Newbie--Help with coop!

[Klskills]

I bought a used coop this last weekend. It was handmade. It's 4'X8' including the raised coop and run. There is no floor, and there are wheels on it so it can be moved around. I have 5 chicks that are still indoors.

What do I want to do for a floor? We live in Northern Utah. I've been researching the deep litter method and it sounds marvelous (I'd LOVE the compost for my garden). I'm not exactly sure how to go about doing it. I think I'll put pine shavings up in the coop. How do I prepare the ground the coop will be over for deep litter method?

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[rooster buyer]

I bought a used coop this last weekend. It was handmade. It's 4'X8' including the raised coop and run. There is no floor, and there are wheels on it so it can be moved around. I have 5 chicks that are still indoors.

What do I want to do for a floor? We live in Northern Utah. I've been researching the deep litter method and it sounds marvelous (I'd LOVE the compost for my garden). I'm not exactly sure how to go about doing it. I think I'll put pine shavings up in the coop. How do I prepare the ground the coop will be over for deep litter method?

Any advice would be appreciated!

i think just nails some ply wood down then but your litter or shaving

 

[Klskills]

I guess I should've been more clear. I'm not positive I'd want to install a floor. I never thought about moving the coop around--is this a good idea or should I set up shop in a permanent spot?

If I do set it up in a permanent spot, what should I do to prep the ground? Also, should I put something around the edges to predator-proof it and make sure the chickens can't dig out?

I've included pics for better reference...

 

[Klskills]

I guess I"m looking for sort of "What would you do?" type answers.

--Would you paint the plywood floor in the coop or try to install linoleum flooring?
--Would you get a large piece of wood to go under the run or would you leave it just the bare ground?
--Would you move it around the yard or leave it in one spot?

 

[Percheron chick]

Place some linoleum over the plywood so clean up is faster. You leave the bottom bare so they can have some outside time and play in the grass even when they can't freerange. The whole purpose with the wheels is to move it around so they don't damage and kill the grass and to get fresh treats to scratch for.

 

[LPeaslee]

I would go with a linoleum remnant or rubberized roof paint.

 

[Sonya9]

Definitely leave the bottom as dirt, that is the whole purpose of that area.

For inside either linoleum or the Black Jack #57 roof rubber that the poster above mentioned.

You aren't thinking of using the deep litter method INSIDE the top part of the coop are you? Just maybe the bottom part if the coop is stationary? Since it is on wheels if you aren't going to add a large permanent run then moving it around would be for you and the chickens. They thrive on fresh grass and dirt to find bugs etc... IMO that run would be way way too small unless it is moved frequently or has a larger run attached.

 

[fiddlebanshee]

If I am only seeing chicken wire for the enclosure I would add at least 2 to 3 ft of hardware cloth on the bottom part of the vertical sides to deter raccoons from grabbing any chickens, or just tearing through it. That would be my #1 thing to do. Otherwise you don't need anything on the bottom, but I agree with previous posters that the run is kind of small and would fit only 2 or 3 chickens imho.

 

[midget_farms]

Chickens wont dig out.

They will kill all plant life if you leave the coop in 1 place for more than a few days - Judging from the size of the yard in the pic - I'd find a perminant place & leave it be - once they kill the grass toss in shavings, or straw (shavings are better).

Coons are GOD AWFUL & will kill any part of a chicken they can touch & once the find out you have birds they will come every night & sit there all night trying to defeat your defenses. We have all lost a chicken or two to coons. You can't do enough to protect them - maybe get a Big Freaking Dog & tie it to the coop.