Rubber mats for concrete floor

[SarahGfa]

Does anyone have recommendations for rubber mats to put on a concrete floor? Right now I just have straw over concrete, but the hens are getting older and I want them to have a soft landing jumping down in the morning.

Something like a horse stall matt would be ideal, but I was wondering if anyone has ideas for something lighter and cheaper.

 

[ChickNanny13]

How about a thick layer of shavings? Think would be alot softer/cheaper than the rubber mats.

 

[Willowspirit]

Does anyone have recommendations for rubber mats to put on a concrete floor? Right now I just have straw over concrete, but the hens are getting older and I want them to have a soft landing jumping down in the morning.

Something like a horse stall matt would be ideal, but I was wondering if anyone has ideas for something lighter and cheaper.

You might check Craigslist for stall mats that are less expensive.

But if you are continuing putting a soft material over the mat, you might look into these flooring ideas. Cheap and easy to clean. My photos are messed up.

Amazon.com, search “mats for kids”.https://www.amazon.com/s?k=floor+ma...prefix=Floor+mats,aps,378&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_10

 

[SarahGfa]

How about a thick layer of shavings? Think would be alot softer/cheaper than the rubber mats.

i tried that, but the chickens tend to scratch it all onto one side so there are spots with bare floor.

 

[SarahGfa]

You might check Craigslist for stall mats that are less expensive.

But if you are continuing putting a soft material over the mat, you might look into these flooring ideas. Cheap and easy to clean. My photos are messed up.

Amazon.com, search “mats for kids”.https://www.amazon.com/s?k=floor+mats+for+kids&crid=2X20T14ABR92W&sprefix=Floor+mats,aps,378&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_10

I was thinking something like those foam mats might be good. Do you know if they'll hold up to scratching and pecking? I've seen my chickens demolish a styrofoam box.

 

[Willowspirit]

i tried that, but the chickens tend to scratch it all onto one side so there are spots with bare floor.

Chickens!

 

[Willowspirit]

I was thinking something like those foam mats might be good. Do you know if they'll hold up to scratching and pecking? I've seen my chickens demolish a styrofoam box.

I don’t know for sure. I have dogs on them now but they are elderly and not very destructive. I would definitely cover them with fresh hay, shavings or straw for them to scratch in. If you try them let us know!

My chickens ate a styrofoam box when they were tiny. Apparently they like styrofoam!

 

[Shezadandy]

I was thinking something like those foam mats might be good. Do you know if they'll hold up to scratching and pecking? I've seen my chickens demolish a styrofoam box.

I wouldn't do foam mats.

The 3/4" stall mats would work really well, I've built them into my floor and 4 years later after all that scratching, pooping and other activity, they look brand new.

Not sure of the size of your area, but around here the 4ftx6ft ones run around $42/ea. If you watch your local farm stores for sale, seems like they go on sale, or buy 3 get 1 free, that sort of deal. I'd say they're worth every penny.

Now - as for the "lighter" -- I've also used the 1/4" rubber mat. They're not cost effective compared to the horse stall mats once you break it down on a price per square foot, but they ARE very easy to deal with and very durable. I used that material on my poop tables and in my nest box and on my ramp- again, 4 years of scraping the poop off their roosting table, it has zero damage. You may have to call around, but that material does exist in 4ft wide - and 30" wide.

 

[SarahGfa]

Not sure of the size of your area, but around here the 4ftx6ft ones run around $42/ea. If you watch your local farm stores for sale, seems like they go on sale, or buy 3 get 1 free, that sort of deal. I'd say they're worth every penny.

Now - as for the "lighter" -- I've also used the 1/4" rubber mat. They're not cost effective compared to the horse stall mats once you break it down on a price per square foot, but they ARE very easy to deal with and very durable. I used that material on my poop tables and in my nest box and on my ramp- again, 4 years of scraping the poop off their roosting table, it has zero damage. You may have to call around, but that material does exist in 4ft wide - and 30" wide.

If the stall mats last for many years, then maybe that's the best option. I saw some thinner ones at the hardware store, but somehow they are more expensive!

 

[Shezadandy]

If the stall mats last for many years, then maybe that's the best option. I saw some thinner ones at the hardware store, but somehow they are more expensive!

Yes, it's amazing how that works! Think of it this way … those mats are designed to deal with 1000-1500lb horses walking, pawing, laying down, getting up, pooping and peeing, for 24/7 for horses without a turnout - so whatever you're going to do with them … they will last. They are heavy, and if you have to trim them down, you'll want a nice fresh box-cutter blade in your box cutter.

The easiest way to move them is to roll them up, duct-tape around the roll, then put a 2x4 board through the center- one person on each side lifts up on the 2x4 board- much more manageable.

Once they're down, you'll never have to think about them again. They also sell them in 4x8ft. It can be worth it to call multiple stores on their stall mat pricing- it's all the same stuff, 3/4". I used the 1/4" mats in applications where I screwed them down onto a wood surface with 2x2's pinning the corners to keep them in place. The stall mats won't move much unless you do something dramatic.