Fill gaps in coop floor?

[DMasursky]

We repurposed a play structure to build our coop. We have nice thick bedding inside and insulation on the walls and roof, but I am very worried about cold air getting up through the small cracks in the floor. We've already had some very cold nights and they have been fine. But we are expecting a stretch of cold nights and I just worry about them. Should I get some caulk and fill between the slats or just let the bedding provide the insulation?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Birds will eat caulk. I would just put down thick bedding for the season. You may want to address the issue when it's warmer. Some people use linoleum for flooring. The cracks can allow rodents to come through.

 

[Altfrizzle]

I'd just cut a piece or pieces of cardboard to size and staple it up there.

 

[theoldchick]

I used heavy duty silver tarp cut to size and nailed it down. Works great for me!

 

[Cindy in PA]

Cut a piece of plywood to fit. Buy stall mats to cover the floor. Cover with vinyl flooring. Lots of easy solutions.

 

[RUNuts]

The old wooden ship builders would dip hemp rope in hot tar and pound it into the board joints to make a boat water tight. I think you should consider this method.

If you want easy to clean, the cardboard is what I'd do. Don't even staple it. Throw mulch or hay over for added warmth and make it easier to clean. With the bedding covering the cracks, I think you are fine like it is also.

Beside chickens will eat or pick apart rope. Ever hear the phrase "tarred and feathered"?

I like the fall through flooring and if I don't go dirt floor next, I'll do the fall through with more gaps than you have. Of course, my winters are milder than yours. 79°F TODAY! Loving the cool weather.

Merry Christmas!

 

[Hokum Coco]

worried about cold air getting up through the small cracks in the floor.

All the above suggestions will work just fine. I personally use a piece of cushion floor or vinyl floor what ever is a remnant to fit my coop. I sometimes run it up the wall 6"-12"+-. I only friction fit and it makes cleaning the coop that much easier. Shovel off the heavy stuff and pop out the vinyl floor and hose off if needed.

Easy Peasy Japaneasy.

 

[aart]

insulation on the walls and roof

This was probably the most important part to insulate.
I hope you have good ventilation.

 

[blackdog043]

I wounder if rodents will fit through those cracks? I'd cover the floor with plywood, then bedding. Any pics of the whole coop?

 

[Sunshine Flock]

In case you have any rogue unicorns in your neighborhood and one gets in your yard and stands under the chicken coop floor, I'd cover those gaps from the outside, not the inside.

You don't want to wake up to a speared hen.