What kind of floor?

[Cazook]

I will be building a new coop soon and trying to consider what floor type to use. Options between dirt, concrete and wood. I want to use deep litter method which is why I tended to go for a dirt floor, but I know there are issues with digging predators, mice etc this way. If I built a concrete base for the coop to rest on, would this be better? And any other problems that I haven't thought of? On top of the concrete would be layers of wood chips, leaf materials etc for the deep litter.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I have a raised coop. My floor is linoleum unglued on top of plywood. I do the deep litter method. When I clean out the coop, it is super easy to shovel.

 

[3KillerBs]

Deep litter, a moist, composting system, shouldn't be confused with deep bedding, where you just keep adding dry bedding to keep the poop dried out between cleanings at long intervals.

Deep litter does not absolutely require ground contact, but it's difficult to get the composting action going and keep it in balance without it. Also, the moisture required (moisture, not sogginess), and the action of the composting organisms tend to destroy the floors under it if you do get it going that way.

To deter digging predators in a dirt-floored coop you need to either dig in wire under the walls or install a wire skirt -- just like protecting a run.