I wish the floor of my brooder was _____

[DetroitReds]

Hello all, I've had 5-6 flocks at various houses and coops over the years, but am raising chicks for the first time. I'm 90% done with this brooder but haven't decided on the floor yet. Wondering if anyone has input on what they like (or don't like) about their brooder floors. I should receive 5 sex links later this week.

Brooder dimensions are about 2' wide x 5' long x 2' deep. The legs elevate the floor about 12" off the ground. The wall panels are scrap polycarbonate, which makes it nice and light. I have more of this, and some other thin hard plastic sheet goods. I also have various ply material (thinking 1/2" exterior, or maybe even some 1/4" prefinished stuff which can take a beating). My main question is do people like the option to remove and/or clean the floor? Or just managed with bedding material? I have lots of wood shavings I'm planning to use after a few days on newspaper.

Thank you for the insights and input!

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

On the last square of the brooder, you could put 1/2 or 1/4 in hardware cloth for food and water, put a container underneath to catch any food and water, which will keep your brooder clean. Chicks don't make a lot of mess, but if you want to brood ducklings in the future, this would be a very good option to keep everything clean. Maybe make a tray using plywood, since it is a little hard to reach in. Or just line the rest with plywood, it is up to you. Use whatever materials you have. Chicks aren't messy compared to ducklings, but are dusty. Be ready for dust covering every surface. That's all I have. Enjoy your chicks!

 

[bantambliss]

well... I'm raising my first batch in july, but I've heard that manolium or fake wood tile works really well when you need to replace pine shavings, or just do a clean.