an all cement yard

[Brooklynfarmer]

So I am new to raising chickens. I bought a coop and a run, actually extended it to a double run almost 200" long 45" wide. The one thing I am stuck on is my flooring. The area my coop will sit is entirely cement next to my garage. I could cut a space out of the cement revealing the dirt underneath, but that seems like a lot of work. Can I just cover the cement with play sand and DE mixture or is there a better way to do it? I would really appreciate suggestions.

 

[Brooklynfarmer]

This is the coop I bought. I want to be prepared for its arrival.

 

[WolfGirlMagic]

i would 100% leave the cement as long as it drains off well enough when it rains.
It will help keep out vermin and predators. It will require a little more intense cleaning. I would suggest laying down sweet pdz as a primary bedding, or mixing with pine pellets or straw.

 

[Brooklynfarmer]

i would 100% leave the cement as long as it drains off well enough when it rains.
It will help keep out vermin and predators. It will require a little more intense cleaning. I would suggest laying down sweet pdz as a primary bedding, or mixing with pine pellets or straw.

The surface has a slight pitch so water runs to the drain which is behind me (from picture shot) the garage has gutters so there is no rain run off from the roof. what is sweet PDZ?

 

[WolfGirlMagic]

The surface has a slight pitch so water runs to the drain which is behind me (from picture shot) the garage has gutters so there is no rain run off from the roof. what is sweet PDZ?

Sweet pdz is a horse stall bedding that is like sand, but it neutralizes ammonia and bad odors, i LOVE the stuff. It also absorbs moister very well
Sweet PDZ

https://sweetpdz.com/

Ive seen lots of threads on byc of people using it also

 

[Brooklynfarmer]

Sweet pdz is a horse stall bedding that is like sand, but it neutralizes ammonia and bad odors, i LOVE the stuff. It also absorbs moister very well
Sweet PDZ

https://sweetpdz.com/

Ive seen lots of threads on byc of people using it also

So about 2" of PDZ and then a toping of either straw, Coop Clean bedding, or pine chips?

 

[Acre4Me]

Awesome space!! You just cut down predator worries to a manageable level -they won’t be digging in!

No reason to not build a “dirt box” for dustbathing. Use regular dirt, sand, peat moss, wood ashes, and sawdust combo (any combo of items listed.). DE is hard on the lungs, humans included, so I personally wouldn’t use it there. The rest of the area can get chipped wood (call tree company to get a delivery -it will be wood and bark, etc, you do NOT want aromatic wood like cedar however bc hard on chicken lungs). You can even build a grass box, which is dirt filled wood frame with supported wire on top- chickens can graze the greens, but not destroy the roots.

 

[Molly Mojo]

Sweet pdz is a horse stall bedding that is like sand, but it neutralizes ammonia and bad odors, i LOVE the stuff. It also absorbs moister very well
Sweet PDZ

https://sweetpdz.com/

Ive seen lots of threads on byc of people using it also

How much is the stuff? Lots of info but have to email them to find out if someone sells near you. Heck, I’m on disability, so each dollar that is in my chicken budget has to be planned a month or two ahead


Do you use the powder or granules?

My coop has a cement floor that extends a few inches past the kennel (10x10). I’ve covered top and sides providinf for sufficient shade and sunshine, as well as beeezes.

As of now, I’m using the deep litter method, with regular dried grass trimmings added.

Can you add it to the top of the current base? Or would I have to clean out the entire floor and start over? There is no smell or even flies since I switched to this, however I know that it is inevitable.

They free range in the evenings.

 

[Brooklynfarmer]

Awesome space!! You just cut down predator worries to a manageable level -they won’t be digging in!

No reason to not build a “dirt box” for dustbathing. Use regular dirt, sand, peat moss, wood ashes, and sawdust combo (any combo of items listed.). DE is hard on the lungs, humans included, so I personally wouldn’t use it there. The rest of the area can get chipped wood (call tree company to get a delivery -it will be wood and bark, etc, you do NOT want aromatic wood like cedar however bc hard on chicken lungs). You can even build a grass box, which is dirt filled wood frame with supported wire on top- chickens can graze the greens, but not destroy the roots.

Awesome space!! You just cut down predator worries to a manageable level -they won’t be digging in!

No reason to not build a “dirt box” for dustbathing. Use regular dirt, sand, peat moss, wood ashes, and sawdust combo (any combo of items listed.). DE is hard on the lungs, humans included, so I personally wouldn’t use it there. The rest of the area can get chipped wood (call tree company to get a delivery -it will be wood and bark, etc, you do NOT want aromatic wood like cedar however bc hard on chicken lungs). You can even build a grass box, which is dirt filled wood frame with supported wire on top- chickens can graze the greens, but not destroy the roots.

Awesome space!! You just cut down predator worries to a manageable level -they won’t be digging in!

No reason to not build a “dirt box” for dustbathing. Use regular dirt, sand, peat moss, wood ashes, and sawdust combo (any combo of items listed.). DE is hard on the lungs, humans included, so I personally wouldn’t use it there. The rest of the area can get chipped wood (call tree company to get a delivery -it will be wood and bark, etc, you do NOT want aromatic wood like cedar however bc hard on chicken lungs). You can even build a grass box, which is dirt filled wood frame with supported wire on top- chickens can graze the greens, but not destroy the roots.

I was going to build a dust box outside of the run so they can play in it when i give them free roam of the yard. I guess i can build a dirt box as a base to the structure, plant grass and let them have at it, although that would probably make it harder for clean up.

 

[Molly Mojo]

I was going to build a dust box outside of the run so they can play in it when i give them free roam of the yard. I guess i can build a dirt box as a base to the structure, plant grass and let them have at it, although that would probably make it harder for clean up.

I actually bought a mortar tub ($5) at Home Depot and 50 lb sand. I went with what was easiest and cheapest. (However, now I know what to plan for in the future.)

I use a litter scoop in the mornings and afternoon to sift out the droppings, if any.