Concrete Coop/Run Floor?

[Eden83_haaretz]

I could but it introduces a lot of other issues. Yes, I am well aware of the giant holes they dig in my gardens lol. But no, I agree. I was thinking of maybe building an "annex" area off the end was over natural grade, but then the irony is that would lower my predator-proofing. Right now I have a chicken-fort-knox setup and honestly where I live in the middle of the country with all these predators- I think the chickens would choose concrete over sure death.

I read some other posts I saw- looks like a lot of people put down a bunch of bedding. I was actually planning to make a large "pit" they could dig in, maybe like the size of a flower planter in the 4'x8' range at the end, on top of the concrete and a few feet deep inside.

Heh I agree with you, I put mine inside a non finished cottage with concrete floor that we were building a couple of days ago because my chicks were becoming breakfast, lunch and dinner for the local Hawks (we had to come out several times a day and scare them off when our rooster gave the warning sound, and even then they took 5 chicks). I told my husband I'd rather start them on germinated seeds (that'll add to the work load) than have the Hawks finish them off, and right now I have 4 broody hens laying on a few eggs so I don't want them bringing chicks into a predator heaven, both during the day and at night.
Just yesterday at night heard a hen clucking for her chicks (one of the hens we hadn't been able to trap inside) because some cat or cacomixtle or possum must have come to get her, and at least he wasn't able to take any of her chicks and we were able to trap them all and put them in.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

That's a big chunk of concrete!
Got pics?

I'll get some. I just don't think doing a full "bed" for this is realistic / nor am I willing to maintain that. So I may have to just bite the bullet and build a full coop/run in the field somewhere. Just really not excited about that cost...

 

[Duhonmommie]

This is my run. It was a dog breeding kennel before it was my run. Before we decided to use it as a run, we would stick yard trash in there. Storm blew branches down? In the kennel they went. Raked up leaves that we didn't have time to burn? In the kennel they went. I actually have new stuff to add since the ice storm and yesterday's storm. They have plenty to scratch and peck.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

@aart Here's the area specifically I'd like to use. It is 10'x40'.

 

[aart]

@aart Here's the area specifically I'd like to use. It is 10'x40'.

I build the coop on the concrete, and use bedding not horse hose,
then have the run on the ground.
What's in that building?

This is my run.

Where is this in realtion to the concrete pad area?

 

[Duhonmommie]

Where is this in realtion to the concrete pad area?

My concrete pad is under all the yard debris. Lots of leaves, branches, stones, etc.

 

[aart]

My concrete pad is under all the yard debris. Lots of leaves, branches, stones, etc.

Oh, oops, thought that your run was @BaaKaaawk 's

 

[BaaKaaawk]

I build the coop on the concrete, and use bedding not horse hose,
then have the run on the ground.
What's in that building?


Where is this in realtion to the concrete pad area?

aart - I decided to just hold off this year. Had 16 chicks and sold them. I will build another contest-worthy coop next Spring I think. I'm a free-ranger at heart and I just can't get right with the concept of building a huge run or with making a perfectly good concrete pad into a dirt pit lol.

 

[aart]

aart - I decided to just hold off this year. Had 16 chicks and sold them. I will build another contest-worthy coop next Spring I think. I'm a free-ranger at heart and I just can't get right with the concept of building a huge run or with making a perfectly good concrete pad into a dirt pit lol.

Big coops and runs are not for everyone.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Hi guys, I have built MANY coops and runs over the years but I moved to KY recently and the "Best" place to build my new coop on this property (for the humans at least!) is under the lean-to portion of my barn. The thing is- it is all concrete there. Does anyone have experience with this type of floor for a run? I can see a lot of potential goods, and some bads- but figure I'm not the first to come across this.

Some more info if you are interested: Construction-wise the location is a dream and will be a breeze to build a full enclosure with wire, etc that will be a 10x40 run plus a coop for ~20 chickens. Unfortunately, free-ranging is out because my 100+ acres is a predator-haven, I have seen no less than 10 types of critters that love chickens, mainly hawks, foxes and coyotes.

The Pros of a concrete base I see are:

• No predators can dig under the fence
• Cleanup will be easy as I have a super high-power horse hose right there
• Building is a breeze because ~75% of my structure is already there
• Cost-wise it's a huge savings building here because materials are silly expensive
• The whole area is covered already with a real roof
• Where I live is insanely windy (all year) and this area provides good protection

The cons of the concrete base I see are:

• Going to guess the chickens are not big fans of concrete under their feet vs dirt
• I'll have to provide grit, dust baths, etc. for them to get their essential chicken-needs
• I'm having trouble coming up with more cons, which is why I am asking, I may be missing something big.

Thanks in advance!

I would use this spot, it checks too many boxes not to.

I would have a deep layer bedding/wood chips hay and maybe a tractor tire filled with dirt.