Chicken owner refuses to close the run at night, what can I do?

[junebuggena]

Do you have some sort of 'pet agreement' as his landlord? That would be the first step in having a legal leg to stand on. You need to have some sort of signed documentation specifying your rights as a property owner if the tenant fails to adequately care for animals on the property. Signed leases and pet agreements are a vital part of protecting your rights as a property owner. If a tenant fails to comply, then you can take action as needed, like asking him to rehome the birds or evicting him. This is a slippery slope. You need to be very clear with this person what your expectations are concerning the care of animals on the property. If he doesn't want to sign a pet addendum, then he can be found in violation of his lease, assuming you have one.

 

[Howard E]

Did you say these birds have been around for 3 years? If so, they maybe about ready to retire, so if they were lost to a predator, realistically, they were not going to be around long anyway. Unless you yourself now see these as pets regardless of producing eggs or not. That might change things. So consider that when rehoming. You may have a hard time finding takers for birds that old.

If you save these birds and egg production dwindles to nothing this winter, will you still feed and care for them regardless?

As for the upcoming winter mud, I am using a bale of two of grass hay on the garden area where my birds hang out and that is also what we are doing for my daughter's birds. Hers are in an enclosed run. To start with, about 8 inches or so of loose grass hay they can run around on. It will rot down and likely stay wet on top, but there should not be mud. Keep adding hay as needed. Grass hay......not alfalfa, clover or some such thing. Those won't last nearly as long. Wheat or other grain straw will mat down and get muddy. In an outdoor run that gets wet, I would not suggest you use straw. Around here, grass hay of the type I am using would cost about $5 a bale. You would need about 2 to start. About 1 a month after that. Also, tarps over the run may help shed the rain to keep things less wet.

But beyond that, it sounds to me like there is a lot more going on with you and this tenant other than the chickens. Is this guy also a bit of a slob? A bully to you and others? Both?

 

[chickens really]

If your the land owner? He really should have no choice other than complying with your rules...He can have the birds as long as the rules are followed...
As far as keeping mud away, use sand....
Locking them in at night gives the birds security..Less stress and better egg production....

Best of luck...

 

[aart]

I might feel better about containing them in the run over winter if it wasn't going to be mud in there. There is a tarp covering the sides but it doesn't keep all the rain out. Here in Seattle, it will be muddy.

I don't know what chickens are willing to tolerate. Is there something I can put over the dirt to make it better for them? I am not rich but I can throw some cash at it.

Gravel sounds expensive.. Sawdust would just get ground in. What's the best most cost effective medium in my situation.

Would a better photo and measurements help? I will take more responsibility but I need help figuring this out.

.

Here's a great description of contents and how to manage organic 'bedding' in a run or coop...and there's a great video of what it looks like.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1037998/muddy-run-help-please#post_16017992

 

[carlf]

If you are the landowner, order him to take care of his animals or give him 30 days notice.
Do you have a written lease with him? I sure hope so.
Bottom line, this is not a chicken problem, this is a landlord/tenant issue.

 

[two j farm]

I use hay and sand in my run to keep mud down in the winter you could put something over the top if it rains a lot there. Hope everything works out for you. Your doing the right thing for the chickens

someone has to care for them!

 

[chickendreams24]

Yeah I agree with pretty much everything that's being said here. Frankly it's despicable how people who act as it sounds like your tenant is are allowed to have animals at all. I would probably take over their care myself or rehome them. Again it could be difficult if they are of an advanced age and production bred.

If you decide to keep them I have heard great things about sand in runs I've also heard about hay or straw. Hay or straw can be a problem if the birds eat it and it can lead to an impacted crop and if untreated, death. I think sand may be a good option for you do a little research on it and see what you think. You could always cover the run as well to shed most of the rain.

If the birds don't eat the long strands of hay then I believe it's a great option to use with drainage or being covered. Hth

 

[bobbi-j]

Before selling or giving them away, I'd check into the legality of doing so.

 

[Cacique500]

It looks like the coop and run are on a slope, which is a good thing for drainage. I think if you build up the run base with sand/woodchips/more dirt it wouldn't be as muddy. As for locking up the chicks at night, have you thought about an automatic door? I have the Ador1 and absolutely love it. Battery powered (6 volt battery) and lasts 6 to 12 months before changing. Each morning it senses the light and goes up...every night about 30 minutes after sunset it closes. A tad expensive but worth every penny to me for not having to get up every morning and go out each evening to lock them up.