Here is some info on "straw bale homes"...

[big brown horse]

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/energy-efficiency/straw-bale-house1.htm

(I still have not ruled out this type of construction for my coop.)

 

[big brown horse]

Here info for straw bale coops: http://www.ehow.com/how_2167000_build-straw-bale-chicken-coop.html

ETA: here is some more info: http://www.ehow.com/video_4427321_construction-wire-straw-bale-house.html

 

[noobiechickenlady]

I like Shelley Jones' other videos too.

 

[big brown horse]

Thanks Noobie!

I have calculated that it will take about 48 bales of STRAW (not hay) to make 4 walls of a 12 X 12 coop with a door and a window.

I'm sure if I use the load bearing technique I think I can do it by myself or with a friend.

This seems easier than cob building, I'm still researching though.



I just called a feed store and right now straw bales are going for about 9-10 dollars. I'm sure I could get it cheaper. So far costs just for the straw would be about $500. Gosh, is it worth it? Maybe not! I still have to pay for a roof, foundation, wire etc. If I were going to live in it, it might be worth it...

ETA: I just found a place selling straw bales for 3 dollars each bale, that makes it much cheaper @ $144.00. Now that doesn't sound as bad!

 

[noobiechickenlady]

From what I've read, straw bale is easier, but more costly. Cob is more labor intensive, but cheaper. Of course, all that depends on your local costs & whether you can get the clay on site. $500 for the straw bales? The second price is much easier on my eyes, lol!

Urbancrete (Recycled busted concrete) makes a great foundation for smaller buildings. It is usually uniform thickness. Check your heavy construction sites, the guys that build docks, bridges & roads.

 

[big brown horse]

From what I've read, straw bale is easier, but more costly. Cob is more labor intensive, but cheaper. Of course, all that depends on your local costs & whether you can get the clay on site. $500 for the straw bales? The second price is much easier on my eyes, lol!

Urbancrete (Recycled busted concrete) makes a great foundation for smaller buildings. It is usually uniform thickness. Check your heavy construction sites, the guys that build docks, bridges & roads.

"Hay" Noobie, what cha doin' this weekend? Doesn't this sound like a fun project to do with a friend?!

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Tell you what, I'll come to Washington for a few weeks this winter, if you'll come to Mississippi for a few weeks this spring

It does, it does! Of course, almost any big project is more fun to work on with someone.

ETA: Hay! Oh!

 

[big brown horse]

No can do Noobie, :/ I can't take the heat anymore! I have to remain above the Mason Dixon line in the spring/summer! You come here for the summer and chill your blood when you can't take it anymore in Miss'sippi, I will go there in the winter when you have that nice mild climate.

 

[DrakeMaiden]

It is also cheaper if you buy a huge truck load of straw. Where did you find $3 straw bales?

Sometimes you can get free straw bales after Halloween from grocery stores (that were used for displays).

 

[big brown horse]

It is also cheaper if you buy a huge truck load of straw. Where did you find $3 straw bales?

Sometimes you can get free straw bales after Halloween from grocery stores (that were used for displays).

I looked up some hay/straw brokers and someone in Oregon was selling it for 3 per bale. I'm sure I can find it closer for just about that much if I look really hard.

Halloween straw bales, that is a great idea! Too bad I just started to consider this straw bale idea! Little too late...the story of my life.