New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Flooring confusion

post #1 of 3
3/23/11 at 12:23pm
Thread Starter 

I've been reading lots and lots of posts and some people swear that the coop is better if it is off the ground to prevent moisture - then when I read the deep litter article, it said ground was better. I'm confused! Trying to figure out what will be better for chickens and better for me (with cleaning). I work full time and the deep litter method does sound appealing. It that'll work better on the ground, then maybe I should do that. Most of the coops I'm seeing posted, though, have some type of flooring and are elevated.

What I don't know about chickens is a lot!
Reply
What I don't know about chickens is a lot!
Reply

Featured Stories on BackYard Chickens

BackYard Chickens Starter Kit Price Guide
Poll: Why raise backyard chickens?
Why Join BackYard Chickens?
post #2 of 3
3/23/11 at 12:34pm
  • gryeyes
  • Platinum Poultry
  • Covered in Pet Hair & Feathers

"The Deep Litter Method," commonly abbreviated, DLM, is not one, single method.  Various folks manage it in a variety of ways.  The most true method IS with a dirt floor, but deep litter can be used over any floor except a grated one.

I use deep litter over vinyl over plyiwood in raised coops.  Just keep adding litter, and complete clean out twice a year.

-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

Reply

-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

Reply
post #3 of 3
3/23/11 at 12:42pm

Mine is elevated. One of the biggest issues is mold and moisture in the coop. I guess that if it is elevated and deep, the girls will stir it up to keep it dry. I also put an inexpensive roll vinyl floor that is glued down on my flooring that way it will be easy to clean and with the back door cleaning access I put in, all I have to do is sweep it out into the bucket of my tractor. Best of luck to you- Ken

1 loving wife, 3 stepchildren, 3 miniature schnauzers, 16 birds (3 Golden Lace Wyandottes, 3 Rhode Island Reds, 3 Barred Rocks, 1 Golden Comet, 4 Silver Lace Wyandottes, 1 Black Sex Link, and 1 Araucana.)
Reply
1 loving wife, 3 stepchildren, 3 miniature schnauzers, 16 birds (3 Golden Lace Wyandottes, 3 Rhode Island Reds, 3 Barred Rocks, 1 Golden Comet, 4 Silver Lace Wyandottes, 1 Black Sex Link, and 1 Araucana.)
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home