Flooring for coop

[jrpierce72]

I've looked at old posts but don't this particular discussion. We are building our coop right now. It is quite large - the coop is 64 sq ft and the run is 128 sq ft (half covered and half not covered). It is completely enclosed by hardware cloth or structure since our property has many predators. We have 12 chicks and intend to try to pasture them during the day when we are home (depending on what other animals are hanging around). We wanted a coop big enough so they could stay inside if needed. Trying to figure out the best flooring for the coop. We will lay plywood down on the floor but wondering if linoleum on top is the best option for easy cleaning? The house we just purchased has a couple boxes of Pergo Presto flooring that I thought about using but I read that Pergo is vinyl and toxic to chickens? Also, to use the Pergo I'd have to find more matching Pergo which seems difficult since the sizes are different these days. So are the squares of stick down linoleum the best option? I have also seen mention of a rubber floor coating that can be painted on the plywood. Has anybody had experience with this? I think it's called BlackJack.

 

[TwoShepherds]

I used BlackJack on the floor of my coop without any issues. It's been over a year and all is fine. I would use it again. If you go that route make sure you mix it up really well before you use it.

 

[jreardon1918]

We just used plywood. No paint no floor covering. Covered with pine shavings. We do have poop boards. The floor is always bone dry. Will last the life of the coop. Have fully replaced shavings 4 times in three years. Next replacement this fall. So covering won't hurt,but may be overkill. YMMV.

 

[LizzzyJo]

I wouldn’t worry at all about using linoleum or pergo. I can’t see a problem with either. I assume that you would be planning on cleaning regularly and keeping the floor dry with this option?
many people love deep litter. It does not mean ‘just don’t clean it’ however - there is a method to follow. In that case the flooring matters a bit more. Ply board would rot.
I have plyboard and use a rather thin layer of pine shavings. I change and compost 3-4 times a year because I’m a neat freak and my coop floor is small. The Wood is also sealed with high gloss paint and I don’t put water in the coop unless I have a broody momma.

 

[aart]

So are the squares of stick down linoleum the best option?

I'd go with the blackjack instead of the pergo or tiles....or even a good paint
Tiles have seams between, so spills can work under.
I used a single sheet of heavy duty vinyl, am happy with it after 7 years.
I wanted to totally protect the floor of shed I built coop in part of in case someone wants to use it as a shed down the road.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-coop-page.65912/

Any cleaning should be 'dry' IMO.
What kind of bedding you use may depend on how you manage the manure.
This is about cleaning, but covers my big picture
-I use poop boards under roosts with thin(<1/2") layer of sand/PDZ mix, sifted daily(takes 5-10mins) into bucket going to friends compost.
-Scrape big or wet poops off roost and ramps as needed.
-Pine shavings on coop floor, add some occasionally, totally changed out once or twice a year, old shavings added to run.
- My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.
Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO.
-Nests are bedded with straw, add some occasionally, change out if needed(broken egg).
There is no odor, unless a fresh cecal has been dropped and when I open the bucket to add more poop.
That's how I keep it 'clean', have not found any reason to clean 'deeper' in 5 years.

Oh, and ..... Welcome to posting on BYC! @jrpierce72
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[jrpierce72]

Thanks everyone for the answers! I went out and purchased some BlackJack 57 already. I am in Southern Oregon and will definitely add that to my profile. We are planning on mostly straw in the coop and run. The run is completely sand since we put the coop on top of an old bocce ball court.

 

[aart]

Thanks everyone for the answers! I went out and purchased some BlackJack 57 already. I am in Southern Oregon and will definitely add that to my profile. We are planning on mostly straw in the coop and run. The run is completely sand since we put the coop on top of an old bocce ball court.

Turn the can upside down for a few days before application,
I hear it makes mixing it much easier.

 

[rosemarythyme]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/black-jack-rubr-coat-57-for-your-coop-floor.75145/ - Make sure to mix it well, it's quite thick. I did the upside down can trick but it still took a good 15 minutes of stirring manually (thanks hubby) to get it to an even consistency for first use. Also read the technical info on the can to plan out when would be best to apply it.

 

[blackdog043]

I think you will be happy with BlackJack 57! I did my floor 3+ years ago, it holds up very good. I've cleaned the coop out a couple times and there is no wear to the BlackJack. Below is a link for my article that may be helpful to you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/black-jack-rubr-coat-57-for-your-coop-floor.75145/

 

[Cryss]

I used blackjack 57. There are several types of blackjack but I believe I read the 57 is safe. Stir the Wha-hoodies out of it! Make sure you hard scrape the bottom as you stir. It’s worth it.