Can the coop floor be hardware cloth? What's the best fencing material?

[rachelwillow]

Hubby built the coop last weekend and made the floor hardware cloth with removable plywood. So can we just take the plywood out for the summer for extra ventilation? I know it means the poop would fall to the ground but I could put something under to catch it. It gets pretty warm here in the summer so it might be nice.

Also, what's the best, least expensive fencing material for the run? We are looking at deer fence, garden fence, poultry fence, or some kind of wire. I'd prefer something nylon since we have kids and I don't want sharp edges all over. Plus I think it looks better. Thanks for your input!

 

[TravisE]

i would not recommend the hard wire cloth for the floor. thats what is in mine. i have the 1/2 inch. some falls though but alot doesnt. im going to be taking it out some time this spring. it gets to be a mess. this just my experience.
hope this helps

 

[4 the Birds]

i would not recommend the hard wire cloth for the floor. thats what is in mine. i have the 1/2 inch. some falls though but alot doesnt. im going to be taking it out some time this spring. it gets to be a mess. this just my experience.
hope this helps

+1

I would leave the plywood floor in and cover it with pine chips. You won't be happy with cleaning the poop off the mesh. Your chickens will be happier with a solid floor. The coop should have plenty of up high open/close vents or windows for good ventilation. If you are not concerned with predators, then you would do your run with a standard roll of welded wire, chicken wire, or the plastic garden mesh found at the big box stores. I suppose you could even use deer netting but that would be my last choice. You will want hardware cloth or even better woven wire if you have neighborhood dogs or predators to keep your chickens safe.

 

[aart]

What size opening is the hardware cloth?
You might want to leave it on under the plywood to keep vermin out and anything else from chewing thru.