I free-range the little buggers but needed a jail for when I spray round-up, plant grass seed...you know, anything that will hurt them or bother me. I have to do things the hard way (says the little lady) so I put it 5 feet from the coop but wanted them to have access to under the coop so had to build two walkways (see pic). Of course I could have built two more runs with the time it took to build that side of the run...duh. Anyway I am pleased and they spent the last week or so there as the rain washed away the roundup I sprayed in preparation for mulching around the house...or should I say preparing the chicken playground around the house...plus it gave the peonies enough time the bud out enough to not appear as little red bugs. We have lots of rocks to go around the hardwire skirt so fear not...we'll get there. The dog house comes from a stray that violated his rules (torturing roosters to death...I know, my rules are so harsh). He's in a better place now so his house is now Billy Bobs house...I wish sometimes he would be more private when servicing his ladies but how can I explain that to him...I have two little girls 5 and 7. I am very open to ideas for more chicken play stuff that you have found to be successful for when they are jailed up as I always feel slightly guilty sticking them in there...even if it is only a week at a time. Thanks for you help in advance...
