Cold Climate Coop construction

[Ccdance75]

We have had our girls for two years now and realize the coop we built is not working well for us or the hens. In thinking of a new design, I am wondering what other people have used for the floor specifically with respect to ease of cleaning. We thought using a wire mesh on the floor would allow the droppings to fall through however, we live in New England and need it to be insulated. Having holes on the floor is probably not the best in zero degree weather.

 

[eggciting eggs]

I have a coop with a slide out pan, and I hate it! we put quite a bit of bedding in because we too live in New England to make it a bit warmer for the girls. I just can't get the pan out. That's why I am building anew coop this spring and I am going to have a large walk in doorway, so I can clean it out like I do my horses. Also that way I can do a skip through daily, and it won't be such a hassle to clean it out. That's what I'm going to build anyway. Hope this helps in some way.

 

[Latestarter]

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924003138272;view=1up;seq=13
http://www.wideopenpets.com/1924-open-front-chicken-coop-design-fresh/
The Woods style coop has been proven over and over again to be excellent in all regards, even in extremely cold conditions. There are several threads here on BYC about it with comments from members who have built them.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/woods-open-air-coop.847168/page-2
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/ooodalolly-at-dunrovin-station.67998/
If you're going to go at this from scratch, why not do it right the first time? Scale it down to a size that works for you and have at it!

If it's just the floor you're concerned with, I coated mine with Black Jack #57 rubberized roof coating www.lowes.com/pd_70989-29-6080-9-30_0__?productId=3043257
I extended it up the walls afoot or more and used it on roosts and in nest boxes as well. It is water based, easy clean up, fast application, low to no odor, fast drying (<24 hours @ 75°f) and covered with a bedding material like wood chips, lasts a long, long time.

The main ingredient settles out in the can however, so you want to have the paint dept shake it at least twice before you leave the store, and then make sure you check the bottom with a large stir stick before use. Otherwise the can will be wasted and you'll need to start over.

 

[NikAndHerChicks]

We also used the Black jack #57 on the floor of our coop. We then put about 6 inches of sand on the floor (not play sand- a coarse sand like what is used in construction). In the winter we put straw on top of the sand for warmth, the rest of the year we don't use any other bedding other than the wood shavings in the nesting box. The great thing about the sand is that is is super cost effective & it is so easy to clean. Just use a kitty litter box scoop & done! Also the hens love to have their dust baths in it in the winter. They will scratch up the straw in one or two sections & take turns having their little bath!

 

[jthornton]

It helps to put your location in your profile. My next coop will be a walk in for sure. Take a look at the Woods design for a coop if you have room.

JT