chicken shed

[paulinems]

should you have a floor in chicken shed or is it better not to have one
Pauline

[paulinems]

[goodlife]

I would have floor, as shed floor is easier to keep clean, drier and safer. If your would not have one...I assume you mean having "earth floor"...you would either have to regularly dig the soil over, change it or move the housing to provide clean floor, You would have hard time to keep rodents away...they would dig tunnels inside without trouble or even foxes could get in!!

[kt.]

I agree with what has been said by goodlife.   Ensure the floor is off ground level same as you would a shed. Also you would get less disease. Uncovered ground in a shed will probably go mouldy so to speak.

[paulinems]

thanks,we are going to build a new shed and wondered weather it would be better to have floor or not,will put floor in then,we have 3 sheds but one leaks none sleep in the just keep there food dishes in it doesnt get wet though truoble was the all like the new shed we put up when we got the blackrocks and it is a bit small only 1 or 2 sleep in the older dry shed,so thought we might as well have one big shed
Pauline

[goodlife]

Now you have great opportunity to rodent- proof your shed. Stable some small eyed wiremesh under the floor. If eg. rats try to access into your shed they won't come through bottom. I did this when I had my current shed...they (?) did try to chew first but gave it soon up as they noticed what I have done...not stubid!
I do have occasional "visitor" but not in my shed!!! ;D

[Thegoodlife]

i have plans for a chicken shed if you require, the plan is to house 8/12 birds but it can be modified to allow for more

[paulinems]

i have plans for a chicken shed if you require, the plan is to house 8/12 birds but it can be modified to allow for more

Thanks for that but i think hubby has it sorted,we have 23 to house,

Now you have great opportunity to rodent- proof your shed. Stable some small eyed wiremesh under the floor. If eg. rats try to access into your shed they won't come through bottom. I did this when I had my current shed...they (?) did try to chew first but gave it soon up as they noticed what I have done...not stubid!
I do have occasional "visitor" but not in my shed!!! ;D

Thats a good idear will tell his highness  to do that
Pauline
ps, got 18 eggs yesterday despight weather,been snowing hear in Norwich today,son is bringing eggs back dont now how many yet

[PHILMT]

I agree deffinately as rats can dig and there will be no protection for the chickens. ;D

[GodfreyRob]

Lifting the shed off the ground (with a suitable frame and ramp for hens to access) gives a nice dry space underneath and helps with vermin problem too.
I hang the feeders under my shed so the pellets stay dry. The girls congregate underneath when the weather is wet too.

[amberlove]

Its best to keep a close eye out for holes in the side of sheds and keep your food somewhere in a case with a good lid so that foxes and rats wont find their way into your shed. :) I have a chair where you can lift a lid to get the food.