it keeps the cobwebs and dust down for me. Chickens couldn't care less....

 

[kirbyr76]

Forgot to mention I'm in central Indiana. It generally is in the high 80's during summer and can get into the high 90's many days in the summer. The heat was the part worrying me

 

[GardenerGal]

I wouldn't want metal lining a chicken coop or barn. In addition to the concerns already raised, coops should be able to breathe, and metal is not permeable. Even with vents, I'm concerned that metal will collect moisture condensation -- in the summer, from natural humidity in the air, and in the winter, from the water vapor in the chickens' breath. So you'll get drippy walls in the hot weather and ice-crusted ones in the cold weather. And the drippy walls will trickle to the floor and encourage mold and other unpleasant things to flourish.

 

[kirbyr76]

thanks for the advice

 

[mommabice]

I have also heard that chicken poop can be corrosive to metal? Not sure if that is 100% true...

 

[dragonmorgan]

is there a coating that could be put on the walls to help with all that? Maybe paint it with something to keep discourage moisture or pecking?

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Nothing wrong with metal as long as ventilation is well done.


Heres mine... (old picture)



All metal but the floor that is wood with a plate of metal over it.


Once ventilated its actually cooler inside than out in the sun an its real cool under it which is part of the run.

 

[kirbyr76]

That is pretty cool. My plan wasn't 100% metal on the inside. Only about half way up the walls on the three sides besides the entrance and the floor. Reasoning was so it would be easier to clean, and I hoped ventilating it really well would alleviate any extra heat trapped inside by the lining. If the poop damaged the metal I can easily replace it but I doubt that it would harm it.

 

[dragonmorgan]

This is what we are usin. im havin trouble decidin how to put windows in it. How can you frame it up on the tin? Should I build a wood frame like a normal shed would have and attach the window framin to that? (Does that make sense?)