Slat floor in our current coop

[Gizabelle]

I've read through several posts about coop flooring, and am looking for input on my current floor.
Its been in use for 2 years now, and has worked great, but I've seen several posts recommend against slat flooring.

The structure we're currently using as our coop is about 6.5' x 4' and about 2.5' off the ground with a slat floor. It was originally built as a rain/night shelter for a pair of pygmy goats (we have a terrible invasive bamboo problem on the property) but we never got the goats. We actually built a different coop specifically for the chooks with a solid floor (and cute little next box bump outs... the whole shebang) and I HATED IT. Our hot, humid climate is a beast. It stayed damp and mildewy 24/7, and I pulled the girls out of there after only a few weeks.

Here is a pic of the current coop floor from the original build:

Its recycled decking boards, ripped down and screwed. The only real cost of the original project was in screws and other hardware, btw... everything else was salvaged pressure treated or exterior grade material.
I don't use bedding of any kind except for the next boxes as I only have three hens and they free range during the day and only really go in the coop to lay, roost, and (sometimes) get out of the rain. Clean up is super simple, I rake out under roosts every day and hose the whole thing down regularly as well.
We also removed the siding from one of the smaller side walls and replaced with hardware cloth to make it more of an open air design. The ventilation is awesome, and everything stays dry and fresh.
So, as a novice keeper who stumbled on this solution, I'll ask for opinions from the more experienced crowd... it seems to be working great for our climate/flock, but am I missing something? The only possible problem I can foresee is maybe a snagged toenail, but it hasn't happened yet. Why is this flooring option frowned upon?

 

[cavemanrich]

If it works for you, then it is all Good. The advantage of the openings,,, is obvious when hosing out the coop.
I'm not sure of the ideal gap size to keep your hens toes from getting caught. If that is not occurring, than you may have the ideal gap.
WISHING YOU BEST..........................

 

[Alaskan]

The issue with slats is making sure vermin can't enter the coop through them.

Yours however look pretty tight with just enough gap for better airflow as well as great drainage.

If you hardware cloth the entire coop and run area, then vermin/predators coming through the bottom will not be an issue.....but again...yours look pretty tight.

Just give it a good look on occasion to check for chewing...keep in mind what kind of predators are in your area.

But I think it looks like a great idea.

And yes! I think open air designed coops are great.

 

[The Lazy L]

I don't see a problem either.

 

[aart]

We actually built a different coop specifically for the chooks with a solid floor (and cute little next box bump outs... the whole shebang) and I HATED IT. Our hot, humid climate is a beast.

Would help to see this other coop...wondering if the floor was the only 'problem'.

Clean up is super simple, I rake out under roosts every day and hose the whole thing down regularly as well.

My first thought is that those tight gaps could eventually get full of 'stuff'.
How thick are the floor slats?
Hosing things down might work to keep gaps clear but not sure it helps with the 'humid' and 'mildew' issues.
But, hey, if it works it works!