Untreated chicken coop

[Stacylynnlac]

I purchased a new chicken coop and when it was delivered I was told it is untreated wood. What can I use to treat the wood and protect it before I put my birds in? It’s fresh cut wood too so she told me to wait a month before painting the outside ( painting it to match our house). Having a hard time find things online since most are made with treated wood.

 

[Ted Brown]

The word "treated" in wood is normally used to refer to "Pressure Treated" referring to a preservative used to prevent rot in wood. If this is what your supplier is referring to then good because the off gassing from PT is probably not good for chickens (I am guessing here?). There is no reason to "treat" lumber other than using a latex primer first to ensure the outer paint will adhere properly. If you are using stains you do not use a primer.

I have never read about a coop built with PT lumber except when used on the floor framing. She/he is also correct about letting wood dry before painting but usually purchased lumber is kiln dried during the manufacturing process. Rough cut lumber purchased direct from a miller is not kiln dried.

I would go back to the supplier and get clarification on what they are talking about.

 

[Acre4Me]

as @Ted Brown mentions, get some clarification.

But to "treat" the floor to be more resilient to chickens, you can use BlackJack 57 - many people like this roof paint - it is very thick, though, and others have posted usage tips on BYC, so do a search. Others will apply a layer of linoleum or vinyl flooring to the floor. I've seen some will use the epoxy coatings, like you might for a garage floor.


No Matter what you choose to use to treat the coop before chickens use it, you should use all exterior rated paints, primers, finishes, stains.

Good luck and have fun with finishing off your new (and attractive) new coop!

 

[Stacylynnlac]

The word "treated" in wood is normally used to refer to "Pressure Treated" referring to a preservative used to prevent rot in wood. If this is what your supplier is referring to then good because the off gassing from PT is probably not good for chickens (I am guessing here?). There is no reason to "treat" lumber other than using a latex primer first to ensure the outer paint will adhere properly. If you are using stains you do not use a primer.

I have never read about a coop built with PT lumber except when used on the floor framing. She/he is also correct about letting wood dry before painting but usually purchased lumber is kiln dried during the manufacturing process. Rough cut lumber purchased direct from a miller is not kiln dried.

I would go back to the supplier and get clarification on what they are talking about.

They own a mill and told me they just cut all the lumber from the tree not too long ago so it’s very green wood and completely untreated. I wanted to seal it somehow for longevity. The outside will be painted with regular exterior paint that we painted our house with, not stain.

 

[Ted Brown]

I would worry about the floor as @Acre4Me suggested above. If you opt for the Blackjack57 some also use it up 12" on the walls as well as on the floor. Other than that paint on the exterior as you plan. Painting the interior is an option based only on personal preference.

 

[Acre4Me]

They own a mill and told me they just cut all the lumber from the tree not too long ago so it’s very green wood and completely untreated. I wanted to seal it somehow for longevity. The outside will be painted with regular exterior paint that we painted our house with, not stain.

In this situation, I would not touch it with any paint until late summer or fall, before winter hits. Let it really dry out and acclimate. Then use a really good exterior primer (primer only, not paint+primer mix). Might want to go with an oil based primer, since it is only on the outside of the coop - any fumes will not bother the birds as the natural airflow will mitigate any fumes. On top of the primer, use a really good exterior paint. It should look great for many years!

 

[Ted Brown]

Just one minor exception to the wait "until late summer or fall" and that is the floor. Get it sorted before you put any birds in.

 

[Acre4Me]

Just one minor exception to the wait "until late summer or fall" and that is the floor. Get it sorted before you put any birds in.

Truth! Definitely get the flor sorted before chickens! I was thinking of the outside to wait for painting.

 

[blackdog043]

Is the floor made of fresh cut wood also or plywood? If it's fresh cut, you won't be able to seal it. If that's the case, then I would use sheet vinyl and tack the edges down using 1 x 2's.

 

[Ted Brown]

@blackdog043 Can you please elaborate on your comment "If it's fresh cut, you won't be able to seal it."

I am building a Woods style coop and intend to use rough cut lumber for the floor, doubled at 90 degrees. I was planning to use BlackJack67 hence my question.

Thanks!!