Adding on to existing run--please help me not screw up

[Mildly Cranky]

My Christmas present will arrive next week, and it's an addition to my chicken run. My daughter and her dad will be building it.

The existing run will still be the main event. It's where the chicken door opens into and it's more protective with windbreak panels. It's fully enclosed and covered with roof panels; size is 8 x 24. The new addition will be a breathtaking extra 900 square feet. The addition will have a wire roof but not panels like the main event.

I live in the almost-desert of southern Colorado. The trees are few and far between, and the summers are long and hot. The only growth around here is prairie grasses and cactus. I would love to plant something in the run that the chickens would be able to use as shade, but that they won't destroy. Is there any such thing? Are there any shrubs that they won't eat and kill? Lilac and serviceberry grow well here. I've also thought about maybe planting on the outside of the new run, especially something that could climb onto the wire.

Any other ideas for how to provide enrichment in a large space when the natural surroundings are not enriching at all? If you had a blank canvas this large and one chance to do it right, what would you do?

 

[Mother of Chaos]

My Christmas present will arrive next week, and it's an addition to my chicken run. My daughter and her dad will be building it.

The existing run will still be the main event. It's where the chicken door opens into and it's more protective with windbreak panels. It's fully enclosed and covered with roof panels; size is 8 x 24. The new addition will be a breathtaking extra 900 square feet. The addition will have a wire roof but not panels like the main event.

I live in the almost-desert of southern Colorado. The trees are few and far between, and the summers are long and hot. The only growth around here is prairie grasses and cactus. I would love to plant something in the run that the chickens would be able to use as shade, but that they won't destroy. Is there any such thing? Are there any shrubs that they won't eat and kill? Lilac and serviceberry grow well here. I've also thought about maybe planting on the outside of the new run, especially something that could climb onto the wire.

Any other ideas for how to provide enrichment in a large space when the natural surroundings are not enriching at all? If you had a blank canvas this large and one chance to do it right, what would you do?

Are there any vines, grapes maybe, that will gray in your climate? Plant them outside of the run, along the walls, for afternoon shade.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Two mountain west seed companies that you might want to check out for inspiration:

High Country Gardens:
https://www.highcountrygardens.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorKKmt2_LKYvNh9fJtDMnQY-NjkuAx9Cc-2mDGVa4eZHhQ0Y0eH (Clinton UT)

Botanical Interests:
https://www.botanicalinterests.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq5FFxqiK3pwtRwHun2Br6JhBsMTfjhV2j-sEaoM01B_be_mF6z (Broomfield CO)

 

[rosemarythyme]

The plants will stand a much better chance outside, though I can't make suggestions for your climate. Do keep in mind that some climbers like grapes can get very heavy, and the fence needs to be able to support that weight.

As far as enrichment inside, what junk do you have sitting around outside or in a shed? Chickens aren't picky. I'm always looking at unwanted items my neighbors put out for takers, like furniture, big pots, kids toys, and thinking to myself, can the chickens use that safely?