I need to build a second chicken coop

Packed to the coop · **Joined:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:38 am **Posts:** 4

Hi there, I need to build a second chicken coop and a friend has recommended I build it off the ground with a wire floor. Do chickens need a dirt floor? Would they be happy with just wire to walk on?

MariaCreeksPoultry · **Posted:** Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:58 pm

I guess if the wire had small enough holes in it, chooks could walk on it. I'm not entirely sure why you might want to keep chooks off the ground though. We sometimes keep young chicks off the ground during far northen wet season as they tend to get sick.
I have a few funny ideas about keeping chooks though, mine are always kept on grass as I believe it is important for their quality of life.

Stt · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:01 pm **Posts:** 3006

It depends what breed they are i wouldnt put anything to heavy on the wire and you will need to provide dirt and forage to keep them healthy so i would just put them in a ground pen

chookshow · **Posted:** Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:10 pm

I agree they need dirt floor to scratch around and it also help them digest food. Are you trying to stop rodents? If you are just wire the bottom of your coop then cover it with dirt.

pjh · **Posted:** Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:04 am

some people keep their chooks in raised wire bottom cages, keeps them out of their own dirt, it helps keep foot feathering intact, prevent staining on wings that drag on the ground etc ( such as with japanese and belgian bantams)...like the others though I keep mine on dirt and grass, seems more natural to me

cheers pam

Packed to the coop · **Joined:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:38 am **Posts:** 4

Thanks to all, I feel they need dirt on the floor too bit I can see if they were show stock why not.

I think I will stick with dirt

Thanks a lot

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