What Are Chicken Coops Made out Of?

Chicken coops are only limited by the needs and creativity of the coop builder. Chicken coops have always been a piece of "folk" architectural art, ranging from the practical on a rural homestead to an ornate addition to a garden. The most important aspects of the coop involve the comfort and safety of the chickens. No matter what the material chosen, all coops must be sturdy, safe, weather resistant and large enough for the chicken flock and for the caretaker.

  1. Lumber

    • Nearly all coops are made out of lumber. Wood is a traditional material that lends the barn a sense of heritage, style and strength. Intended to support the weight of machinery and large animals such as horses and cows, board barns are extremely durable. Board barns can be expensive and time-consuming to build but they are architectural objects reflecting yesteryear and the era of craftsmen. Due to their sturdiness, these barns can be used to store machinery or other livestock, as well as chickens.

    Plywood

    • Plywood is used to make an inexpensive but sturdy coop. These coops are built in the same manner as traditional lumber coops but with the plywood used for the flooring, walls and roofing. Plywood coops are just as attractive as board-built coops and are easier to construct. The plywood can be hidden by molding and siding. Plywood is the most commonly used modern material for coops.

    Old Vehicles

    • Old school buses and campers have been turned into coops. These vehicles are ready-made coops with only a few arrangements needed. Seats and other encumbering objects (including wheels) are removed and the floor is matted or reset with wood. Roosts are put in and nesting boxes are added. Old vehicles are weather-proof and sturdy. Making a coop out of an old school bus or camper is a good way to recycle these vehicles.

    Stucco

    • Coops can be built out of stucco. This technique is found in the buildings of southern France, Italy, Greece and the American West. Stucco is a practical material in these areas and fits into the styles of the region and the landscape. Along with its traditional appeal, stucco is resilient and resists temperature impacts, insulating against warm and cold weather. Stucco is enduring when constructed properly.