Bottomless

[Breath Easy]

I've started assembling my first coop, which has a run that extends under its floor (typical design). I was asked a question that got me thinking... Is there any reason I shouldn't install wire mesh instead of a solid floor? The nest box is separate, so it would not be affected. I'm using half-inch mesh on the walls, which I could apply to the coop floor also. While living in Las Vegas, this could provide some well needed cooling/ventilation, as well as minimize cleaning. Any thoughts?

 

[mickey328]

Wire of any kind is hard on chickens' feet. Ventilation is better up near the top so that breezes blow over the hens' heads, rather than directly on them. You should get some nice ventilation during the day when the ramp is open...it'll move all the way through, but then when it's closed at night, it'll keep the breeze up high for them.

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Tweakster]

No problem using mesh, I have it as part of the floor in my tractor. Realize that it will be a bit difficult to clean as the droppings tend to pile up on 1/2 by 1/2 inch mesh. You need a bit larger mesh before the droppings fall through. I used the 1/2 by 1/2 mesh under the roosting area in my tractor with a drawer type dropping board below the mesh thinking it would ease cleanup and now I'm scrping droppings of the mesh as they don't make it into the droppongs board. I'll be ripping out the 1/2 by 1/2 inch mesh and replacing with a heavy duty, coated chicken wire so the dropping board works like it should.

HTH!

 

[Breath Easy]

I wondered about their feet and how hard it would be on them. I thought the 1/2 by 1/2 mesh would be easier, as oppose to something wider.

Droppings sticking on the mesh is certainly something I can imagine. Since I have plenty of ventillation along the top, including a window, maybe I'll stick to the original plan (i.e. wood floor). Thanks for the feedback!!! I'll post photos when I'm done.