Plywood from roof for coop?

[ShrekDawg]

Okay so I need to build a new coop and run but the plywood's somewhat expensive and well my dad told me this morning there's lot of wood in the dumpster.

He says there's stuff for the sides and perfect pieces for the nestboxes but I don't know.


Do you think it's possible to use wood from the roof for the new coop? They just redid it and dad says it's fine but I'm worried it will be wet or moldy. He says he didn't see any mold but that we could put the mold on the outside if there was. I'm not convinced.

Also, you think if I ever get more chicks I could make some sort of plywood brooder? Or maybe if I build my new run I could put the brooder on one end of it? Or would it need to be in the coop? For now though I'm happy with my 8

But eventually I'll add some more breeds I originally wanted. Not a matter of if, a matter of when

TIA

 

[chicklover 1998]

it should work just fine leave it in the sun up off the ground for a few days and then flip it for another the sun will kill any mold and dry the wood out, and remember at the bare min. make sure there is at least 4 sq. ft per bird in the coop

 

[ShrekDawg]

it should work just fine leave it in the sun up off the ground for a few days and then flip it for another the sun will kill any mold and dry the wood out, and remember at the bare min. make sure there is at least 4 sq. ft per bird in the coop

That's a good idea! Can't believe I didn't think of that! Thank you! I will get the wood out of the dumpster and try that!

And oh yeah, I'm planning to make it 4x8

 

[chicklover 1998]

I would make it bigger, you said you planned on getting more breeds.... well wait for the chicken math to set in. I started with 8(5 RIR and 3 ameraucana) some dogs killed 2(1 of each breed) of mine then last month I had to get rid of my RIR roo he was getting people mean so the neighbor had stew out of him and so sunday I went and got 1 silver laced wyandotte 1 leghorn and 1 mystery bantam and tomorrow I am getting a silver laced polish, and my other neighbor is thinking about selling me his pair of seramas.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Sorry you lost some birds

But yeah, I probably should but my dad has limited it to 8 for now plus they haven't even started laying yet so it probably won't be until next year anyways so can always add an addition. Know it's better to build bigger now but my dad thinks even 4x8 is big hah

They're going to have a big run though so should be happy i hope :/

 

[chicklover 1998]

oh its ok it happened last summer. I have to have an 8X10 and my mother thinks that it too big, then again it will be too small next year, I'll have a trio each of ayam cemani, and svart hona, and sumatra, all black beauties, then I will retire last years chicks and replace them.

 

[Jensownzoo]

You can also spray with a mild bleach solution, let dry, then paint the wood. If you get oops paint it will be super-cheap.

 

[MeepBeep]

If you are concerned about mold or what not from recycled wood, lay the wood out on the driveway, and using a pump sprayer (wearing old clothes and eye protection) spray the wood down with bleach, then let it bake in the sun until dry, flip and repeat the next day... The combination of bleach and UV rays from the sun will do a decent job of sanitizing the wood...

When I do this I will use a 50% normal concentration bleach to water mix, if you use concentrated bleach you can adjust appropriately.... Others will recommend you dilute further all the way down to 1:10 bleach:water mix, your choice... I generally just use the cheapest dollar store bleach for this so it's not a huge investment even undiluted...

Make sure you run clear water through the pump sprayer when done, as many have small springs and rubber gaskets and sorts that the bleach will destroy if left in there...

 

[ShrekDawg]

Thank you all for all the great info!! It's been very helpful! I think I'll definitely spray it with bleach and put it in the sun then