Should I add flooring/bedding to coop floor?

[rosemarythyme]

That's 2 recommendations for Blackjack 57. Wow! Ok, I think I'll paint it for protection. How long do I have to keep the birds out of there to dry/off-gas. Not sure where they will lay or roost during this time...

Make sure to read the Technical Data sheet here - https://blackjackcoatings.com/products/black-jack-rubr-coat-57 - note the temperature and weather condition recommendations for application.

It doesn't really have noticeable fumes compared to many paints, so off gassing shouldn't be a huge issue, but it does take a while to dry, and you will need a second coat (first coat will look thin and patchy). Depending on weather/temperature it can stay tacky for 1 to several days. I think I waited 7? days before adding a second coat, but I might've been able to do it sooner.

 

[Toothpick]

I did my Blackjack before I ever had chickens. I waited a day and then continued my build. But I didn’t put the birds in till several weeks later when everything was complete.

 

[The head hen]

How about straw?

Straw will mold when wet and can cause health issues. I use hemp, it is super absorbent and you only have to replace it 1 - 2 times /year.

 

[3KillerBs]

Straw will mold when wet and can cause health issues. I use hemp, it is super absorbent and you only have to replace it 1 - 2 times /year.

Any organic material can mold if it gets wet -- especially if it packs down into a mat. Straw has been used safely for animal bedding for about as long as mankind has grown grain and kept livestock. It's fine as long as it's managed correctly.

Whatever bedding we use, we need to keep the coop DRY and the bedding fluffed up.

(Note: a deep litter system in a dirt-floored coop or run is different. It should be *moist*, but never *wet* and it's still necessary to ensure that the bedding doesn't pack).

 

[The head hen]

Any organic material can mold if it gets wet -- especially if it packs down into a mat. Straw has been used safely for animal bedding for about as long as mankind has grown grain and kept livestock. It's fine as long as it's managed correctly.

Whatever bedding we use, we need to keep the coop DRY and the bedding fluffed up.

(Note: a deep litter system in a dirt-floored coop or run is different. It should be *moist*, but never *wet* and it's still necessary to ensure that the bedding doesn't pack).

100% agree

 

[Iluveggers]

I put down a roll of linoleum and the cleanup is so easy! There are occasions that they move the bedding and poop ends up on the floor & it comes right off of the linoleum.