Sand in the coop and floor degradation

[FrozenCanadian]

Evening BYC folks,

In the past few days, I threw out all the straw, de-thatched grass and shavings from my coop because the stuff was flying around too much. Instead, I threw in about 150 kilos (325 pounds) of sand.

Now I'm thinking... My floor is a half-inch plywood and underneath is a framing system complete with wool bats and polyethylene sheet (Canadian winters... can't be too safe...). My concern is that over time, the humidity trapped in the sand could degrade my plywood floor. It would be quite an experience to have to rip the coop up to replace the floor.

Am I ok with this system or should I put something on the plywood floor before dumping sand on it?

Many thanks for your input. Have a good evening. Bonne soirée!

 

[KathyJB]

I use and highly recommend a rubberized roof coat product I got from Lowes. (Blackjack#57) To apply, STIR WELL, then dump a big dollop onto the floor and apply with a roller. Put down a heavy layer on the whole floor. Unlike linoleum or vinyl, this product becomes a permanent part of the floor. You will never have to worry about a tear or rip that is going to allow moisture to become trapped between the vinyl or linoleum and the wood floor. It also totally seals the gap where the walls meet the floor where moisture and insect pests can hang out. This stuff can handle being exposed to all kinds of weather on a roof, protecting a chicken coop floor is nothing to it. I've had mine down over 2yrs now, and when I do my twice a year cleanings, it looks as good as the day I put it down. No peeling or flaking, this stuff is bullet proof. The BEST wood coop floor protection out there.
Jack

I used a gallon can of a roofing tar product I got at a hardware store. It was very easy to spread once you stirred it up. We had a fan on it for 2 days and it still showed a fingerprint, but we layered the sand on the floor anyway and it worked out fine. Lowes is 64 miles away so it wasn't in the plan to drive that distance. I hope the stuff I spread works as well as the Blackjack#57

 

[chfite]

If the rain does not enter the sand in the coop, it should be dry enough to prevent rot. The birds will turn the sand over all the time, so moisture will not be lingering. I am assuming that your layer of sand is not deeper than 3 inches.

I use sand in the run. They turn it over daily. I use pine shavings inside. Messy in appearance, but dry.

Chris