Fanatic newbie breeder cage floor question!

[Runalong]

Hi,

I've got my chickens in a converted shed for now but it's less than ideal and I hope to build a large coop building in the spring (12 x24). I will have some breeding cages for segregating birds during breeding season. Approx 4x4x4 each. What would be the best floor for these? I've thought about a removable metal tray of some sort for easy cleaning. Or a wire floor that allows the poop to drop through onto a metal pan. Most of the year the birds will free range, but during breeding season I will have to rotate who I let out so they may spend several days at a time in their cages. Would the wire floor be OK? What size - 1/1" openings? Other ideas or suggestions? (I'm asking for suggestions for the top cage, attached above another cage or pen).

 

[swimmer]

I'm guessing the wire floor wouldn't be the most comfortable on their feet. Especially if they get a toe stuck in a hole. Maybe get some cheap flooring and cut it to size.

 

[midget_farms]

You have lots of good questions here. Let me try to answer a couple.


Generally the best floor for a coop is concrete with lots of wood shavings - concrete can be easily hosed off when cleaning is needed & it doesn't rot & rodents cant chew their way in.

Asside from that - good ol dirt floor will work fine.

For your breeding cages - use the 1 inch chicken wire. Fully grown birds will have no difficulty walking on it & it won't hurt their feet. Plus droppings will not easily fall through smaller openings (I've proven it!).

I use plastic tubs from walmart under my perches - the kind designed to roll under your bed - they are short (about 5 inches) but cover a couple square feet. They roll right out & a couple whacks into the compose heap & all is clean.

Hope this helps.

 

[Runalong]

yep, that helps a lot- thanks much!