Cement slab run okay?

[mamagardener]

My question is, is it okay to have a cement slab for a run? Should something be put down on top of it, or is it okay as is? A lot easier to clean, but is it too hard on their feet? Partly in sun, and partly in shade so it wont ever be too hot or too cold for them.

 

[highcountrychickens]

We have a cement slab coop - works like a champ for all the reasons you mentioned. We blast it with a power washer to clean it, and take a lot of comfort in the security against predators (we were on a wolf beat this winter - his tracks went by the coop every other day).
The only thing I do find is that they really need to get out to pick around the yard, take dust baths, etc. They seem to lay better when they're out more. I haven't seen any foot or leg issues in the two years we have used it.

 

[ducks4you]

I agree with the others. You'll find that any kind of bedding on top of cement will soften it, so pick what you like best, and what it affordable. Old, used bedding does stick to cement, so realize that you'll build some muscle when you strip the old and put down the new. (Sometimes it's easy to forgot that many new chicken owners are new to "farm" chores, too.)

 

[patandchickens]

You can do a bare cement slab run if you really think you have to, but the chickens won't be happy about it. They really really want somewhere to scratch and pick and dust. Also if you live somewhere that gets down below freezing in the winter you would need to put a heavy layer of straw or etc on it for wintertime so as not to be too freezy for their feet.

Far better would be to put boards or timbers around the edge and then put in 6++" of sand or gravel or a mix. (You could in theory use something organic like mulch instead, except that it will tend to float away in the first hard rain)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Chew593]

we have a cement slab floor that I spread with pine shavings once a month and then mix in dry grass clippings and saw dust every so often... my chickens are all happy and in great health. I also live in predator country with coons skunks opposum and coyote, and havne't had any losses at night. (Knock wood)

 

[GardeNerd]

Both my coop and run are over an old cement patio. I have 2 to 3 inches of construction sand on top of the cement in the run. It works great for us. I rake it out once a week. I hose it down on really hot days to keep the girls cool, but it still drains well with no issues.