Food scraps in the coop

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J.R.

J.R.

Songster
Jul 15, 2017
52
96
106
Ohio
Just looking for some insight and points of view from all of you amazing folks here. My 8 ladies are mostly free range (share a pasture with the goats during the day) and their 8x10 coop is built into the barn with a pop door that leads out into the pasture. The coop floor is concrete with pine shavings on top, poop board under the roost. I’m using a bit of a deep bedding method for the coop and I’m curious if I’m asking for trouble if I feed them food scraps inside of the coop as opposed to in the pasture where the goats can get to it? I feel like leaving the food scraps outside is going to eventually attract unwanted scavengers. Does anyone have experience feeding scraps inside a coop over a concrete floor?
 
BlindLemonChicken

BlindLemonChicken

Crowing
Sep 30, 2021
1,202
2,621
301
Utah
I have a concrete floor under my run so not exactly the same but I don't do scraps there because I'm extra nervous about attracting rodents even though its predator proof. Just the smell I feel is enough to get them nosing around. They do have crumble there in a hanging feeder but I usually take it in at night. They still spill enough that its a concern. So far nothing has come for it that I'm aware of and I would imagine the food scraps will be quickly taken care of by the chickens. Maybe get rid of any leftovers before locking them up for the night
 
J.R.

J.R.

Songster
Jul 15, 2017
52
96
106
Ohio
BlindLemonChicken said:
I have a concrete floor under my run so not exactly the same but I don't do scraps there because I'm extra nervous about attracting rodents even though its predator proof. Just the smell I feel is enough to get them nosing around. They do have crumble there in a hanging feeder but I usually take it in at night. They still spill enough that its a concern. So far nothing has come for it that I'm aware of and I would imagine the food scraps will be quickly taken care of by the chickens. Maybe get rid of any leftovers before locking them up for the night
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Yeah rodents are one of my fears even though I’m pretty sure my gang of thug barn cats could keep their numbers down! I’m more worried about things like raccoons and possums becoming an issue. I know I’m in kind of a weird spot because I’m not really trying to do deep litter method and they free range. Thanks for the insight!
 
Acre4Me

Acre4Me

Crossing the Road
Nov 12, 2017
7,445
27,114
927
Western Ohio
There are mice….then there are RATS. RATS can be big, and they multiply quickly. Some cats won’t catch rats -the rats are too big and fierce. RATS are smart, rats are hard to get rid of once they determine your spot is cozy and comes with food. In your barn you likely have other things you’d rather the rats not nest inside.

I’d vote no based on rat potential. Coons and possums could be a problem, but you aren’t going to get 500 coons in a couple months…but rats…yes, totally possible.
 
J.R.

J.R.

Songster
Jul 15, 2017
52
96
106
Ohio
Thank you all so very much for your opinions and input! I’ve learned so much from the entire community on byc and regularly use tips and techniques I’ve picked up here.
 

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