Help: Ideas for my coop floor

[Brooklynfarmer]

So built this new lean-to, as to further protect my coop and run from rain and snow. I am raising the coop 6" by attaching a 2 x 6 base to the coop. Should I leave the floor as cement and put the shavings right on top, or should I add a wood floor to the base and put the shavings on that? Below is the coop I purchased and the lean-to I built. I thought of sand on the floor but I heard it causes compacting in chickens. Please help any ideas and suggestions are welcome.

 

[Bear1978]

Leave it as a cement floor. Less chance of retaining moisture as you would with a wood floor. I’d add something other than pine shavings tho. Keeping chickens on concrete like you’ll have to contend with drainage being an issue. Pine shavings will just hold moisture. If anything, build a frame with some 2x4s or 2x6s around the lean to area where the chickens will be. Fill a layer at the bottom a couple inches of gravel and then add some top soil and other material such as leaves, grass clippings, etc several more inches on top of th e gravel so that if it gets wet the water can at least drain out down through the gravel and not be trapped in the pine shavings on the concrete. But that’s just my opinion. I’m sure there’s people on here who’s had chickens on concrete before. Good luck!

 

[Brooklynfarmer]

Since i built the lean to there are no drainage issues. The water does not get under the lean to.

 

[Dusty Chicken]

Have you considered rubber stall mats? I installed mine a month ago and am very happy with them so far. I added shavings on top but not too thick. This might give them softer footing than concrete but still easy to keep clean.

 

[Moxieminxie]

I think a big tray with gravel around your waterer would be smart, but otherwise shavings are going to be easy to clean and remove. They dessicate waste and are cheap and light to handle. I would also grow containers of fresh food they like to eat to rotate into their run. It will liven up the whole area and the chickens will love it. Don't forget grit if you do that.