What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[Lone Ranger]

Hi All, after losing my 4 hens to Mr Fox recently, I've decided to build a 12x6x6 walk In Run so they can be safe during the day. We kept the Eglu run on soil which they loved digging holes in, but am considering building the new WIR on a concrete base - a) to avoid intruders and b) to avoid smelly mud in winter. What is the general consensus on flooring ? I'm worried that a concrete floor would stop the chooks from digging and scratching like they did in the soil (will be using a good covering of Hemcore/Bliss like I did in the old soil based run). Any advice please ?

 

Thanks

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I have a slab surround but an earth floor. It doesn't get muddy as it's covered. It will get damp round the edges but I put perspex up in the winter which helps with that.

 

I find it works really well for me and like that they can scratch about in it when they're indoors all day.

[doctors girls]

i have a 6x9x6 WIR and i have a slabbed base with 2 bales of rapport for them to scratch around in it has a roof on and is very easy when it comes to cleaning out for added protection i also built a wire mesh floor under the slabs

 

 

the mesh covers the whole floor also a 12 inch skirt all the way round and the WIR sits on top of the blocks with the slabs in the middle hope this is of any help

 

[Chicken deficient]

If they are still going to be out and about free ranging when you are around, I'd say it would be easier to maintain, and less depressing in winter, if it had a solid floor. If they need to stay in the run all the time for safety, I'd go with ANH's suggestion of solid at the edge and soil in the middle, for chicken amusement value!