Building a Winter Coop

[Big Bubba]

I'm planning on building a winter coop for my hens. I have 4 RIRs.

The area already exists. At the back of my house I have a 6 foot by 6 foot area with 2 brick walls and a third wall now made of screen I intend to close with pressure treated wood. Now all I have to is build a front wall with a door and a window, and maybe some shelves.

My question is what should I do for a floor? The floor is made of concrete. Should I just throw pine sheddings down and clean it every day? Seems like a lot of work. Maybe a sand base?

I don't know what would be best. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

 

[jetdog]

I have sand in mine you can try either but the sand cleans easier with just a cat litter scoop. Some people swear by the deep litter with shavings, I guess it's just a preference.

 

[Big Bubba]

I have sand in mine you can try either but the sand cleans easier with just a cat litter scoop. Some people swear by the deep litter with shavings, I guess it's just a preference.

Yeah, I use shavings for the outdoor run. Works well for me. But, I like the ideal of sand for indoor use. Just seems easier to deal with especially since they'll be spending a lot of time there.

Thanks.

 

[aart]

Where are you located? Climate can make a big difference.

Concrete can gather condensation, creating unwanted humidity, in cold climates and sand can freeze into an impenetrable layer.

Deep litter might work, wood shavings will absorb condensation and fecal moisture, just keep adding shavings and the chooks will keep it stirred up with an occasional turning by you...plan for an eventual depth of maybe a foot if you go deep litter.