Do I need a bottom for my roost?

[ehoneybee]

Obviously when winter comes, yes, but during the warmer months can I just leave the tray out? I have one of those generic coops that has the tray that you put wood shavings on and the roosting bars are above it. They poop so much, more than the others in a different coop; I'm wondering if they even need the tray. I think they can just walk up the ladder and hop on the bars. Anyone else do this and just let the poop fall to the floor. They are ridiculous!

 

[Latestarter]

Ummmm I'd guess it's all a matter of your preference... cleaning poop from the tray, or cleaning poop from the floor. Where you live, it gets a little cold in the winter and the poop will freeze. If it piles up on the floor, you might end up with poop stalagmites... or is that stalactites? Never could remember which was which...

 

[ehoneybee]

Ummmm I'd guess it's all a matter of your preference... cleaning poop from the tray, or cleaning poop from the floor. Where you live, it gets a little cold in the winter and the poop will freeze. If it piles up on the floor, you might end up with poop stalagmites... or is that stalactites? Never could remember which was which...

Oh, well if I have to STILL clean up the poop, guesa it's not worth it. I figured I'd have to have the bottom there in winter or they'd freeze to death!

 

[townchicks]

Personally, I think it is better to leave the tray in, and clean it daily. It's much easier than cleaning out the tiny runs that come with the prefab coops, and you'll have fewer flys.

 

[ehoneybee]

Personally, I think it is better to leave the tray in, and clean it daily. It's much easier than cleaning out the tiny runs that come with the prefab coops, and you'll have fewer flys.

True. I clean it once a week so I'll just step it up

 

[aart]

If it piles up on the floor, you might end up with poop stalagmites... or is that stalactites? Never could remember which was which...

stalagmites...might reach the ceiling.
stalactites...cling tight to the ceiling.
Learned that 40 years ago while touring a cave, it stuck in my mind.

 

[PattyNH]

stalagmites...might reach the ceiling.
stalactites...cling tight to the ceiling.
Learned that 40 years ago while touring a cave, it stuck in my mind.

Never heard that! I think you just solved my problem of never remembering which is which!!