Upgrading a dirt floor for coop

[kacokaco]

I am looking to convert a stall in our barn to a coop, and am seeking advice on the existing dirt floor. I feel like I have a handle on everything else as I've kept chickens before (wood with straw bedding) but I am really not sure how to approach the dirt floor. Loose, powdery dirt that will at least need to be tamped before I can do anything with it. Internet ideas have left me with a couple directions--

a) put chicken wire down to keep out burrowing predators and then deep bedding (Is this sanitary long term?)
b) laying down some type of wood flooring, whether plywood or planks. (But what is the best way to put down wood on that dirt floor? Do I need to frame and then put gravel?)
c) option b + lay rubber mat, or vinyl, etc on top of the wood
d) Pour concrete (I have never done this and don't really want to, but didn't want to leave it off the list.)

Thoughts? Other ideas? Project needs to be DIY and needs to be done quickly. I had ordered chicks via mail and they arrived FOUR weeks earlier then I expected. So I need to work quickly...they are two and a half weeks already.

Any advice is appreciated!!

 

[pennyJo1960]

I am looking to convert a stall in our barn to a coop, and am seeking advice on the existing dirt floor. I feel like I have a handle on everything else as I've kept chickens before (wood with straw bedding) but I am really not sure how to approach the dirt floor. Loose, powdery dirt that will at least need to be tamped before I can do anything with it. Internet ideas have left me with a couple directions--

a) put chicken wire down to keep out burrowing predators and then deep bedding (Is this sanitary long term?)
b) laying down some type of wood flooring, whether plywood or planks. (But what is the best way to put down wood on that dirt floor? Do I need to frame and then put gravel?)
c) option b + lay rubber mat, or vinyl, etc on top of the wood
d) Pour concrete (I have never done this and don't really want to, but didn't want to leave it off the list.)

Thoughts? Other ideas? Project needs to be DIY and needs to be done quickly. I had ordered chicks via mail and they arrived FOUR weeks earlier then I expected. So I need to work quickly...they are two and a half weeks already.

Any advice is appreciated!!

I use deep litter not hay as in shavings I buy white ones for that but never had a floor in mine it is geodesic if you look at my photo's you will see one thing is my girls will stay in making dust baths inside in the rain.. I am actually building a pole barn for them but it will have a dirt floor as the girls have been spoiled but the one now

 

[pennyJo1960]

shame on me did not say Hello or really happy you decided to join us hereI am in Mossyrock, Washington State

 

[ChickNanny13]

Laying a wire down to prevent burrowing predators sounds like a good idea, then go with the deep litter method (DLM). penny1960 idea just adding shavings leaving the dirt for dust baths works great! That's how my enclosure is (dirt floor & DLM), just keep adding shavings as needed. However I don't have the predator problems you all do, so you're going to have to decide. More will be peeping in with more ideas ... Welcome and Enjoy

 

[pennyJo1960]

if you take hardware cloth this is what I did using 2 x 6 I used washer and screw tying it inside my coop then the hardware cloth extended out the bottom covered in leaves and dirt that way I did not have any inside but no one could burrow in, hope this helps a bit I have not lost one bird to predator in 3 years knock on wood

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I tried sand, which I really like except for the dust. River sand would be better (as compared to crusher sand), but I can't find it. So I'm gradually removing the sand as I clean up poops and will just have dirt. I don't see why that is not the best option (for me).

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Welcome to BYC!!!!

I would suggest putting down hardware cloth like you suggested, and then using sand. It's easily cleaned, and keeps chickens clean! Best wishes!

 

[pennyJo1960]

problem there the sand would just get mixed in the dirt on the floor to have enough sand it would cost way more.. mine have had dirt floor 3 1/2 years now I use deep litter shavings complete dig out is 2 times a year there is no odor and I have super compost

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

problem there the sand would just get mixed in the dirt on the floor to have enough sand it would cost way more.. mine have had dirt floor 3 1/2 years now I use deep litter shavings complete dig out is 2 times a year there is no odor and I have super compost

I didn't think about the dirt mixing with the sand. I guess if you didn't mind it wouldn't be a problem, but if you do mind, sand isn't necessary. Best wishes!

 

[pennyJo1960]

I didn't think about the dirt mixing with the sand. I guess if you didn't mind it wouldn't be a problem, but if you do mind, sand isn't necessary. Best wishes!

I think maybe all of us have a touch of ocd when it comes to our birds