Base for chicken run

[stevenfinn38]

Hello all. New to the Forum. I want to build a run for my chickens attached to my coop. What is a good base material for the run? I want to build it 8' long x 4 or 6' wide. Any tips are welcomed

 

[DobieLover]

Welcome to BYC, Steve!
Unfortunately, neither run dimension is large enough for 6 LF chickens. You need to shoot for a MINIMUM of 10 sq ft per bird. But realistically, that isn't enough space 9 times out of 10.
I'd build an 8x12 run.
When you write "base" are you talking about what to use for run litter or the foundation of the run itself? To better answer the question it would be helpful to know where you are located, in general. You can update your profile with that information so it displays with all your posts.

 

[Gray Farms]

Mulch or pea gravel

 

[aart]

Hello all. New to the Forum. I want to build a run for my chickens attached to my coop. What is a good base material for the run? I want to build it 8' long x 4 or 6' wide. Any tips are welcomed

How many birds?

By 'base' do you mean bedding?
I like big wood chippings, never have to clean, poops 'dissolve'.
My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.
Aged ramial wood chippings are best IMO....if you're not trying to make garden soil.




Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @stevenfinn38
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!