What is best for a coop that gets wet on the floor?

[AndriaG]

Hi everyone! Just want to say that I am really enjoying reading your posts! My family is new to having backyard chickens. My question is this: We have a coop in the backyard that will have a wet floor in the rain. What is best to put on the ground? We moved the chicks outside in their new coop last weekend and they have completely torn up the grass that was on the coop floor. Our chickens love to rummage around the backyard and dig in our planter boxes with leaves, so I was thinking something that they can dig around in. I was leaning toward straw, but then started reading that wasn't the best if it gets wet. What do y'all think about sand? If you have a coop that gets a bit wet in the floor area, what do you use? I'd love any and all suggestions!

 

[hcdeshazer]

Hi everyone! Just want to say that I am really enjoying reading your posts! My family is new to having backyard chickens. My question is this: We have a coop in the backyard that will have a wet floor in the rain. What is best to put on the ground? We moved the chicks outside in their new coop last weekend and they have completely torn up the grass that was on the coop floor. Our chickens love to rummage around the backyard and dig in our planter boxes with leaves, so I was thinking something that they can dig around in. I was leaning toward straw, but then started reading that wasn't the best if it gets wet. What do y'all think about sand? If you have a coop that gets a bit wet in the floor area, what do you use? I'd love any and all suggestions!

Straw absorbs moisture and I’ve read it can lead to respiratory issues. Unfortunately I found that out after I have put down a whole bunch of straw. Wood chips are what I’m moving too next. You can do sand on the bottom and put wood chips on top for better absorption. You can replace sand with sawdust I’ve read as well. Issue with that is the dust if it doesn’t get the moisture you’re anticipating

 

[DobieLover]

How much space for how many chickens?
Can you provide pictures, please?
I use wood chips. A thick layer, maybe 4 to 6 inches. Whatever you put down will be dug through and mixed up. That's what chickens do. They scratch and dig.

 

[Kgbao]

How much space for how many chickens?
Can you provide pictures, please?
I use wood chips. A thick layer, maybe 4 to 6 inches. Whatever you put down will be dug through and mixed up. That's what chickens do. They scratch and dig.

You left out throw it all over the coop lol, messy little buggers..

 

[aart]

We have a coop in the backyard that will have a wet floor in the rain.

The coop gets wet in the rain....or the run?
Yes, pics would help immensely.

So would knowing.....
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