Raising backyard chickens is becoming increasingly popular, but building their coop on a proper foundation is an important decision.
Concrete offers a durable, secure base for a coop, but also requires some special design considerations. Follow these key tips when planning a coop on a concrete flooring:
Contents
Elevate the Coop
- Construct the coop floor 8-12 inches above the concrete base. This offers several benefits:
- Creates space underneath to access and clean the concrete floor.
- Allows droppings and debris to fall through wire or slat floors, keeping the coop cleaner.
- Improves ventilation and air circulation under the coop.
- Prevents the wood coop floor from having direct contact with the concrete where moisture can collect.
- Makes it harder for rodents or predators to access the coop from below.
- Build the framing with rot-resistant lumber like cedar or pressure treated wood.
- Consider using bricks, concrete blocks, or treated landscape timbers to elevate the framing. This adds stability and further separates the coop from the concrete pad.
Install a Wire Mesh or Slat Floor
- Wire mesh or slatted wood floors allow waste to fall through to the concrete below, promoting cleanliness.
- Use galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire mesh at least 1/2 inch thick with openings no larger than 1/2 inch. This prevents feet injuries.
- For slats, allow 1-3 inches between boards for waste to fall between. Use wood that is mold and rot resistant.
- Size the flooring to cover the entire coop interior except nest boxes. Droppings will fall directly onto the concrete pad below.
- Install the flooring over a shallow litter tray filled with bedding for comfort and absorption.
Dump the tray regularly to maintain cleanliness.
Add Proper Drainage Around the Concrete
- Prevent moisture accumulation under the coop with adequate drainage for the concrete pad.
- Create a slight slope of 1-2% grade on the pad to allow water runoff.
- Install a drain pipe at the lowest point on the concrete to direct water away from the coop. Use plastic, PVC, or corrugated metal drain pipe.
- Surround the concrete with gravel, crushed rock, or pea gravel to improve drainage. Layer landscape fabric below the gravel to prevent weeds.
- Divert rainwater from the coop roof away from the pad with gutters.
Provide Sufficient, Clean Bedding
- Cover wire or slat floors with 2-5 inches of clean, dry bedding at all times. Replace soiled litter frequently.
- Suitable bedding materials are pine shavings, straw, rice hulls, peat moss, or hemp. Do not use dusty materials like sawdust.
- Bedding absorbs manure, keeps chickens clean and dry, and cushions their feet from the wire or slat flooring.
- Nest boxes should have 4-6 inches of bedding to encourage laying and keep eggs clean.
- Remove dirty bedding through access doors and bring in fresh, dry litter weekly or as needed.
Regularly Clean and Disinfect
- Concrete coops need thorough, frequent cleaning to prevent unhealthy conditions.
- Remove all chickens from the coop and use a stiff broom or scraper to remove all dried manure and debris from floors, walls, perches, and nests.
- Use a low-pressure hose or pressure washer to rinse the concrete pad beneath the coop. Let it dry completely.
- Apply disinfectant to all surfaces with a sprayer. Safe products include 10% bleach solution or white vinegar.
- Rinse disinfectants after proper contact time, allowing surfaces to fully air dry.
- Replace all bedding between each cleaning.
- Clean waterers and feeders regularly to prevent mold.
Size the Coop Generously
- Provide a minimum of 3-4 square feet of interior floor space per standard sized chicken.
- Bigger is better, as cramped conditions increase risks of illness and aggressive behavior.
- The coop must be large enough for all chickens to move around freely, access food and water, roost, and lay eggs in nests.
- Have at least one nest box per 4-5 hens. Nest boxes should be 12ร12 inches.
- Include perches allowing at least 10-15 inches per bird for roosting. Round perches 1-2 inches in diameter prevent foot issues.
Select a Strategic Coop Location
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Find a level, well-draining site for the concrete pad and coop. Avoid low, wet spots.
- Seek a somewhat sheltered area near the backyard or house for protection from harsh weather and predators.
- Consider sun exposure. The location should receive ample sun to keep the coop dry, but also offer shaded retreats on hot days.
- Maximize ventilation and air flow by avoiding sites with dense vegetation or buildings pressing closely on multiple sides.
- Try to provide at least 8-10 square feet of enclosed outdoor run space per chicken if possible.
Use Proper Concrete and Construction
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Pour a level 4-6 inch thick concrete slab following proper construction practices.
- Use a smooth, sealed concrete type like broomed, troweled or salt-finished. Avoid rough textures that are hard to clean.
- The pad should slope 1% grade toward the drain point. Leave no standing water pools.
- Let concrete fully cure for at least 1 week before housing chickens. New concrete releases ammonia that is unhealthy.
- Consider reinforcing the pad with wire mesh or rebar if the site has poor drainage or unstable soil.
- All-weather exterior plywood forms around the edges prevent sagging at the perimeter before the pour.
- Consult a qualified concrete contractor if you lack experience with concrete work. Proper substrate preparation and pour techniques are essential.
Summary
Building a secure chicken coop that keeps your flock clean, dry, and healthy is key.
With careful attention to workable drainage, durable and easy-to-clean floors, spacious interior, quality bedding, regular cleaning routines, and proper concrete preparations โ your chickens can thrive in their coop on a concrete base.
Do your planning and research in advance to account for these important design considerations before constructing your coop. Your feathered friends will thank you!