My runs have changed from the slip and slide challenges of red clay to a great fine grey dirt from using fine pine/cedar/poplar shavings. The runs are well protected and are now a great self sustaining dirt.
My focus is on Silver Laced Wyandottes which is uncommon for my area. I do have some ISA Browns, one Cinnamon Queen (Jenny), one Golden Laced Wyandotte (Bumble Bee), and a well behaved (through training) Rhode Island Red Rooster named Harold that has his own private tractor. He has very, very...
Want to know a couple other great things? Hickory branches are excellent for roosting bars, because its more natural for chickens feet and poop doesn't stick.
I also use a fine grade hemp for my coop and nesting boxes. Very clean eggs result from this too.
I definitely have intense predator pressure too. Our runs don't need any additional shavings. We have a perfectly balanced eco system going now after changing from shavings to finer shavings and heavy saw dust combination we buy from the Amish. That's also due to having covered runs and sides...
We are in Northeast Mississippi and got to 8 degrees in 2024 and 2025, but it is starting to warm up. We didn't have to do anything to keep our chickens warm since we have installed roll up sides for our long runs similar to greenhouses. It was an awesome addition for our runs.
Oh ... and we used the bucket of our tractor to push the t-posts through the hardware cloth. The only thing we have to deal with is mice ... and of course snakes. The chickens take care of the mice, lol, they love them .... but snakes will use the same access points that mice dig. We are...
I agree with the hardware cloth on the ground. We used bull panels to make arches, drove t-posts through the hardward cloth, then covered the sides with more hardware cloth, then ... (whew) added chicken wire on top ... and tin. Like I've mentioned we have also added roll up sides like...
I can't advise you on the brooder heater plate, but I do have some additional thoughts for you to consider.
Wet weather brings disasters. Young chicks are very susceptible to coccidiosis. Get some Corid and have that on hand, also some B Complex too. You can buy both online at very good...
Oh, another thing watch out for sand fleas if you plan to use that. Another thing or two to have on hand is Diatomaceous Earth for the chickens to dust in. I just couple scoops here and there throughout the runs and even in the nesting boxes. No lice problems or anything. The inspector...
My two runs are also covered, and since I have been dealing with red clay too, I have found the organic method is great.
If you can buy shavings from an Amish community, that will save you tons of money.
We have essentially copied the concept of greenhouses for our two 7'x 9' x 32' runs that...
The runs are made from bull panels, 1” galvanized hardware cloth, chicken wire, tin, and t-posts that are driven down through hardwire cloth to prevent predators from digging in. The hardware cloth is also wrapped around the entire perimeters too.
Oh …and I will add that I’ve been extremely satisfied with Run Chicken Run pop doors. We have two long runs that provide versatility for the chicken coop. We can let one run have access and keep the other closed off. Note, the runs are heavily reinforced to prevent predators, yet the ability...
Research out and choose ventilation for your area’s weather PLUS take into consideration the breed of chickens you want to keep.
I’m in Mississippi and strongly prefer
chickens with low profile combs because we do get some pretty damp cold weather, including ice and snow. I find it easier...