Coop advice needed, please...with pics!

[blackmountain]

Hi all,

First time chicken owner.

As you can see, I've started building my coop on a concrete slab in my backyard. The bummer part about my slab is that it's where an old hot tub was, and it drains to the middle. There's even a drain in in the concrete in the center.

My questions at this point are what to do about the floor, and walls. The rain/wind will primarily come from the direction that has the full solid wall, and the one to the left of it when viewed from inside. I want to make the walls solid, but I want it to have enough light and ventilation. I'd like to avoid rain getting directly into the coop/run (it's all one unit), so I'm inclined to shingle all the way up to the roof to block the rain and wind fully on that side.

My plan is to leave the wall that's half shingled as is.

What should I do about the slab floor? Lay down some pressure treated 2x4 and cover with plywood and linoleum?

I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thank you!

 

[Mtnboomer]

Use choice of litter. I like pine straw over the top of large chunks of bark/wood (not mulch but scraps from splitting firewood so much larger and more robust). As poo builds and fills in litter, add more. Once a year or as needed, clean out all litter and spray it clean out the drain then replace.

I free range my main flock but the juveniles are kept in a coop/run setup until 4mos old. In 3 yrs i have never changed out the litter. It is approximately 5" deep now so by the end of this summer it will reach its limit and need to be finally replaced.

As for the rain issue, determine primary wind/storm direction and block water access from those primary areas. Consider large overhangs. They are wonderful at reducing rainwater blow in yet allow tremendously flexibility for ventilation

 

[CatWhisperer]

Your coop looks wonderful so far. Deep litter can be used on the floor as is. Windows with screens of hardware cloth make a great seasonal option bringer for fresh air. Depending on how hot it gets where you live you may want windows on two walls to cool things in the summer and consider insulating the metal roof so it doesn’t transmit heat into the coop in the summer.

 

[0die]

I would have built the coop/run on bare ground. Use the slab for something else.

If you are dead set on that site...you could frame the floor with 2x4s and then pour a raised concrete pad and level it. When it rains the coop floor won't fill with water.

 

[blackmountain]

I would have built the coop/run on bare ground. Use the slab for something else.

If you are dead set on that site...you could frame the floor with 2x4s and then pour a raised concrete pad and level it. When it rains the coop floor won't fill with water.

Far too late to move the coop...are you crazy!?!?

 

[blackmountain]

Your coop looks wonderful so far. Deep litter can be used on the floor as is. Windows with screens of hardware cloth make a great seasonal option bringer for fresh air. Depending on how hot it gets where you live you may want windows on two walls to cool things in the summer and consider insulating the metal roof so it doesn’t transmit heat into the coop in the summer.

Even if the bottom of the litter will get soaked in the winter?

 

[CatWhisperer]

Build large eaves onto your coop to keep the wet out.

 

[0die]

why not put a screen over the drain area and then a gravel floor for the coop. any water will flow to the drain and be gone. you can throw hay, bark, what ever on top if you like. Every so often you will need to dig out the middle and clear any fine debris around the drain that impedes water flow.