Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone!

I’m wondering if it’s safe to paint the inside of my chicken coop. I just bought a paint called British 4 Seasons, and it says that after two coats, the surface becomes washable. That sounds really handy for keeping the coop clean, but I’m not sure if it’s safe for the chickens.

Has anyone painted the inside of their coop before? Is there anything I should watch out for, like harmful fumes or peeling paint? I’d love to hear your advice before I get started. Thanks so much!

SustainableSoul wrote: Mon Jan 13, 2025 2:42 pm Hi everyone!

I’m wondering if it’s safe to paint the inside of my chicken coop. I just bought a paint called British 4 Seasons, and it says that after two coats, the surface becomes washable. That sounds really handy for keeping the coop clean, but I’m not sure if it’s safe for the chickens.

Has anyone painted the inside of their coop before? Is there anything I should watch out for, like harmful fumes or peeling paint? I’d love to hear your advice before I get started. Thanks so much!

I’ve painted the inside of my coop before, and it worked out well, but I made sure to use non-toxic, safe paint for animals. While the British 4 Seasons paint might be washable, it’s important to check if it’s labeled as safe for animals once it dries. Some paints can release harmful fumes as they cure, so I would recommend letting the paint dry completely (at least a few days) before putting the chickens in. If you’re unsure, you can also reach out to the paint company for more details. Better safe than sorry!

I haven’t painted any of my coops yet. But I’ve done a lot of research on it because I’m planning to. One thing I came across is that even after paint dries, it can sometimes flake or peel over time, especially in areas with high humidity. Chickens might peck at those flakes, which could be dangerous if the paint isn’t non-toxic.

Thank you all for your responses.

I painted my coop interior last year, and it made cleaning so much easier! Just make sure the paint is non-toxic and let it cure completely before letting the chickens in.

Some people whitewash their coops instead of using paint. It's an old-school method using hydrated lime and water. Safe, breathable, and helps prevent mites, too!

I haven't used that brand, but I painted my coop white to brighten it up. It helps reflect light and keeps it feeling airy inside. My biggest tip: make sure it's fully dry before the chickens move back in!

I skipped painting altogether and used a linseed oil finish instead. It's natural, safe, and still makes the walls easier to wipe down. If you're unsure about the paint, that might be an alternative!

I'd suggest painting some test boards first. Leave them outside for a few weeks to see if the paint peels or chips. You don't want the chickens ingesting any flakes!

I'd be cautious! Some paints contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be harmful to chickens. If the British 4 Seasons paint is low-VOC and fully dried, it should be fine.