Dirt Floors in coop?

[the1moe]

I am in the process of building a pen and coop. the pen will be 36 x 36 feet on sandy soil. the coop will be 12 x12 feet also on sandy soil that drains well. Is it absolutely necessary for me to put a raised floor in the coop, or can I clean it (the dirt floor) once a week. I live around tampa FL, the coop will be well vented and in the shade for the most part. I am starting with 50 chicks and will work this down to around 20 at the most. I have no problem throwing in pine shaving and cleaning the coop, but wanted to get some expert advise. thanks in advance.

Sorry guys new to this forum... and after doing some searching, found the answer to my own question... this is a great site and hope to be able to add to it in the near future as the plan comes together.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I'm guessing you found out that you don't need to add a floor to the coop.

Did you also read anything about preventing predators from digging their way into the coop? You'll need to protect against that. A common suggestion is to dig out a layer of the dirt (or sand in your case) put down wire and then replace the dirt. Some people dig wire in around the outside of the coop.

Good luck with your chickens and have fun!

 

[newchickmom]

Dirt floor sounds good to me. That's the way the farmers used to do it all the time. My Great aunt and uncle had a farm in southern Indiana and the chicken coop was about 20X60 with a dirt floor and of course, the chickens free-ranged toe whole farm.

 

[shelleyd2008]

The only problem with having a dirt floor in the coop is the fact that any kind of critter that digs could get right in. If you put wire on the outside of the coop, down in the ground to keep diggers out, it should be fine. I used to live outside of Tampa, and we had some monster sized rats there!

 

[the1moe]

thanks guys, I will extend the poultry fabic down into the ground followed by some T-111 board which I will use for the sides of the coop... really looking forward to getting this thing going..///Moe