LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

FLOORING FOR RATITES

Flooring or substrate options for ratite hosing are listed below:

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Cement	Easy to clean Reduces incidence of intestinal impaction	Very expensive. Surface is cold. Non-cushioned surfaces contribute to leg and feet problems. Can get slippery when wet.
Cement with plastic matting cover, or rubberized coatings	Relatively easy to clean Reduces incidence of intestinal impaction Surface is warmer, more cushioned, and less slippery than cement alone.	Even more expensive than cement alone. Bacterial growth under matts must be prevented. Matting has to be replaced periodically, although fixed rubberized coatings are more long-term
Sand or natural soil	Inexpensive Natural cushioned surface	Sand or soil has to be replaced periodically, to prevent bacterial growth. Stressed birds may peck at and eat the sand or soil, resulting in intestinal impaction
Straw	Inexpensive. Absorptive. Provides warmth.	Straw has to be replaced periodically, to prevent bacterial growth. Stressed birds may peck at and eat the straw, resulting in intestinal impaction.
Earth Mat or Wind Screen, placed on sand or dirt	Can be used over dirt, sand, or cement. Can be easily cleaned. Water passes through it.	Must be replaced periodically. If material is not dense enough, it can allow sand or dirt to sift upwards through the surface.