Straw bale coop anyone?

[Beekissed]

Depends on how dry you keep it. If I was building this directly on the ground in a rainy area, I would definitely be trying to find a way of either diverting run-off, providing a foundation with a solid floor or otherwise protecting the base of the structure from the rain. Moldy hay would not be a good place for the birds, I don't think. Maybe wrapping the bottom bales in good, heavy mil plastic as a barrier for this?

 

[herbandteas]

My idea was to put pallets down then put wood over them not sure if that would help keep the dampness out though. I do plan on putting it where it is dry.

 

[Wynette]

Sounds like a great idea...but....straw is an excellent place for mites to hide, since it's hollow inside the shafts...but that's just one little drawback; the overall idea sounds great!

 

[al6517]

I think the basic idea is good, i think another low cost method would be to wrap these bales in celitex. the same material contractors use to wrap homes in. you can buy it anywhere and comes in 9'x100' rolls cheap too, plenty to do a big bail coop.
this will keep out rain wind, mold, mildew, and should be really easy to clean if you had the mind to. and strong enough to make a decent roof with cross supports. check it out, i plan to use it on my coop for shade in the bigger runs.

AL

 

[goldnchocolate]

Quote:
Thanks

for the link! I have been looking around on the internet for instructions to make a straw bale chicken coop and this site has the best pictures and instructions that I've found.

 

[Heather J]

I built a 'lean to' for my ducks and geese out of straw bales, but they pick at the straw, making holes in it in their search for bugs or whatever, and I do have mice in there between bales and they've burrowed below the bales where it's protected--it's a pain. In the next few weeks I'm going to pull it all apart and build something more permanent, then set the bales around it for warmth during the winter. On the other hand, if you stuccoed it, you might have better luck than I did.

 

[walkswithdog]

Well, we were at a Poultry show... We're agreed Turkeys next year. And if Turkeys then yes, we will be doing it as a straw coop. So you all will get to see one go up. For Turkeys here, we'll do it as a three sided range structure.

I agree a broader roof and a sand floor. But DE kills mites anywhere and I LOVE the idea of using one of the Tyvek type products to protect it. Turkeys need so much less intervention in structure in our climate, that this will be a good starter building.

I'll put the straw on cinder blocks, rail ties and whatever else I have to keep it off the ground. Figuring to just lay some wide hardwire under the foundation stuff then use some landscape wires to anchor it up into the bales after they're laid to keep out rats, weasels, etc. But snakes and mice don't fare well with range turkeys.

I'm looking forward to it.

 

[kimTn]

love this idea!!! but....our horses would probably munch it away! we had straw bales against the outside of the coop's north wall last winter for insulation, and the horses joyfully pulled apart and nibbled down a bale at a time!

 

[CarolM]

I am looking for straw bales and I saw your post. I am an older person but a new gardner/farmer and am looking for straw bales to purchase. I don't want hay too many weeds. Please take pitty on this newbee gardener and give me a hand.
Carol in Port Orchard