Whether you build a DIY chicken coop or purchase a chicken coop, the building material is more important than you think. Choosing the right material will save you time and money in the long run.
Chicken coop material is important because:
- Strong copper protects your birds from predators and pests
- Waterproof materials are easier to clean and help prevent the spread of disease
- Parasites thatlice and mitesfind breeding habitat in some materials, which causes health problems for your chickens and reduces egg production
- Well-built coops last for years and save money in the long run
Why you shouldn't buy a cute chicken coop
There are thousands of flat and ready-made wooden chicken coops available online and in pet stores. They often look like little houses – they are so cute!
Many new chicken keepers start out by purchasing one of these admittedly cute chicken coops. But within months the coop is falling apart or the doors are broken and their birds have been attacked by predators or harassed by rodents.
They may be cute, but these booths are just not well made. Many of these coops are sold as chicken tractors, but even moving the chicken coop causes damage.
Most of these "cute hutches" are made of spruce, an inexpensive softwood imported from Asia. Even when painted, spruce simply cannot withstand the Australian weather: the framing cracks and the panels bend, bend or buckle.
Applying a non-toxic sealant can significantly extend the life of a spruce hut. But you'll be much better off if you buy a sturdier hutch in the first place. It may not be cute, but a well-built chicken coop will save you both time and money in the long run.
Choosing the Best Chicken Coop Materials
All materials have advantages and disadvantages. Here you will find an overview of the best chicken coop materials for ready-made chicken coops or do-it-yourself chicken coops.
Metal chicken coops
Metal cages are robust and long lasting. They provide some of the best protection against predators and pests. Metal is also easy to clean and usually does not harbor lice, mites or diseases.
There are plenty of metal chicken tractors that are suitable for small backyards. Although they are heavy, metal chicken tractors can withstand being moved.
Hardwood chicken coops
Hardwood makes for a very robust chicken coop that will last a long time. If the garden is properly landscaped, it will deter predators and pests.
Although hardwood can withstand cleaning, like all log cabins, it tends to harbor lice and mites in cracks and joints.
Softwood chicken coops, including pine houses
Most farms sold in pet stores and online are made of softwoods, such as imported spruce. These woods are cheap and light, which is why manufacturers like them.
However, softwood homes are not built to last. Unless treated with a high-quality, non-toxic sealant, most softwoods will bend, crack or rot within a few months of exposure to sun and rain. Even sealed wood will need to be replaced within 3-5 years.
Like all types of wood, softwood houses tend to harbor lice and mites. They are also difficult to clean because the wood is likely to be damaged by water.
Plywood chicken coops
Another common chicken coop material is plywood. It has the same problems as softwood: unless it is high-quality marine plywood or has been treated with a non-toxic sealant, a plywood coop will deteriorate due to weather conditions. It cannot withstand regular washing and is likely to harbor parasites and diseases.
Plastic in the chicken coop
Although probably not suitable for building a house, plastic is a good material to use in the chicken coop. It is a fantastic material for stool boards and nesting boxes. Plastic is easy to clean and usually does not harbor lice and mites.
Concrete chicken coop floors
Cement or concrete chicken coop floors are great. They provide excellent protection against predators and are very easy to clean with a hose and broom. They also generally don't have many holes or cracks for lice and mites!
Paint, sealant and treated wood in the chicken coop
Unlike metal coops, most wooden chicken coops require protection from insects and the weather. Pine and some hardwoods can be treated with chemicals or heavy metals to prevent damage. Soft woods such as spruce can be painted or sealed.
Not all paints, sealants or treatments are suitable for use in a chicken house. Some can be poisonous to your chickens. Others can be ingested by your chickens and passed in eggs.
Paint can flake off. Chemicals can be washed off from treated wood. And chickens are curious: they peck everywhere.
If you keep chickens so you know where your food comes from and what's in it, metal and concrete are by far the best materials for a chicken coop. If you choose to use wood, do careful research before choosing a treatment and make sure all paints and sealants are non-toxic.
For more advice on designing the ideal chicken coop, check out these useful articles:
- How big should your chicken coop be? Uspractical guidewill help you decide which size chicken coop is best for you.
- What type of roosting place is best for chickens?
- How to make (or choose) a house that protects your chickens from predators
- How to make a nest box for chickens?
Happy chicken team!
Rachael has dinner at Chook Australia
