Chicken coop floor

[OneChicksDream]

Onechicksdream here from Reading Ohio. Constructing a chicken coop and wanted to know if it is okay to use hardware cloth on the floor of the run for predator protection, or will this damage their feet

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Chickens can be raised on wire but I wouldn't do it. They love to scratch and will try to do so. Any foot injuries can lead to bumblefoot. They also won't be able to dustbathe.
A better technique is to run the hardware cloth or fencing outward away from the run. The predators will dig at the fence and won't know to start farther out.

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us! I agree with the above. Rather put an apron of hardware cloth around the run and also bury it around the perimeter of the coop and run. This should deter most predators. There is more info on predator protection here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock

 

[iwiw60]

Also, the 'floor' of your coop shouldn't be open at all. The drafts that will come up through wire of any kind would spell disaster during the cold months.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

X3 Wire is going to be hard on the pads and will cause foot, leg and pad issues. Better to reinforce the edges of the run instead. I like to bury RR ties deeply and build off these.

Good luck with your build and welcome to our flock!

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have you joining the BYC flock

BYC has a very useful learning center

Hardware cloth on the floor of a coop for predator protection
but you also need to cover up the wire with soil or sand and 4
to 6 inches should be enough I would think .....

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X5, you don't want them on bare wire, either run the wire away from the run, bury it down along the edge, or bury it down and cover with 6+ inches of sand etc.