Question about what to use on flooring

[bigburd1979]

We have left over deck boards that are treated and we were wondering if this would be OK to use for the floor inside the coop? They are old boards that have been weather for a few years just didn't know if this could effect the chickens or not since they are treated. Any recommendations to use these or not?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Is it too late to just use a dirt floor? Old deck boards might be fine; the problem might be the spaces in between each board, as far as controlling 'varmits' is concerned. Were you going to use deep bedding? A solid topper on the deck boards? Mary

 

[bigburd1979]

If we needed to we were going to get osb to put on top of the deck boards, but we were going to try and get the boards as close together as possible to prevent drafts and other critters from getting in if we could just use the deck boards. Trying to repurpose as much wood as we can.

 

[blucoondawg]

I wouldn't use osb for flooring in a chicken coop it doesn't hold up well to getting wet and it will end up getting wet. I used 3/4" plywood in mine and covered it with linseed oil as a preserver. The deck boards will work but at some point will likely have gaps allowing rodents and even worse, weasels into the coop.

 

[TimCline]

I always do mine on dirt floor. Use deck boards or plywood. DO NOT use osb. It's garbage.

 

[bigburd1979]

Ok great thanks for all the info!!