Concrete floor for Coop - should it be sealed?

[Tyukocska]

We are new at keeping chickens, and just building our new coop right now. We have installed cement floor.

Did anyone seal cement floor in their coop? What did you use? What kind of sealer? Is it safe for the chickens?

If you didn't use sealer, how is your concrete floor holding up after several years?

Thanks!

 

[kellanv]

I would definitely use a sealer for a coop. Concrete is porous and could harbor bacteria/disease/stains etc. with ease. As far as what TYPE of sealer, that really depends on your goal. Any concrete/masonry sealer should work fine. You could even stain the concrete if you wish. Something to think on would be to use a rubberized surface like they use on playgrounds/some garages to give the chickens some more traction.

 

[Tigertrea]

I didn't seal mine. I figure it is no more porous than wood that most people use. I also plan on doing a good clean, wash and lime once a year.

 

[Dwkuska]

Its probably too late now, but if you do it again spray the concrete with a bit of sugar water. This produces the "Exposed aggregate" look that you may see on stepping stones and what not. You should still seal the concrete but the exposed gravel endures much better then the dust/mortar part. Downside is it wont be perfectly flat(cleaning a bit more work?). Upside is it looks a bit more visually pleasing. Just a thought.