Coop rot from termites or moisture?

[Zoochick999]

Had this coop built from me from a coop builder on Facebook which has excellent reviews, it’s been around 3 years and recently noticed the bottom of the coop is either rotting or falling apart from termites which i have not seen. Is the wood possibly not treated? I was told this was pressure treated but am starting to doubt it was as my original coop on the bottom has been holding up for 2x as long and is not affected and is not painted either. I am in Florida and the coop is on sand. Any ideas what may be going on?

 

[Bawkbok]

Well, this is the problem with wood coops in FL. Since it is sitting on the sand, when the sand gets wet, that transfers to the wood. Difficult to say why it is deteriorating but the heat, humidity and insects destroys everything in this climate. Termites are not difficult to see if you have them, unless they are accessible to the chickens and they are eating them. I would say you are probably correct in that it is not pressure treated. I would replace that asap as it could impact the structural integrity.

 

[Zoochick999]

Well, this is the problem with wood coops in FL. Since it is sitting on the sand, when the sand gets wet, that transfers to the wood. Difficult to say why it is deteriorating but the heat, humidity and insects destroys everything in this climate. Termites are not difficult to see if you have them, unless they are accessible to the chickens and they are eating them. I would say you are probably correct in that it is not pressure treated. I would replace that asap as it could impact the structural integrity.

You recommends placing the coop on bricks to fix this issue and replacing the bottom boards?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Yes, probably not pressure treated but over time if it stays wet it can still deteriorate. That seems excessive for treated wood in three years.

I'd build a foundation with brick, pavers, cinder block, or pour a concrete foundation (my favorite) and replace that wood.

 

[Bawkbok]

The problem with pressure treated wood in FL, it requires constant maintenance. We had a wood privacy fence that required Thompson's water sealant and staining every couple of years. A never ending maintenance nightmare. Most people here go with vinyl or chain link fencing; neither of which are without maintenance themselves but are more structurally sound than wood.

 

[Zoochick999]

I found out it was termites after looking further, I have some other builds with wood and haven’t had this issue but oh well… will rebuild the bottom and middle since it’s rotted partially. I’ll look into vinyl or metal fencing for future as well. Ty everyone