- May 2, 2011
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So, I have too many chickens for my coop and run size. Se we got creative and added some space without actually making the run larger. Our coop is 3x4 with 6 feet of roost space and 2 nest boxes and the run is now 8x8 with a 3x4 porch. Also lots of perches in the run that they LOVE! We have 6 16 week old chickens...
Here are the pics-
So basically this still needs paint but there are drainage holes in the bottom. This has been working FANTASTIC!!! Any time there is a squabble the bird getting picked on will escape to the second story. They all perch along the edge and sun themselves in the soft sand. Since we added this they have been a lot calmer and don't try so HARD to get out to free range. It adds lots of shade too.
Another benefit is that they can escape a dog or other predator that may force itself into the run. It may not save them but at least it gives them a little advantage.
Also this is so awesome for my garden compost. I will be taking all the poop dirt out periodically and mixing it in my compost pile. I think in the winter I'll put straw or hay instead of sand.
If this works really well then we will be expanding it across the whole back of the run to take it from 16sq/ft (what it is now) to 32sq/ft.
What do you guys think???
Here are the pics-
So basically this still needs paint but there are drainage holes in the bottom. This has been working FANTASTIC!!! Any time there is a squabble the bird getting picked on will escape to the second story. They all perch along the edge and sun themselves in the soft sand. Since we added this they have been a lot calmer and don't try so HARD to get out to free range. It adds lots of shade too.
Another benefit is that they can escape a dog or other predator that may force itself into the run. It may not save them but at least it gives them a little advantage.
Also this is so awesome for my garden compost. I will be taking all the poop dirt out periodically and mixing it in my compost pile. I think in the winter I'll put straw or hay instead of sand.
If this works really well then we will be expanding it across the whole back of the run to take it from 16sq/ft (what it is now) to 32sq/ft.
What do you guys think???
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