used bricks as a floor for ground level coop

[ima57boomer]

Just wondering if anyone has ever done this. I have a large supply of used bricks, and rather than pouring a concrete floor, which I am not going to do, I thought maybe I would build the coop (or rather 8 x 8 shed), then lay a layer of used bricks on the floor. The roost, nest boxes, etc. would either be free-standing or attached to the side walls somehow. We live on a farm and have untold number of odds and ends of building materials scattered around between sheds, barns, etc. I'm new to chickens, and I thought a shed might be good, since if something happens to the birds, or life's circumstances change (DH and I are 60-ish), the shed could then be used for storage. Of course if I used the bricks, I would put a generous layer of pine shavings or clean straw over it. Any thoughts? btw...I plan on having an attached run.

 

[ima57boomer]

I think I should have done a search before I posted this. I've talked myself out of using them. I think just the ground would make more sense, if indeed the 8 x 8 is what I go with. I have ten birds.

 

[patandchickens]

You would need to lay them as if laying a paver patio -- level the ground beneath them, then put in a good thickness of screenings (making sure that finished height, with bricks, will be slightly ABOVE surrounding ground level, especially important in a coop) and tamp the dampened screenings very hard to extreme levelness, then lay the bricks.

They will not be digging-predator-proof (b/c of their small size), but they do have some virtues if you don't mind the extra work.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[BellevueOmlet]

The only issue I could see is if you are just setting them in and not laying them, it will be tough to clean and crub will get in between. Not a big concern so I say either way, go ahead.

 

[Judy]

I have a dirt floor coop, have had them in the past, and don't want anything different. Really it depends on your management style. Some people clean coops weekly and some once or twice a year like I do, using the litter for compost. Mine have an oversize coop and large yard, they never smell, and they are healthy and happy. (I think it's an 11x17 coop, 70x70 yard, 20 chickens at the moment.)

 

[7L Farm]

Maybe you could use the bricks around the coop to keep predators from digging in. I like dirt floors. I don't wanna build the floor & then have to build the coop as well.