Which wood is best for a chicken coop? (list of professions and disadvantages)

 

Content

• Benefits of building your collaboration
• Types of wood
• Softwoods
• Hardwoods
• Pressure treated wood
• Plywood
• Things to Avoid
• Result

You have chickens and want to build a coop to protect them from predators and the elements. Now all you need to do is decide what you will use to make your coop. Should you use softwood or hardwood? What about pressure treated wood or plywood? Are you sure you want to build your own or should you buy a pre-made coupe? Read on to learn more about the benefits of building your own wood coop and the best wood to use to build one.

Benefits of building your collaboration

There are many advantages to making your own chicken coop instead of buying pre-made. Building your own chicken coop allows you endless possibilities for customization. You can choose the size, style and material that suits your needs.

You can make your coop as simple or elaborate as you like. It's important to keep in mind that your chickens don't really need anything fancy. As long as they have a warm and safe place to live, they will be happy.

Types of wood

There are four main types of wood that are commonly used to make chicken coops. These include softwood, hardwood, pressure treated wood and plywood. The following describes each type of wood and lists the pros and cons for each.

Softwoods

Description: Softwoods include hemlock, fir, pine, or spruce. Chicken coop builders like to use them because they don't pose a risk of toxicity to your chickens. Softwoods can also be less expensive than hardwoods.

If you choose to go with soft wood to build your chicken coop, you will need to apply non-toxic paint, sealer or stain. You can also apply a non-toxic wood stabilizer to extend the longevity of the wood.

If you don't use something to protect the wood, it will rot. Adding materials to help make it more weather resistant will extend the life of your coop.

It is important to choose your paints and stains carefully. Label them non-toxic to avoid the risk of making your chickens sick. As long as your paint or stain is non-toxic, you can choose any color for your coop.

One downside to using softwood is that it is a more time-consuming process because you need to paint or stain your wood and then apply a sealer. If you choose to use a wood stabilizer, the process will take a little longer because the stabilizer needs to be applied and allowed to sit for several weeks before you paint or stain it.

Occupation

• A non-toxic option
• Less expensive
• Can paint any color

Cons of

• It takes more time
• It can still rot if not sealed properly
• Also see: 6 Best Materials for Chicken Coop Flooring

Hardwoods

Description: Hardwoods include woods such as tropical hardwoods, redwood, and cedar. These woods are usually naturally biodegradable, meaning you won't have to spend extra time protecting the wood from the elements. You also won't have to worry about any toxins harming your chickens.

If you are using tropical wood, you need to make sure it is FSC certified. The FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council, ensures that forests are not over-harvested and that they maintain biodiversity. Seder also comes with some precautions. Most cedar used in construction is not resistant to decay because it is too young to naturally develop this property. You still need to apply sealant to protect it.

Occupation

• Some are rot resistant
• Non-toxic

Cons of

• Expensive
• Hard to source
• Treatment may still be required for rot resistance

Pressure treated wood

Description: Pressure treated wood is a soft wood that has been chemically treated to make it water and insect resistant. This treatment continues for several years. The best feature of pressure treated wood for chicken coops is cost. It is generally less expensive than other softwoods or hardwoods.

However, chemicals used to treat wood can be toxic to your chickens. Hens peek at the walls and frame of their coop. Any chemicals in the wood can get on their beaks and make your chickens sick.

It can also cost more to purchase nails and screws for a coop made of pressure-treated wood. One of the materials most often used to treat wood is copper. Copper corrodes faster than other metals so you will need special galvanized screws and nails.

Occupation

• Less expensive
• Widely available

Cons of

• Potentially carrying toxins in the soil around your coop
• Wood contains harmful toxins
• High cost of fasteners
• Related: 5 Best Chicken Coop Heaters and Heat Lamps in 2021

Plywood

Description: There are many different types of plywood, from cheap pressboard to marine grade plywood. The pressed board type should not be used as it will swell and rot. You'll get better results if you use exterior, medium-density, or marine-grade plywood. All of these are stiffer than the pressed board style.

The plywood will also need to be sealed to prevent it from rotting. It is generally recommended that you sand the plywood and then apply at least two coats of sealant or paint to protect it. This may be time consuming, but it will ensure that your coupe will last longer.

Occupation

• This is an affordable option
• Widely available

Cons of

• Cheap versions will rot
• Sanding, painting and sealing require additional time and work

Things to Avoid

While you can use pine or cedar to build your chicken coop, both pine and cedar shavings can be toxic to chickens. Do not use them as bedding inside your coop. Also, make sure you're only using safe, non-toxic paints and stains on your chicken coop.

Result

Hopefully, you now feel confident enough to choose the best wood for your chicken coop. Softwood is treated with non-toxic sealants and paints if you're willing to put in the time to do it right. The same is the case with plywood. Hardwoods can be expensive but can be more convenient if time is limited. Pressure-treated wood is a cheaper option, but may not be the best for your chickens in the long run due to its toxicity.