The Chicken Care Blog

If you're building a chicken run, one of the decisions you'll need to make is whether to use roofing felt under the shingles.  Roofing felt, also called tar paper, is a water-resistant material that is commonly installed under asphalt shingles or other roofing materials.  But is it necessary or beneficial for a chicken run roof? Here is a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of using roofing felt under shingles on a chicken run to help you decide. What is Roofing Felt? Roofing felt is a paper or fiberglass mat that is coated with asphalt. The asphalt coating makes it water resistant to serve as a protective barrier between the roof deck and the shingles.  There are different grades of roofing felt indicating the level of durability and weather resistance. Common grades used in residential roofing include: #15 felt - The lightest grade for use in drier climates #30 felt - The most commonly used grade for typical residential roofs #90 felt - A heavier grade for use...

When building or renovating a chicken coop and run, one of the decisions you'll need to make is whether to paint or stain the wood roof.  Both painting and staining have their pros and cons when it comes to protecting a roof from weather damage and making it last longer.  Here is an in-depth look at the factors to consider when deciding between painting or staining a wood chicken run roof. Durability One of the biggest considerations when choosing a protective coating for your chicken run roof is durability.  You want the finish to stand up to sun, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations for as long as possible before needing to be reapplied. Paint tends to be more durable than stain overall. Paint forms a thick, protective coating on top of the wood that resists cracking, peeling, and fading better than stain over time. Multiple coats of exterior-grade paint provide excellent protection. Stain sinks into the wood and highlights the natural grain. It protects the s...

Keeping your chicken coop clean is essential for the health and wellbeing of your flock.  An accessible roof that opens easily makes cleaning the coop much simpler.  Here are some effective strategies to create an openable roof on your chicken run: Install Hinged Roof Panels Attaching hinges to the roof panels allows them to lift up for full access to the coop's interior. Choose sturdy, rust-resistant hinges that can withstand weather and frequent use.  Make sure the hinged panels are light enough to lift with ease. Add Sliding Roof Panels For added security against predators, opt for roof panels that slide open on tracks or slots. High-quality sliding hardware ensures smooth operation.  Be sure the panels slide flush for complete roof coverage when closed. Cut a Roof Hatch Cutting a hatch into the roof over nesting boxes or high traffic areas provides access to targeted spots.  Install a hatch door with a locking mechanism to keep it securely closed. Use...

 Concrete chicken coops are a popular choice for chicken owners because they are durable, easy to clean, and low-maintenance.  Concrete is a strong material that can withstand the elements, making it a good choice for coops in areas with extreme weather conditions.  It is also non-porous, which makes it easy to clean and disinfect. Concrete coops are less likely to attract pests than wooden coops, making them a good option for keeping chickens healthy.  They can be built to any size or shape, providing versatility for chicken owners. However, concrete coops can be more expensive and more difficult to construct than other types.  They can also be cold in winter, so insulation is important in colder climates. Key Considerations for Concrete Chicken Coops If you're considering a concrete chicken coop, there are a few things to keep in mind: Choosing the Right Concrete Mix Use a mix designed for outdoor use that is durable and weather resistant. The concrete should...

Building a chicken coop is an exciting project for any backyard farmer. Having a dedicated structure to house your flock provides many benefits, including protection from predators, separation from household pets, and insulation from weather extremes. One of the most important chicken coop construction decisions is which material to use for the floor.  Concrete is a popular choice because it is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to pests. However, not all concrete is equally suitable for a chicken coop. When selecting chicken coop concrete, you need to consider factors like climate, coop size, chicken weight, and cost.  This guide examines the pros and cons of concrete for coops and provides tips for choosing the best concrete mix. Why Use Concrete for a Chicken Coop? Concrete offers some clear advantages as a flooring material: Durability  - A properly poured concrete floor can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Concrete stands up well to scratching and peckin...

 When building a chicken coop, one of the most important decisions is determining the right thickness for the concrete floor.  Choosing the correct thickness will help ensure the floor is durable, easy to clean, and able to withstand years of use.  This article will examine the factors to consider when deciding on chicken coop concrete thickness and provide tips for getting it right. Why Concrete for the Chicken Coop Floor? Concrete is one of the best flooring options for a chicken coop for several reasons: Durability  - Concrete holds up well over time and does not rot or easily crack like wood floors. With proper installation it can last for decades. Hygiene  - Concrete creates an impermeable surface that is easy to sweep and sanitize. This helps control bacteria and odors. Drainage  - Concrete can be sloped to promote drainage, keeping the coop drier. Insulation  - A thick concrete pad helps insulate the coop floor from cold and dampness. Pest contr...

 Concrete is a common material used for building a sturdy foundation for a chicken coop. However, over time concrete can become weak and crack due to pressure from the weight of the coop, exposure to weather elements, and other environmental factors.  Strengthening the concrete used for your chicken coop is important to maintain structural integrity and prevent future damage.  Here are some of the best tips and methods for strengthening chicken coop concrete: Use Good Quality Concrete Choose a concrete mix designed specifically for outdoor use. This type of concrete will have properties to withstand freezing, thawing, and exposure to the elements. Aim for a concrete strength rating of at least 3000 PSI. The higher the PSI rating, the stronger the concrete. Use a mix with both coarse and fine aggregates. The combination improves overall strength. Consider additives like synthetic fibers which can increase tensile strength to prevent cracking. Avoid cheap bagged concrete w...

Keeping the concrete floor of your chicken coop dry is important for the health and comfort of your flock.  Wet conditions can lead to mold, bacteria, and foot issues for the chickens. Waterproofing the concrete is the best way to prevent moisture from seeping in from the ground below.  Here are some steps to take to properly waterproof a chicken coop's concrete floor. Supplies Needed Concrete primer Waterproofing sealant Paint brush or roller Clean rags Concrete cleaner or etcher Rubber gloves and eye protection Steps to Waterproof the Concrete Clean the Concrete Surface Remove any dirt, dried feces, or debris from the concrete with a stiff brush and shop vacuum. Use a concrete degreaser to remove any oil stains or residue. Etch the surface with a concrete etcher or acidic cleaner. This will roughen up the surface to allow the sealant to bond effectively. Rinse thoroughly and allow the concrete to fully dry. Apply Concrete Primer A primer is essential to c...

Having a sturdy and durable concrete floor is essential for any chicken coop. Concrete provides a smooth, easy to clean surface that can withstand years of use.  However, concrete is susceptible to cracking over time, especially when exposed to the elements.  Cracks in the concrete can allow moisture to seep in, erode the floor, and create an unhygienic environment for your chickens.  Fortunately, there are several steps you can take when pouring and curing concrete to prevent cracks from forming. Use the Right Concrete Mix Purchase a pre-blended concrete mix specifically designed for exterior use Look for a high compressive strength rating of at least 4000 PSI Select a mix with good workability to properly fill forms and consolidate when poured Properly Install Reinforcing Mesh or Rebar Reinforcement prevents cracks from spreading Welded wire mesh is easiest for small coop floors Rebar provides greater strength but requires expertise to install properly Sp...