I would not trust 1x3 at 6 feet long with chickens on it. It bows just being carried around before you even install it! Plus, this size board is usually sold as furring strips, which are made of low quality wood and aren’t meant to be durable. They have a lot of knots and imperfections in them and snap easily.
#2 and fir strips are a whole other class... yes on the cheaper end of the scale for $3.50 IF you get the cabinet grade 1x3 which has no imperfections/knots....ect it will hold you suspended on saw horses. BUT I have never had a 1x3 fir or #2 board that bowed on its own and actually used them for canning shelves because they were cheaper, but I agree over time and weather condition they wont hold up well. The main concern is budget and can always upgrade later.
Cute! Thanks for the photos..We went with the 2x4's
I am using 2x4's as well in the new coop.
I have the cut above trash pine, like standard construction or something for 4.99. I wouldn't use these, but in short length which I already am and still they bend, what weights are your birds?
I was just out building the winter door for the coop and took some pics. Its is actually a 2x3 I am using that is 6 feet long and held all 12 of my hens. Cinnimon queen, leghorn, speckled sussex, Astrolorp, Plymouth rock, laced wyandotte, and Ameraucanas.
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