Big mess in new coop. Advice needed.

[lovemy6hens]

The new coop was safe enough for the girls to sleep in last night. We have 11 hens and the new coop is 8x14. Temporary roosts they've been using during the transition included. The coop is inside part of our 16x24 workshop and that's where they've been staying during the transition. This morning it's a disgusting mess! Most didn't sleep on the roosts and clearly stayed up way too late having a poop party in their much larger space. I know there will be an adjustment time. The concrete floor is mostly covered with the same interlocking childrens play mats covered with pine shavings that they've been staying on during the transition. They've been in the temporary coop since Thanksgiving.
What do we cover the floor with temporarily to minimize the mess? Hay?

 

[Percheron chick]

Heavy plastic. Put some shavings on top than just roll it up when you're done.

 

[lovemy6hens]

Thank you very much! We will definitely put that down tonight.

 

[lovemy6hens]

Another question: We plan on replacing the interlocking play mats with stall mats. Would adding hay to the pine shavings just make a bigger mess or would it help cover the larger area? I clean it every day.

 

[kateseidel]

My hens love hay - I hate it. Not absorbent, makes a mess. I do use it in my nest boxes because the ladies really do love it.

I am extremely fond of using chopped forage for my coop bedding (having gone through hay, shavings, pellets, stall-dry, and sand). Clean, not dusty, smells nice, lasts long, hens LOVE to scratch in it.

For your temporary situation, the plastic is a great idea. When I have to use temporary bedding, I cut up a feed bag, so I have smaller bits to roll up, and also, I feel handy reusing something I already have.

 

[lovemy6hens]

Thank you so much! I didn't know about chopped forage and will definitely try that. Especially helpful to know you're tried everything else. Your girls look very happy!

 

[FoxHead]

Heavy plastic. Put some shavings on top than just roll it up when you're done.

x2

 

[lovemy6hens]

The plastic sheeting worked well. Thank you for the suggestion! I put the play mats around the edges, but didn't think about it sliding around, so will be duct taping it to the floor today.

 

[Percheron chick]

1002 uses for duct tape.

 

[lovemy6hens]

1002 uses for duct tape.

No kidding! I keep some in my chicken first aid kit, just in case (of what, I don't know but will certainly be glad to have it there if needed).