Converting metal building to coop

[RAD Chicks]

I have a metal building that I'll be using a portion of for my coop. The building is on a concrete foundation (critter dig proof) and I'm looking for recommendations on what to put on the ground so that they aren't walking on the hard concrete. I've considered clean sand, pine shavings or hay; the coop portion will be a 10' x 10' area. I've also considered putting down either a linoleum sheet or some shower pan membrane directly on the floor but that seems like it will allow pests to hide under it. I'm sure I'm over thinking this but it's my first shot at raising chickens and I'd like to see what has been successful for other members. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

So this is my first go at keeping chickens too so take this for what it’s worth.

We converted a small grain bin into a coop this winter. It has a concrete floor and I really like the ease of cleaning it. Our chickens went in the Hen Bin in January with two pine bales of pine shavings on the floor. It seemed thin and I worried they would be cold so I added a bale of straw. They were fine. I added pine shavings as needed until mid April and then cleaned everything out and started again with just two bales of shavings. Clean out was simple, scooped it all into the wheelbarrow and dumped it in the run, then could sweep the floor clean. Right now, with it warming up, they dig down to the concrete, I assume, because it is cooler. I have also thought that I might power wash the entire thing once a year or so but that is yet to be determined, however I think the concrete makes it easier than wood to wash down. Good luck with your flock!

 

[RAD Chicks]

I think the pine shavings would be the easiest to clean out periodically, if needed I could always add some straw as you mentioned.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

I don’t know where in this great big world you are but in my region I think sand would be too cold in the winter. When others, more experienced than I come along to answer, they may want to know that information

 

[ChaosMom]

I don’t know where in this great big world you are but in my region I think sand would be too cold in the winter. When others, more experienced than I come along to answer, they may want to know that information

Oof yeah, frozen sand

 

[RAD Chicks]

I don’t know where in this great big world you are but in my region I think sand would be too cold in the winter. When others, more experienced than I come along to answer, they may want to know that information

Central Florida, no frozen sand here.