Question about flooring of coop

[jenniferrose]

We are almost finished with our coop to get these girls outside and I have a question. We did a simple A frame coop. I was planning to line the bottom with chicken wire to keep the predators out but had a thought... will this prevent them from scratching and dusting like they love to do so much? Or will they do it through the wire? I am so paranoid of them getting eaten so I really want to make sure this coop is solid but I also want them to be happy and have access to their beloved dirt. We will be doing a run for them soon... but for now while they are little want to get them outside and they wont have access to a run for at least several weeks.

Thanks!

 

[Manwilder]

I'm no expert, but I understand bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis) and other issues can arise with a screen floor. Just something to consider. Maybe a deeper screen floor with dirt on top?

 

[jenniferrose]

Ouch! I hadnt thought about that. Anyone have ideas for the most effective AND cost effective way to prevent predators?

 

[LI chickie]

We're in the process of building our coop and my husband raised it off the ground about 18" or more. I have a plywood floor that I'm thinking of putting linoleum on to keep the wood from getting soiled.

 

[maybaby45]

I'm covering my floor and run with chicken wire and covering with a layer of compost. I think that will keep them off the wire and give them some worms and bugs to scratch. I'll add more as it breaks down.