Waterproofing the wood

[Soon2BChixMom]

I had a similar prefab. The "paint" is more like a stain. The thompson's waterseal will help it tremendously.
I started to do the inside, but realized that chickens aren't going to get it wet in there - unless you are really concerned about scrubbing, I would do a coat.
I applied two coats of the waterseal on the outside. It will need to be reapplied in a year. It can only help the prefab.

 

[CrazyCrttr75]

Another question....do you close the sliding door once they are inside roosting? I feel like its more secure to do it every evening...
Again, I read differing opinions...I am super nervous about the littles moving outside ( I think would camp out there if I could...ROFL...)[/QUOTE]

I totally understand! I was super nervous when I moved mine outside as well. We tried to silicone and reinforce what we could to the best of our ability. Since I'm in TN, the heat has been awful! In the beginning, we would close the sliding vented doors that are on the side and on the back above the nesting boxes. But as they got older and the temps got hotter, we will leave them cracked. As a side note, since there isn't much of an overhang on the sides, if that side door is open the inside will get wet right at the window. We have woods around us but our coop is basically in the middle of a fenced in field in my front yard (our intention is to eventually put in an electric fence to keep the few critters that I am worried about out). For us, we'll be more concerned closer to winter time when food is more scarce. That is one of the reasons that we are taking on a new build for them where we can not only give them more room but also can make sure it's a little more secure. But that just makes sense for MY situation and is not the norm. Predators can be very opportunistic and persistent. So please take what I say and my experiences with a grain of salt (for reference only). I am new to raising chickens. This is my first yr. And I just got ducks a week ago so, I'm just a crazy bird lady learning what I can along the way. This site has been an AMAZING fount of information.

 

[CrazyCrttr75]

Oh, put a lock on that sliding tray too, raccoons know they can pull those out and reach in to grab legs, while the chicks are on the roost.

I never even thought about this. Good to think about!

 

[Raenh]

There are widow


Another question....do you close the sliding door once they are inside roosting? I feel like its more secure to do it every evening...
Again, I read differing opinions...I am super nervous about the littles moving outside ( I think would camp out there if I could...ROFL...)

LOL - I'm the crazy one that is camped out with my babies since I moved and don't feel safe not being with them at night. After a year of having them inside all night and safe from harm... yes, I pitched a tent in the backyard until I get my own place again.