Hardware cloth flooring? Is it safe?

[LittleMissCountry]

I also have a fairly small coop...a little larger than yours, and have four chickens. I bought a portable chicken run on Amazon for around $50 that was twice the size of the run that came with my coop. It is great for letting them out during the day while I am home, so I don't have to watch them every minute but don't have to worry about predators. That might be a good option for you during the day time.

 

[DuckLady]

I have cleaned up this thread of rudeness and unkind behavior.
My apologies, Graceyyy for your less than stellar intro to BYC. You are welcome here.

Thanks to those of you who responded kindly.

 

[aart]

My only worry is whether or not the hardware cloth will cause issues to our chickens feet.

It can definitely cause foot problems/injuries, they scratch at the ground pretty hard. Aprons are a much better choice IMO.

Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208