Should I put something on the ground or are shavings fine?

[Hegatha]

Just thinking my coop has no bottom just dirt. Would you put in anything for the bottom or will shavings be fine?

Thanks

 

[Chihuahuamom444]

I see alot of people go with sand and like it, Ive always done a thick layer of shavings and sometimes straw...I would def put something down....and there is no way a critter can dig in is there?

 

[Hegatha]

They would have to get into the outside first but I have concrete twelve inches into the gound around the whole outside. So no dont think a critter would get in.

 

[Chihuahuamom444]

Quote:
Oh yea that is pretty secure !

 

[dsqard]

In the warmer months you could probably just stick to the dirt floor. It would be easy to rake and clean up. In the colder months you might want to put down a thick layer of shavings to help keep them warmer.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Shavings are fine. I have a dirt floor in my coop that I've used for 4 years. I use the deep litter method. when it starts getting a little "funky" throw in another light layer of shavings, some DE and a couple handfulls of scrath. The chickens will take care of turning it. Dig it all out once or twice a year.

 

[hennyannie]

I think some sand would help you with cleaning then you could add some shavings if you like.