Drainage in a Concrete-Based Chicken Coop?

Raising chickens in a concrete-based coop provides numerous advantages such as durability, ease of cleaning, and protection from pests and rodents.

However, concrete is impervious and does not allow water drainage on its own. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate in the coop, leading to unhealthy conditions for the chickens.

Below are some key considerations for drainage when building or maintaining a concrete chicken coop.

Create a Slope for Drainage

• The concrete floor of the coop needs to have an intentional slope or gradient to facilitate water runoff. Generally, a 2%-3% slope is recommended but even a 1% gradient can work.
  
• The sloped floor allows water to drain downwards and out instead of pooling on the flat surface.
  
• The coop floor should slope away from the roosting and nesting boxes towards the lower end where drainage exit points can be installed.
  
• Any low-lying spots or dips on the floor should be filled to maintain the slope.

Install a Collection Trench

• A perimeter trench around the coop and attached run area provides a collection point for rain and cleaning water.
  
• Dig this trench wide and deep enough to gather the expected water volume.
  
• Place drainage pipes within the trench to channel water from the coop interior to the outer collection trench.
  
• The trench can be filled with gravel to aid drainage.
  
• Direct the trench outflow to a rain garden, storm drain or a low-lying land point away from the coop.

Provide Adequate Drainage Exit Points

• The lowest point of the collection trench around the coop should have a drainage exit. This could be a pipe outlet, gravel French drain or a channel that leads water away from the coop.
  
• The trench drain pipes need to feed into this exit point as well.
  
• Size the drain exit sufficiently for peak water flow.
  
• Ensure it drains downhill away from the coop to prevent backflow.
  
• A popup yard drain with mesh covering also works to keep out debris.

Routinely Inspect and Clean Drainage

• Check the slope, drainage trench, and exit points around the coop regularly to ensure the system is clear of any obstructions or buildup.
  
• Remove accumulated sediment, feathers, mud or debris. Clogs can impede the flow of water.
  
• Routinely clear drains and downspouts of any blockages as well.
  
• Power wash the concrete floor as needed to keep it free of residue.

Use Durable, Water-Resistant Concrete

• Use a concrete mix with a high cement ratio, and proper coarse aggregate gradation.
  
• Air entrainment improves resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
  
• Appropriate steel reinforcement improves strength.
  
• Proper concrete curing and sealing makes the surface denser and more water-repellent.
  
• Avoid overworking the concrete during installation.
  
• Consider additives like silica fume or polymers to enhance water resistance.

Absorbent Coop Bedding Materials

Material	Absorbency	Notes
Wood shavings	High	Replace often to avoid dampness
Straw	High	Provides insulation in winter too
Sand	Medium	Can dry out concrete surface
Shredded paper	High	Avoid inked paper

Use Roof Gutters and Downspouts

• Install roof rain gutters with downspout tubes that direct water away from the coop to decrease drainage load on the floor.
  
• Choose gutters sized appropriately for expected rainfall.
  
• Provide enough downspouts and avoid overflow.
  
• Direct downspouts several feet away from the coop onto gravel, splash blocks or drain pipes.
  
• Maintain gutters to prevent clogs from leaves or debris.

Monitor Conditions with Technology

• Use humidity, temperature and moisture sensors in the coop to monitor drainage efficacy.
  
• Alert systems can indicate rising moisture levels before problems occur.
  
• Consider surveillance cameras, smart control panels, or data logging systems to track coop environment.
  
• Technology provides insight on drainage needs based on real-time conditions.

Choose Well-Drained Coop Locations

• Avoid low-lying areas prone to runoff or flooding after heavy rain.
  
• Ideally build on slightly elevated, naturally sloped ground with good permeability.
  
• Areas with clay soil may hold more moisture.
  
• Building on well-draining loamy or gravelly soil improves drainage.
  
• Consider drainage patterns when orienting the coop and trench direction.

Install French Drains around Coop

• French drains are gravel-filled trenches with perforated piping that redirect subsurface runoff away from the coop floor.
  
• They prevent subgrade moisture issues by capturing seepage from rain or snowmelt.
  
• Placing them around the perimeter or downhill prevents water logging.
  
• They require minimal maintenance when installed properly.

Apply Water-Repellent Concrete Sealants

• Seal the concrete with acrylic, epoxy or polyurethane-based sealants to prevent moisture seepage into cracks.
  
• They fill pores and create a water-repelling barrier.
  
• Some products contain polymer additives for greater protection.
  
• Reapply sealants annually or as per specifications for best results.
  
• Proper sealing enhances the concrete’s drainage efficiency.

Replace Bedding Regularly

• Change coop floor litter frequently to prevent damp bedding issues.
  
• Wet bedding allows odor buildup and can breed parasites or pathogens.
  
• Replacing soiled bedding weekly or biweekly with fresh dry litter improves moisture absorption.
  
• Provide extra bedding in winter when drainage slows.

Proper drainage is critical for a healthy flock in a concrete coop. Following these guidelines on creating slope, installing drainage structures, making use of absorptive bedding, and regularly maintaining the system can help avoid standing water issues.

With robust drainage, concrete chicken coops can provide a secure and water-resistant habitat for chickens.

Implementing multiple drainage strategies results in added protection and drier coop conditions. If you’re concerned about keeping your coop warm during colder seasons, consider learning about insulating your concrete chicken coop or improving ventilation.

You can also learn more about the costs of maintaining a concrete chicken coop and the advantages of a concrete chicken coop for further information.