When we were building our chicken coop, I was a little worried about how it lasts through the elements.
After all, I’ve built enough things around the yard to know that rain and snow and weather will wear the wood down would over time.
Most of the time, painting is a great option for protecting any outdoor projects you have.
But is it safe to use for chicken coops?
Which paint is the best?
I didn’t know.
So I did the research and asked around with other people that own chickens, and here’s what I found:
The best paint to use for a chicken coop is any exterior grade paint that’s absent of lead and other harmful chemicals. Since most modern paints don’t contain any harmful issues, you usually don’t have to worry. But if you’re using any older paint, make sure you check for what’s inside it.
Check out the rest of the article for more details on this paint and other tips for painting your chicken coop.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Paint Your Chicken Coop?
Chickens are just chickens. Do they need a painted coop?
Well, it’s not just for the aesthetics (although that in itself is a valuable reason to paint it.) Painting outdoor projects help out a lot in keeping it looking nice and safe for a long time compared to untreated wood.
When untreated and left outside, wood will rot over time due to the weather and other elements.
The rotted wood can cause problems and allow for predators or pests like mice to come in and spread disease to your chickens.
Painting is still the easiest and best option for protecting the wood that you keep outside.
Paint protects the wood itself from the light and radiation of the sun.
Paint will also keep moisture out of the wood, which is a huge problem when it comes to rotting,
It also offers another layer that stops some predators and environments from getting into the coop.
Experts all agree, and it makes common sense that painting extends the life of your coop.
Should I paint the interior of my chicken coop?
When it comes to the interior of your chicken coop, the answer’s not quite as clear.
The interior coop doesn’t need much protection from the sun or even from moisture.
However, most experts agree that painting the inside with a plain color is a good option for extra coverage between the chicken poop and moisture from their water.
If you’re extra concerned about bleeding from the moisture of the paint into where the chickens live, or if you’re worried about your chickens pecking at the paint and ingesting it, we understand.
In this case, it’s a judgment call for you as the owner.
If you’re worried, skip paint in the interior.
If you’re not as worried, paint.
The truth is the interior will last longer anyway because it’s not directly exposed.
So just keep an eye out for early signs of rotting and replace the wood as needed.
What Is The Best Type Of Paint To Use For Chicken Coop?
While any paint will do the job of protecting the wood, the best and easiest type of paint to use is an exterior grade paint that comes mixed with its stain already there.
This way, you only have to apply, at most, two or three layers for an even coating and maximum protection.
If you have fresh paint, you don’t have to worry really about anything else.
But if you’re snooping around in your basement looking for old paint you have, you need to take extra care that the paint is not filled with led or other chemicals.
This would bleed into the areas around the chicken and could affect their health, just like it would for any other pet or human in your home.
Kilz exterior paint is our go-to for most effective protection (and it’s pretty affordable, too!).
Paint Color Considerations
Now one thing you might want to consider is the paint color.
If you have a specific aesthetic you’d prefer or look at based on other things around your home; it’s perfectly fine to match that.
Some other folks like to just make their coop look like a classic barn, as shown here.
Some people get a little more scientific in their paint choices
Dark colors absorb more of the light from the sun.
This is why dark colors usually feel warmer on a hot day.
Light colors will reflect more of the sun’s light, keeping it cooler
You won’t have to worry about this for most people in mild climates other than possibly avoiding the darkest colors.
If you live in a warmer climate, such as the south part of the United States, consider your climate and how much ventilation you have in your chicken coop.
You may want to avoid darker colors and stick with lighter reds or whites.
The color of paint doesn’t matter as far as protection goes, but it will make a difference in the temperature of your chicken.
Coop Chicken coop should not reach above 90° degrees Fahrenheit (32° C), or they might start to suffer from heat, stroke, and dehydration.
Always make sure they have access to plenty of water.
You may also want to check out our article on how many waterers you need per chicken.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Kind Of Stain Should You Use For A Chicken Coop?
Generally, water-based stains are good choices if you don’t want to get a combo of stain/paint.
Make sure the stain is safe for pets and exterior grade.
There’s no real need to use this unless you want a more natural look to the wood or you want your paint job to look top-notch.
Since chicken coops won’t stay looking perfect for long (chickens are quite messy), most people find this to be unnecessary.
What Colors Do Chickens Like?
There’s no clear data or research to assume what color chickens “like,” but many people think these birds are attracted to the color red, which is why most coops are red.
Is Milke Paint Safe For Chickens?
Milk paint is interesting if you’ve never heard of it. It’s a milk-based paint product, so it’s all-natural and completely safe for all pets.
Most people who use it say it works surprisingly great, but it doesn’t hold up as well as the other synthetic paints.
Still, if safety and eco-friendliness is your goal, you won’t do wrong to check this out.
What Is A Calming Color For Chickens?
Interestingly enough, some people have experimented and found a small correlation between the color green and less stress in their chickens.
Of course, this is more anecdotal, but the evidence is enough that some farmers paint the interior green as a rule.
Less stress means more eggs, after all!