Flooring confusion

[gottadance]

I've been reading lots and lots of posts and some people swear that the coop is better if it is off the ground to prevent moisture - then when I read the deep litter article, it said ground was better. I'm confused! Trying to figure out what will be better for chickens and better for me (with cleaning). I work full time and the deep litter method does sound appealing. It that'll work better on the ground, then maybe I should do that. Most of the coops I'm seeing posted, though, have some type of flooring and are elevated.

 

[gryeyes]

"The Deep Litter Method," commonly abbreviated, DLM, is not one, single method. Various folks manage it in a variety of ways. The most true method IS with a dirt floor, but deep litter can be used over any floor except a grated one.

I use deep litter over vinyl over plyiwood in raised coops. Just keep adding litter, and complete clean out twice a year.

 

[KenLamWV]

Mine is elevated. One of the biggest issues is mold and moisture in the coop. I guess that if it is elevated and deep, the girls will stir it up to keep it dry. I also put an inexpensive roll vinyl floor that is glued down on my flooring that way it will be easy to clean and with the back door cleaning access I put in, all I have to do is sweep it out into the bucket of my tractor. Best of luck to you- Ken