Sheet Metal Floor

[mammachick]

Has anyone ever done a sheet metal floor for the inside of the coop? Can you think of any reasons pertaining to the chicken not to?

Thanks

 

[vtchickenlady]

Might be kinda slippery, especially for little chicks. And, cold in the winter depending on where you're located.

 

[mammachick]

We are in CA. Winter lows around 45 and Summer Highs 100. If it had a layer of Hay or Shavings would that make any difference?

 

[vtchickenlady]

It will help to have hay or shavings but they will scratch right down to the bare metal. On the plus side the metal should be real easy to clean.

 

[Whitehouse Quail]

We have it in our quail pens and our nestboxes. They do get right down to the metal, but it doesn't matter to them, I've noticed.

 

[LynneP]

What kind of metal did you intend to use?
Stainless steel would be ideal but very expensive;
galvanized metals react to water and various additives...some metals are designed to developed to coat themselves as corrosion occurs...

Of course you have the option of using various metal paints before installation.
Will you be using deep litter method? In which case you should never use metal because of the chemical reactions that occur between the alkalai in the manure and the positive ions in the metal.

A very good question with a complicated answer!!!

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

I put 1/16 inch sheet metal (non-galvanized) over the apitong flooring in my truck body coop. I then etched, primed, and painted the floor. I then installed vinyl over the floor rolling it up the walls 14". To finish it off, I then put 12" of pine shavings on top of the vinyl.

Marty

 

[LynneP]

Marty- nicely done, and superb predator protection!

 

[txchickie]

I have expanded sheet metal as the floor in my one wire-floored coop (used for chicks that aren't quite ready to be with the big kids!). It's welded to the metal frame. Super super super easy to clean.

I can't use it in the winter though, it would freeze their feet!

 

[bigoakhunter]

Just as mentioned....might be colder than wood.