LOFT FLOOR

Loft floors are very much a matter of individual preference. Some prefer a solid wood floor, others cement slab. deep litter and many use a wire mesh. Recently a fiberglass plastic material has been used as a covering glued over a wood floor. This is not intended to be a Bible on loft floors. Rather the intent is to give basic information to help you make a decision.

My lofts have always had solid wood floors. When first built the plywood floor was painted with 3 coats of a deck paint to seal it so that moisture would not be absorbed and to help make the scraping a little easier. With a built in dropping collector shown on this page the wood floor works well for me. It does require regular cleaning and the occasional disinfecting.

In the breeding sections I have started to use 1" to 1-1/2" of wood pellets. I find they absorb the moisture and reduce maintenance. Raked weekly and changed twice a year. When changed the old pellets have become mostly sawdust and make a great lawn and garden fertilizer. If you try them be sure to select "All Natural" Some have additives that could be harmful to the birds.

I am one of those who believe that the birds natural immune system is encouraged to develop in a less than sanitary loft. As long as the floor is dry and the dropping are not allowed to collect to a point where odors are evident when entering the loft.

A word of caution: Using wood pellets is a form of "deep litter" floor management.  When cleaning the dust can be heavy. Both a mask should be worn and an exhaust fan used to carry some the dust particles out of the loft.

Another fancier who uses pellets has a page about them. Click here to visit the site.

Mesh floors have become popular. They all but eliminate floor scrapping. The construction of a wire mesh floor is not difficult. For those who prefer something ready made, heavy duty plastic grills can be purchased from several pigeon supply outlets.

A loft with a mesh floor is not maintenance free. I've been in some where the owner does not clean under the mesh. Eventually the dropping build up and a strong ammonia smell will be evident in the loft.  I have to believe that regular cleaning (raking out) under the loft is essential for the health of the both fancier and the birds.

The loft should be raised so that the cleaning can be accomplished. Also wire mesh enclosed so that predators can not go under the loft. A member of our club with mesh floors had a problem with raccoons and weasels going under the loft, grabbing the birds by the foot, pulling it through the mesh, chewing the leg off, killing the bird. Some fanciers have built trays under the mesh that can be removed and cleaned.

I have read and been told by a fancier in Belgium, they are now covered with plywood during the race season. The reason is that they have found that the  birds do not come to form as quickly with wire floors in the race lofts. They are still used extensively in breeding lofts.

Deep litter means what the words imply. Often used by the poultry industry, a heavy layer of pine shavings, corn husk or hay is placed on the floor. The birds droppings are allowed to collect for a long period of time. Occasional, once a week or so, the litter is stirred with a garden fork or a rake. Many claim the birds actually receive health benefits in that the birds natural immune system becomes highly developed. When fine (non-clumped), provide a desirable strata which absorbs the moisture from fresh droppings,  When fine, it is odorless. Being highly acidic, the dried droppings are a good barricade against bacteria,  Of course fine dust is easily stirred up, one can see this when rays of sun shine upon it.  In colder climates it will provide some heat on the floor.

From my short experience with the wood pellets, A couple of recommendations are offered for your consideration.
. if the dust is visible in the sun rays through the window, a mask should be worn when entering the loft. Especially when stirring or cleaning.
. a floor level exhaust fan should be used to create an air flow over the litter. helping to dry it and remove some of the dust.
. maintenance by regular stirring is essential.
. wire covered trays under the perches should be used so that some of the birds droppings can be seen. They are a indicator of the birds health and samples may be needed for analysis by your veterinary.
.  look for any signs of mould developing in damp areas. It can be harmful for the birds.
.  If you live in a humid climate deep litter may not work for you.

Recently I was told of a fancier that used kitty litter successfully. There are several  products available from supply houses. For every need there is someone who will recognized the need and find away to make a profit. Kitty Litter was first introduced by a guy in Michigan who owned a sawmill and made a fortune by mixing the saw dust with sand and calling it "Kitty Litter"