Cleaning a low profile run- tips needed. *** Updated with Pictures***

[OCChicken]

I am about 2/3 done with my new coop and run and it hit me after I quit working on it tonight, how am I going to clean this thing. It is 8' x 16' with a full top, but only 4' high, I don't really want to crawl on my knees, but may have too, any ideas? I have an old asphalt rake that is approx 8' long, but I will still need to get inside a ways to reach all the way back.

I will post pics soon.

Thanks,
OC

 

[mygor]

You could add a clean out door at the other end. Maybe more than one.

 

[spottedtail]

Here's two ideas:

1) Add 30" in height before you finish!

2) If you leave it at 4', you could make the top removeable.
Then you can walk in without crouching or crawling.
Crouching is hard on the back.
As for crawling, well, it isn't good to crawl where chickens have been.

#1 is better than #2.

spot

 

[OrpingtonManor]

Quote:
I like #2 better than #1. I opted for #1 because I kept thinking of hinging the top on my run, but figured it would be too heavy. I like the removable top idea.

 

[horselover58]

My husbands has built three nice chicken coops with roofs out of scrap lumber. He says to save yourself any future trouble, you need to build it at least 5 inches taller than you are, or do the removable roof. Actually if our going to do removable roof, you might as well just make it taller. Good luck

 

[horselover58]

I just noticed its late and I can't spell.

 

[fargosmom]

Quote:
If you still have time to think about it, think of this: if it's removable you have to be able to lift the weight of the entire roof. If it's hinged you only have to be able to lift a portion of the weight, high enough to prop it up while you're in the coop. This is how we built ours and so far it's working great. Of course this depends on the materials you use to frame the roof panel (weight-wise).
Cheers!

 

[GardeNerd]

Is the run situated where you could put hinged openings on multiple sides? I have a short run and I use a rake to reach in and clean, but mine is not as wide as yours. I put doors across the front.

 

[al6517]

Anytime I add or build on to my set-up evrything is always 6' tall just for that reason, it is just so much easier to be able to stand upright when doing your maintenance.

AL

 

[ChickensInTheNorthWoods]

You can always make it one of your kids chores!