shed flooring for chooks

[shirlthegirl43]

We are finally putting together the shed I bought a while ago for the hens - 8 x 6 footer so they should have plenty space.

I have painted the floor with ducksback to help protect it but what do others put down before the shavings/straw to act as a barrier? Is there a requirement for this or is it not worth the bother?

[Hilary B]

Make sure there is plenty of ventilation to the UNDERSIDE of the floor, so that it doesn't get 'rising damp' from the ground. If the space below is big enough to peer into readily, that is a useful rat deterrent.
Not sure what is the best for the inside, depends what the floor actually IS (plywood is a common option) but I'd be tempted to use something like Creocote.....

[Glutton4...]

I think the best idea I've heard (thanks to our new MOM Unca Snadge, I think!) is a piece of Lino, so you can just pull it out, scrape it clean and put it back. Or two, so you can have one in the coop and one in the wash, so to speak!

[Hans Mum]

my coop is a convereted playhouse & it already had some cushion floor, i treated the floor and relaid the cushion floor then I put cardboard ontop then layers of newspaper then I use horsey stuff who's name i cant rememebr but it smells nice. Not had any problems its easy to clean out and I didnt get any problems with mite etc

[shirlthegirl43]

The floor is made of compressed shaving stuff - like giant woodchips. I have put it on a base of breezeblocks all laid close together to stop mr ratty burrowing from underneath and I am going to put featherboards round the bottom once it is built to stop said mr ratty going in the vent spaces.

Being a bit skint at the moment, lino is out of the question for now but I could put some in next month.

[kirsty b]

My shed floor has got damp and needs replacing as soon as weather allows me a whole decent day to get on with it. That and creocoating shed inside and out.

Am definitely going to be raising it on breezeblocks this time - didn't when we first put it up and now paying price Thankfully have a proper rodent bait box now so that is going down run as soon as I have right bait.

OH seems to think Marine ply is good, but I've heard that can be expensive.

[tlck9]

Being a bit skint at the moment, lino is out of the question for now but I could put some in next month.

I went to a dunelms recently and picked up some table protectors, very cheap at £1.50 for an off cut. also try freecycle as people are always getting rid of stuff like that but dont think to put it on there becuase its used. Ideal though for a shed floor and chicken coop!

[shirlthegirl43]

Been asking for lino on freecycle for months - since I got the shed

I think it is going to have to take the brunt of it for a month or so till I save up for the lino.

Thanks for the tips folks.

[Glutton4...]

You could try your local B&Q or equivalent, or carpet shops - see if they have any off-cuts - it's not like you need yards of it.

[Hilary B]

That floor sounds like Sterling Board, which is excellent stuff. I'd still treat it with a creosote substitute, and I'd rather see underneath, and KNOW there are no rats living there, than put up barriers, and not be completely sure the .... dear little things.... haven't got by!
Long term, I would go for a concrete slab, then blocks to lift the shed (and a piece of DPM on top of each) with plenty of air getting to the underside of the floor (blocks at the edges, and maybe just one in the middle if the edge ones are too far apart).
If your floor is resting on concrete blocks that are on the earth, there WILL eventually be wet rot getting in (Sterling board is pretty resistant, but it has limits).

Marine ply is pricey, look out for Sterling Board (or OSB) which is cheaper and pretty near as good, if treated right.
The key with any wood based product is that if it can get wet, it needs to be able to get dry again!
DO NOT underestimate the ability of moisture from the soil to rise through concrete (of any kind and in any form).

[shirlthegirl43]

That's why the underside and topside of the floor have all been treated to two coats of ducksback waterproof preservative.

(can't put down bait for any ratties as TRex does all the work required there)

[shirlthegirl43]

I think we have it sussed. Madmax just called me to say he got a 4 x 3m sheet of damp proof membrane from Wickes. This should be enough to put between the shed and the blocks then to put under the bedding inside.

[kirsty b]

Thats a good idea.....

[RichmondHens]

I think we have it sussed. Madmax just called me to say he got a 4 x 3m sheet of damp proof membrane from Wickes. This should be enough to put between the shed and the blocks then to put under the bedding inside.

Do not put the membrane inside under the bedding as this will provide a hidey hole for red mite. Outside is fine. There should be nothing inside the house except a layer of shavings (or whatever you want to use) to absorb a bit of wet from the poo).

[shirlthegirl43]

Do not put the membrane inside under the bedding as this will provide a hidey hole for red mite. Outside is fine. There should be nothing inside the house except a layer of shavings (or whatever you want to use) to absorb a bit of wet from the poo).

I have always had lino in the smaller coops so that it can come out and be scrubbed then put back over mite treatment once every couple of months. Is that really such a bad idea? I am concerned that they will wreck the floor if I don't put some type of barrier under the easibed.