Chicken Newb-Coop questions

[jlabs]

Question about a new coop. I have a coop with walking room under and a run to the side. Right now the site has grass in it. I know the chickens will take care of that before too long, but should i remove the grass? Put down shavings or river sand?

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

IMO leave the grass - but make sure it is cut short before you give them their first access. (Eating too long grass causes crop impactions.)

You can always add sand or shavings later when the need arises.

 

[SueT]

Yes leave the grass! Chickens love grass. I don't know if you can do this, but some people move theirs around so that the chickens always have fresh grass.

 

[jlabs]

It's going to be placed permanently. However, I am hearing mixed reviews from friends with chickens. Should I dig and bury mesh wire under the entire coop to prevent critter from coming in...or is a barrier along the side sufficient?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice already. This forum may be the most appropriate one to post further questions - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best
CT

 

[SueT]

Should I dig and bury mesh wire under the entire coop to prevent critter from coming in...or is a barrier along the side sufficient?

If you haven't already fenced it, burying the fence is a good way to start. Not only might predators try to dig in from the outside, but the chickens dig from the inside, looking for grubs etc, and they will slowly undermine the fence....
However the original part of my fence is not buried; it is merely lined w big rocks of which we have an endless supply. The chickens do get locked up at night in a secure coop.

 

[jlabs]

Thanks!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under jlabs

Welcome!

As you have already received some good advice and links to some good starting points, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out