My DH just finished framing out my 8x4x8 coop, which will be on wheels. I plan on letting my chickens range freely. DH wants to lay sturdy mesh/wire/don't know what on the floor joists. He plans on letting the chicken poop fall through and not have to worry about bedding, other than in the nest boxes. This has been done in this area before, but as this is my first flock, I have some concerns.
1) Will this bother the chickens' feet? (They will only go in at night, not be cooped up all day)
2) What would be the best material for this?
3) Should we plan on covering the bottom of the coop in winter, as we were planning with the windows (probably plywood shuttters of some sort) (They will still have ventilation, but I'm worried about drafts.)
Any input would be appreciated. Oh, and if this helps--my flock will be 8 hens: 4 Easter Eggers, 2 Buff Orpingtons, 1 Barred Plymouth Rock, and 1 Partridge Plymouth Rock. We are keeping them for eggs.
Thank you!
Courtney
1) Will this bother the chickens' feet? (They will only go in at night, not be cooped up all day)
2) What would be the best material for this?
3) Should we plan on covering the bottom of the coop in winter, as we were planning with the windows (probably plywood shuttters of some sort) (They will still have ventilation, but I'm worried about drafts.)
Any input would be appreciated. Oh, and if this helps--my flock will be 8 hens: 4 Easter Eggers, 2 Buff Orpingtons, 1 Barred Plymouth Rock, and 1 Partridge Plymouth Rock. We are keeping them for eggs.
Thank you!
Courtney