dirt floor in coop

[granmahen]

We're adding a coop to the run for our ladies for the winter. Their nest box is an old bookcase which will go into the coop and we'll add a roost inside also. My question: is there anything wrong with leaving the floor dirt? We live in CA's central valley where it rarely rains, snows every 10 or so years, somewhat foggy in January and February. So do I have to add a floor? Oh, we have no weasels or raccoons in the city where we live. Thanks!

 

[Chicabee19]

Absolutely, a dirt floor can work, especially where you live.

You will want to rake it out every week or so, and sprinkle DE around to help with bugs, smell and flies.

If it gets to be too much, you can lay pine shavings about 3 inches deep. Turn it over and stir it up every week, and sprinkle a bit of new shavings on top. Sprinkle and Stir in DE periodically and you'll have an excellent source for your chickens to enjoy scratching up.

Every few months it'll get about 6-8 inches deep - remove it to the compost pile and start over.

or so I've heard...

 

[Foxhound lady]

we have a dirt floor and it seems to be working really well. Unless it a heavy rain for more than a day the coop doesnt smell. We add pine shaving to the back and the "girls" spread them out and have lots of chicken fun in them.

 

[granmahen]

Thanks....what a relief. Will get some de. Already deep littering.

 

[keljonma]

Just keep a watch for digging predators - including mice and rats.