Are you considering building a chicken coop but aren’t sure which type of flooring to choose? The right flooring is essential for the comfort and safety of your chickens, as well as ease of maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore different flooring options and help you decide on the best one for your coop.
Key Takeaways
Concrete Floors: The Gold Standard
Concrete floors are widely regarded as the best option for a chicken coop. While they may be more expensive initially, the benefits they offer make them worth considering. Concrete floors completely deter rodents and predators from digging into the coop. Additionally, they provide no hiding places for lice and mites, making it easier to keep your coop clean and sanitary.
To ensure your chickens’ comfort, you can layer 4 to 6 inches of shavings or wood pellets on top of the concrete floor. However, if you’re on a tight budget, there are other flooring options to consider.
Wood Flooring: A Common Choice
Wood flooring is the most common type of flooring used in chicken coops. If properly constructed, it can effectively keep out rodents and predators. To discourage wildlife from taking up residence underneath, it’s recommended to elevate the wood floor at least one foot above the ground level.
However, cleaning a wood floor can be challenging, as filth and bugs tend to accumulate in the cracks between the planks. One solution is to lay linoleum over the wood, making it easier to clean and sanitize. Keep in mind that even exterior-grade plywood will eventually rot, so regular maintenance is necessary. Additionally, a raised wood floor combined with shavings may reduce the headroom in your coop.
Batten & Wire Floors: A Removable Option
Another option to consider is a batten and wire floor. This type of floor consists of removable sections made of narrow strips of wood (battens) and chicken wire. The battens provide a comfortable surface for chickens to walk on and are strong enough for humans as well.
While this type of floor allows droppings to fall through the spaces between the battens, it also requires periodic scraping to remove accumulated droppings. For hens with chicks, there is a risk of the chicks falling through the wire. Although hardware cloth can solve this problem, it tends to accumulate chicken waste on its surface.
Dirt Floors: A Cost-Effective Solution
If you’re looking for a cheap and straightforward option, a dirt floor may be the answer. By leveling the soil and adding a thick layer of shavings, you can create a cozy environment for your chickens. Burrowing predators can be deterred by surrounding the coop with a concrete sidewalk.
However, keep in mind that chickens naturally engage in dust bathing, which can result in uneven holes in the dirt floor. This can make walking and cleaning more challenging, requiring frequent releveling of the floor. Additionally, the hole closest to the entrance can be unpredictable, making it a potential hazard for humans.
Rubber Mats: The Ideal Choice
After experimenting with various flooring options, we found that rubber mats are an excellent choice for coop flooring. By leveling the floor with fine gravel and covering it with heavy rubber mats (commonly used in horse stalls), you can establish a solid base.
Rubber mats provide several advantages. Shavings on top of the mats absorb less moisture, reducing the need for frequent replacement. Cleaning soiled shavings beneath the perches becomes effortless with a coal or snow shovel. The chickens can still enjoy dust bathing in the shavings, while the mats prevent them from digging holes in the floor.
We at Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ highly recommend rubber mats for your chicken coop flooring needs. They strike the perfect balance between comfort, cleanliness, and ease of maintenance.
To get started on building your dream chicken coop, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ for more information and inspiration. Happy coop building!
