Fire Captain
Chirping
We started with an existing 10x20 chainlink dog run complete with a water and electrical source. I dug out the interior and trenched the perimeter adding 1/4 inch wire fabric to prevent critters from burrowing up under the run. The wire was then laid over the chainlink for added security. The interior of the run was filled with construction sand. A light weight roof was added before I built a free standing raised 4x6 coop situated inside the run. An automatic door was installed that opens and closes at dawn and sunset. The bedding inside the coop is pine shavings to a depth of 3 inches. At one end are three nesting boxes and at the other end is the ramp entrance. An electrical outlet allows for a light on a timer to extend the daylight period and a small fan to assist with cross ventilation during the HOT northern Arizona summers. Shade plants will be planted on the north side to block the sun. There are two entrances to access the run for gathering and cleaning. An automatic watering and feed system and a chicken sitter will allow us to take a few days off from our responsibilities. The chicken run and coop sit silent and empty as we have not yet acquired our girls. October 2017 is the date set for our first chicks (6) to arrive.
