/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    If you're already a member of our community, click here to login & click here to learn what's new!

New Member - Chicken Coop Flooded - Could use advice

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by KristiLing, Feb 28, 2014.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Feb 28, 2014 #1
    KristiLing

    KristiLing New Egg

    3
    0
    7
    Feb 28, 2014
    Hi everyone!

    We woke up this morning to a flooded backyard and chicken coop. I'd like to prevent this from happening again. We scooped out some of the water and put down fresh shavings to help keep their feet dry, but the corner is still flooded because the ground there is a bit dug out there from the girls scratching.

    What is a good solution for this to prevent this in the future? Should I add more dirt to level it out? Is it okay to add sand to the bottom of the coop or is that not good for chickens?

    Also, the girls were standing in 1" deep water this morning for a while - they're on bedding now. Is there anything I should keep an eye out for after they get wet feet? I know this is not a good thing.

    Thanks for any advice! I've attached a photo.

    Cheers,
    Kristi
    [​IMG]
     
  3. Feb 28, 2014 #2
    gander007

    gander007 Chicken Obsessed

    15,458
    1,082
    406
    Oct 9, 2013
    South Western Death Valley, Ca.
    Alright Kristy, [​IMG] great to have you joining the BYC flock [​IMG]



    Sounds like you might want to raise the floor of your coop by putting down some sand and that way the water wan drain and your chicken will also have something to play in ..... [​IMG]
     
  5. Feb 28, 2014 #3
    Kelsie2290

    Kelsie2290 True BYC Addict Premium Member

    36,684
    4,692
    566
    Feb 18, 2011
    Ohio
  7. Feb 28, 2014 #4
    TwoCrows

    TwoCrows Show me the way old friend... Staff Member

    31,929
    4,444
    581
    Mar 21, 2011
    New Mexico, USA
    My Coop
    [​IMG]

    Yes, you need to raise the coop somehow and keep it dry. And definitely check out the thread Kelsie included on sand. I am a huge fan of sand. Keeps the birds feet dry, sand is soft, stays dry, keeps the flies away, easy to clean and many times it has natural gizzard stones in it. I use it in the coops, runs and even the nest boxes!

    Good luck with your flock and enjoy BYC!
     
  9. Feb 28, 2014 #5
    drumstick diva

    drumstick diva Still crazy after all these years. Premium Member

    81,041
    8,153
    766
    Aug 26, 2009
    Out to pasture
    Be sure the water doesn't contaminate your feed. If feed gets moldy it can kill chickens.
     
  11. Feb 28, 2014 #6
    sourland

    sourland Broody Magician Premium Member

    63,215
    7,521
    726
    May 3, 2009
    New Jersey
    Welcome to BYC, and good luck in resolving the flooding problem.
     
  13. Mar 8, 2014 #7
    KristiLing

    KristiLing New Egg

    3
    0
    7
    Feb 28, 2014
    Thanks everyone! Sand seems like a great idea. I'll give it a try! Very much appreciated! We dried up the coop and all is well with the girls. :)
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by