4'x4' Coop with 5 chickens..... What to use on floor of coop?

[jimmywalt]

I have a 4'x4'x4' Coop with 5 chickens. They are about 17 weeks old and have been living in the coop for about the last 8 weeks. Until recently (the last couple weeks) I have used open newspaper on the floor of the coop. It's really easy to clean up once or twice per week.

But in the past couple weeks one (or more) of them have been shredding the newspaper and making an absolute mess. So I'm wondering what I should use on the floor inside the coop to make poop clean-up easy. Also from time to time I have climbed into the coop after removing the newspapers to install an automatic door and wifi cameras. I would also like something that is easy to clean so I can climb in as needed.

Would straw be best or PDZ. I want "inexpensive" and "easy to clean".

Here are a couple pictures of the coop so you can get the idea.

Thank you.



When the chicks were EXTREMELY young:


The finished coop & run:




During construction - the floor of the coop:


During construction - Before the back wall/egg box was installed:

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I use play sand in the floor of my coop - a very thin layer- and scrape with a stiff plastic rake then sift with kitty litter scoop every other day. Works well (wear mask).

 

[DLV58]

Hi, I also have a small coop. I use PDZ in it and it works out nice. It dries up the poop/any moisture, it doesn't smell, and cleans up so easily.
I made a pooper scooper out of a 1/2 gal milk jug by drilling holes on 2 sides, just scoop and shake. I put the droppings in a coffee can which I
take to the garden, where I have a hole dug, dump in the poop, cover with a scoop of dirt, all done.

 

[jimmywalt]

Hi, I also have a small coop. I use PDZ in it and it works out nice. It dries up the poop/any moisture, it doesn't smell, and cleans up so easily.
I made a pooper scooper out of a 1/2 gal milk jug by drilling holes on 2 sides, just scoop and shake. I put the droppings in a coffee can which I
take to the garden, where I have a hole dug, dump in the poop, cover with a scoop of dirt, all done.

How thick do you put down the PDZ? I can get a 20# bag for $9.99 or 40# for $14.99. I'm wondering how long it will last..... I want to do this as inexpensive as possible.

 

[DLV58]

I'm new to raising chickens, my 1st flock of 7 girls have been out in the coop/run for 6 wks.
I used 1 1/2 bags to put down a couple of inches, I think it will last for months

 

[Goats4Us]

What is PDZ?

 

[jetdog]

It's a horse stall dryer takes all the ammonia smell out don't know how it works but it is great.

 

[Goats4Us]

Thanks!

 

[farmgirlroots]

I'd suggest a mix of sand and sweet PDZ.

 

[kitty928]

I started using PDZ in my coop this year and just love it!