New Co-op: Advice please :)

[DAttard]

So picked up a 4 x 8 x 6 Dog Kennel with hopes of flooring with patio stones and just hosing off/soaking as required.

ASK: How hard would it be to keep clean?

Currently I've a smaller coop with 2 x layers of 1/4" hardware cloth as flooring, spaced 6" apart due to predators.

Here are my plans, really appreciate feedback! TY

 

[Nabiki]

The patio flooring will help keep predators out, which is good. It might be hard on their feet, but I haven't tried it or heard of anyone who tried it, so I'm not sure. They'll probably be fine if you give them a couple boxes of dirt to bathe in and rest their feet in. If you use sturdy boxes, you can move them when you hose out the poop.

You'll probably end up cleaning about half of it at a time so the birds don't get wet and chilled.

Quail are ground birds, so while some may learn to use the ramp, others won't. I wouldn't do the raised area, personally. You'll want to give them small hiding places throughout their pen. They will prefer those over a single larger sheltered area.

You can probably get away with 1/2" hardware clothe rather than 1/4".

 

[DAttard]

The patio flooring will help keep predators out, which is good. It might be hard on their feet, but I haven't tried it or heard of anyone who tried it, so I'm not sure. They'll probably be fine if you give them a couple boxes of dirt to bathe in and rest their feet in. If you use sturdy boxes, you can move them when you hose out the poop.

You'll probably end up cleaning about half of it at a time so the birds don't get wet and chilled.

Quail are ground birds, so while some may learn to use the ramp, others won't. I wouldn't do the raised area, personally. You'll want to give them small hiding places throughout their pen. They will prefer those over a single larger sheltered area.

You can probably get away with 1/2" hardware clothe rather than 1/4".

Thank you!

 

[DAttard]

Wanted to give an update Birds are loving it!

 

[Pipsnchicks]

Wanted to give an update Birds are loving it!

I'm so glad to hear! Looks like a lovely set-up