Can you use a plywood floor for a run

[needageekette]

We are new and are going to build a chicken coop. Can you have a plywood floor covered in sand for the run?

 

[KristineY]

We painted the plywood floors in our coops with a water-based porch floor paint. to make it smoother and moisture-proof. We used self stick vinyl tiles in a smaller coop but it wasn't cost-effective for the large coop). I am not a fan of sand for the entire coop floor (perhaps for the roosting pans), but I like pine shavings in summer and straw. (Deep litter method) in winter.

 

[LaceyMae]

Hummmmmm...... it could cause some issues. First, the plywood would have to be well supported as the sand will be very heavy. Also, the sand will let moisture pass through to the plywood, and the plywood will absorb it. You would likely have to replace the plywood every year or two. Why not make it on the ground?

 

[keith92]

Hummmmmm...... it could cause some issues. First, the plywood would have to be well supported as the sand will be very heavy. Also, the sand will let moisture pass through to the plywood, and the plywood will absorb it. You would likely have to replace the plywood every year or two. Why not make it on the ground?

an indoor run it would be fine, but i agree with LaceyMae otherwise.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You might like to check out / post on the BYC Coop/Run Design forum https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance X3, a plywood floor in an outdoor run is probably not going to last long.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Kelsie X2...I would post this in our Coop and Run Construction forums for more help.

Good luck with the build and welcome to our flock!

 

[gander007]

It will work ....

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

We are new and are going to build a chicken coop. Can you have a plywood floor covered in sand for the run?

Sure just keep the sand from washing away or getting wet (it will be nasty if it gets wet).

See the "got sand you should" thread for more ideas. You can rake it and scoop it out with a kitty litter scoop to get the poo out. I do this daily inside my coop. Wear a mask when sifting sand as it is very bad for the lungs (N95 mask is what I use).

Don't forget to give them grass clippings (2-3 inches long for adult chickens with grit offered) or other greens for vitamins, if you can, to supplement their feed if they won't be free ranging.

 

[drumstick diva]

Why not try small pea gravel as a base with sand on top, for your run? It would drain fast and the sand is more comfortable for the chickens to stand/walk on. I don't think plywood, would give you anything but trouble outside.

 

[needageekette]

Thank you for all the responses - We decided to have a dirt and sand run and sand in the coop. Works great!