Coop Run Flooring Suggestions

[ChillnChick]

First, I need to thank others who have had the same questions I am currently having and found wonderful answers that will help in my situation. I wish I was half as good as those who build their own coops and add ons to do my own but you do what you have to do.
My chicks are 9-10 weeks old and have been checking out their new digs (run only...not in the small coop itself yet) for the past month...and coming in to sleep each night in a large tank. So this has been leading me to a whole new batch of questions on setting things up right.
The prefab coop that I intend to have them sleep in (in the center of the pic) eventually but not until I get the apron done around the outside of the larger one that is currently being completed. I lined the bottom of the smaller run with 1/4" hardware cloth and have been rinsing the majority of their poop every 2-3 days through the holes. Not certain if this is feasible in the long run though. Should I be putting something down? It is almost impossible to clean out under the coop.
Is there anything else I should be looking at during this time to protect and keep the chickens in our current setup? We are in Tennessee with little real winter and others here have said they haven't needed anything to heat the coops. We have small ventilation holes as noted on both sides of the coop...would this be enough? Outside fan suggestions? Are they needed for the evening?
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience and knowledge!

 

[DobieLover]

We have small ventilation holes as noted on both sides of the coop...would this be enough?

No. Not even close.
I would remove large sections of the upper walls under the roof eave and securely attach 1/2" hardware cloth to secure the areas.
Better yet, also remove an entire wall of sheathing on the wind sheltered side of the coop and attach 1/2" hardware cloth for a more open air design.

We are in Tennessee

You will NEVER need supplemental heat in TN!

Outside fan suggestions?

I use a floor fan with the base foot locked down with a large stone to keep the birds from knocking it over. But I keep it in a run with a solid roof where it cannot get wet from rain.
Full shad and damp ground are best to keep birds cool.

 

[FBMcrazy8]

I have read a lot that the prefab coops don’t have enough ventilation. That is one of the reasons I didn’t buy a prefab. But you can always add more ventilation and just cover it with hardwire cloth.

As far as an outside fan goes, I have added one to my coop and it is solar powered and works great. I have it blowing out though to move air through the coop when we don’t have a breeze. Here is the link for it:
https://www.amazon.com/Antpay-Weath...ae24-8c63d71f1736&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_rp_0_sa

I only got the 10W one and I think it would also work for your coop. They do have other options but I liked this one better. And it has rained here and it is still going strong. I haven’t had it through winter yet, as I’m new to chickens this year, but we will see how well it does in winter. And even if the clouds aren’t there to power it, it’s still ventilation.

Editing to add that if you look at the reviews for this fan, ppl use it to blow air at the chickens. And honestly, it does move air REALLY well in the sun.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Can you put a removable tray where you can't reach to clean up poo?

 

[ChillnChick]

The part I can't reach is under the nesting area so that would mean making that removable. Is that feasible?
The door is on the left side of the front and back and furthest from the nesting boxes. I'm pretty certain the main litter tray is entirely removable. Using a long handled squeegee to pull up bedding or something else?

 

[ChillnChick]

No. Not even close.
I would remove large sections of the upper walls under the roof eave and securely attach 1/2" hardware cloth to secure the areas.
Better yet, also remove an entire wall of sheathing on the wind sheltered side of the coop and attach 1/2" hardware cloth for a more open air design.

You will NEVER need supplemental heat in TN!

I use a floor fan with the base foot locked down with a large stone to keep the birds from knocking it over. But I keep it in a run with a solid roof where it cannot get wet from rain.
Full shad and damp ground are best to keep birds cool.

Great ideas to look at - thank you!

 

[SmiYa0126]

Can you take a picture?

 

[ChillnChick]

I have read a lot that the prefab coops don’t have enough ventilation. That is one of the reasons I didn’t buy a prefab. But you can always add more ventilation and just cover it with hardwire cloth.

As far as an outside fan goes, I have added one to my coop and it is solar powered and works great. I have it blowing out though to move air through the coop when we don’t have a breeze. Here is the link for it:
https://www.amazon.com/Antpay-Weath...ae24-8c63d71f1736&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_rp_0_sa

I only got the 10W one and I think it would also work for your coop. They do have other options but I liked this one better. And it has rained here and it is still going strong. I haven’t had it through winter yet, as I’m new to chickens this year, but we will see how well it does in winter. And even if the clouds aren’t there to power it, it’s still ventilation.

Editing to add that if you look at the reviews for this fan, ppl use it to blow air at the chickens. And honestly, it does move air REALLY well in the sun.

I'm definitely liking that already! Thank you!

 

[ChillnChick]

Can you take a picture?

Will do...

 

[FBMcrazy8]

I'm definitely liking that already! Thank you!

Your sooo welcome!