Coop floor upgrade or not?

[FunSally]

Living in the northeast region, we're upgrading our run 12x10 & coop 8x8 for our new flock with more sustainable features. My question is to change coop floor from stained plywood to linoleum? I use a deep litter method using pine shavings on floor & has worked well. I just want to know if anyone has done linoleum to protect wood, or has it become a nuisance?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My question is to change coop floor from stained plywood to linoleum? I use a deep litter method using pine shavings on floor & has worked well. I just want to know if anyone has done linoleum to protect wood, or has it become a nuisance?

I've done both (also using deep litter with pine shavings, in the PNW) and by far prefer the plywood stained or painted with deck stain/paint.

One reason being that after a short period, the shavings slide around a bunch on the linoleum leaving a bare or very thin layer, walking path where the birds come and go.

 

[FunSally]

I've done both (also using deep litter with pine shavings, in the PNW) and by far prefer the plywood stained or painted with deck stain/paint.

One reason being that after a short period, the shavings slide around a bunch on the linoleum leaving a bare or very thin layer, walking path where the birds come and go.

good point, thanks!

 

[CharlotteB12]

I agree with

EggSighted4Life​

 

[snfork]

I had a 6x7 coop built into new house in Vermont. It has heater on ceiling that keeps temperature by a thermostat, an electric door for chickens to go out to secure 6x10 run, and ventilation at the top. Floor is wood with the recommended black painting. I've been using chopped straw on the floor, but thinking about putting rubber floor mats instead of straw. My problem is that the chopped straw comes into my house on my shoes. I'd like to spend more time with my chickens, but the mess coming into my house is not good. I wouldn't mind picking up their leavings from a rubber floor every day, but the straw makes it hard to find every one.

I realize I might be asking too much....my concept of keeping chickens more as pets than production animals.....but I would really like to find a way to make my chicken dreams possible.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My problem is that the chopped straw comes into my house on my shoes. I'd like to spend more time with my chickens, but the mess coming into my house is not good.

Good biosecurity practice to not wear your normal shoes into a coop or run. I keep gardening boots or rubber waders in a plastic trashcan near the coop and swap into those.