Pigeon Loft Flooring Question

[backyard pigeons]

Thanks for the tips! Turns out I might actually use wire. I am thinking instead of a tray underneath I could just have the waste fall into a compost pike right below the loft, what do you think of that? Workable?

Yes. Just make a big overhang on the loft and make sure there is good drainage around the loft. You don't want mold growing and causing respiratory issues.

And to work the compost, you will want the loft at least 3 ft off the ground. that is higher than usual, but would work as long as you can catch the birds with ease.

 

[PioneerChicks]

Yes. Just make a big overhang on the loft and make sure there is good drainage around the loft. You don't want mold growing and causing respiratory issues.

And to work the compost, you will want the loft at least 3 ft off the ground. that is higher than usual, but would work as long as you can catch the birds with ease.

Okay, thanks!

 

[Old-clucker-55]

Another thing to consider is a predator reaching up and grabbing a leg. You might want to predator proof around the loft. And make sure the wire is big enough you may have a freezing problem in the winter.

 

[PioneerChicks]

Another thing to consider is a predator reaching up and grabbing a leg. You might want to predator proof around the loft. And make sure the wire is big enough you may have a freezing problem in the winter.

I think the main predator problem around my house is cats. What do you recommend I do to discourage them? My current loft wire is hardwire and the pigeons have been fine so far, I'm hoping their won't be future problems with the kitties.

 

[backyard pigeons]

Another thing to consider is a predator reaching up and grabbing a leg. You might want to predator proof around the loft. And make sure the wire is big enough you may have a freezing problem in the winter.

Why would they be roosting in the ground? If they saw a predoter during the day, they wouldn't fly down.

 

[jak2002003]

If you only have a couple of pairs of birds that will be a good idea.

However, if you have more they probably will made much too much poop to be composted in time and it will get really smelly!

Give it a go thought and let me know. That is an interesting idea.

There are chicken farms where I live that are build out onto large ponds. The chickens pens have wire mesh floor, and thier poop falls into the pond and the fish eat it. My friend has a parakeet aviary over a smaller pond in his garden and the fish eat their droppings and spilt seed.

I always like to see different ways to do things.

 

[jak2002003]

Why would they be roosting in the ground? If they saw a predoter during the day, they wouldn't fly down.

They may be spooked at night by a predator and fly from their perch and land on the floor.

I solved this issue as I have the wire floor, but under that is the wooden boards the poop fall onto which is kind of like a drawer that can be pulled in and out... so its got a solid frame on 3 sides and a long wooden flap door on the front. That way the wire floor is not accessible to predators. Also looks nicer lol.

 

[PioneerChicks]

If you only have a couple of pairs of birds that will be a good idea.

However, if you have more they probably will made much too much poop to be composted in time and it will get really smelly!

Give it a go thought and let me know. That is an interesting idea.

There are chicken farms where I live that are build out onto large ponds. The chickens pens have wire mesh floor, and thier poop falls into the pond and the fish eat it. My friend has a parakeet aviary over a smaller pond in his garden and the fish eat their droppings and spilt seed.

I always like to see different ways to do things.

I could also scoop away some of the poop to a bigger compost pile. I'll tell you how it goes!

 

[Hokum Coco]

1. Sand. MUST BE KEPT DRY...so no rain or damp in the coop!

We have one thing in common the dislike for wood shavings in the loft.

I tried wood pellets that was an improvement over shavings however they have draw backs as well. I have a walk in loft so a wire grid would have to hold 200lbs of me. I could not justify the expense for a grid floor which I think would be a good solution.
I have gone with just a tarp over the floor with no bedding that has it's disadvantage too (dirty pigeon feet the main one).

I know you have been around the sun a few times JAK.

I am going to try your sand approach.

 

[backyard pigeons]

I am going to try your sand approach.

That is a sign of a good fancier. You have been doing the tarp for years, but when you hear a new way, you try it! Well done!