Can I use hardware cloth for my tractor coop floor?

[hac1224]

The title pretty well explains it. I'm in a very warm climate (NC) and was hoping I could use hardware cloth for the floor for the coop part of my tractor. Will that work or is it bad for their feet? It would give much better ventilation than a solid floor, but could easily be covered if we have cool winter months. It rarely gets below freezing here in the coldest part of the winter.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Hardware cloth is fine to use.

 

[hac1224]

Quote:
Thanks!

 

[flakey chick]

It can hurt their feet depending on breed. I used vinyl coated 1/4" hardware cloth for the upstairs of my tractor. At first it worked great. The pooh easily hosed off it. For winter I covered it with a sheet and piled on the wood shavings. Still worked fine.

Then in spring my babies had grown up- about 2 lbs. (bantam breeds). When I took up the covering, it must have hurt their feet. They are used to jumping down hard from the roost. They acted like the wire was hot lava and tried not to ever touch it.

Right now I have covered it with shade cloth- the kind they put around tennis courts. It is still well ventilated and the food doesn't spill through. It is real easy to clean and it doesn't seem to hurt their feet.