concrete for run

[Monsterette]

We’re working on building a coop in the Los Angeles area and we’re trying to make sure that we properly secure the run so no critters such as raccoons, possums or rats can get in. We’ve gotten bids to do a 2-foot or so footing around the run but the labor and such is making it a bit cost prohibitive. An option we’re considering is to pour a concrete pad for the run and then covering it with straw or shavings for them.

Thoughts on that for:

1. The health and happiness of the chickens?
2. Smell?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It would be a terrible waste of money when a wire apron will accomplish the same thing, and the ground would require no input at all

 

[Mortey]

Maybe just pour concrete around the edges and out 12 inches. Then the chickens will still have lots of scratching dirt to look for bugs and the concrete will deter any digging predators.

 

[Monsterette]

Thank you. But then you don't have to pour the footing around since they can't get up through the wire apron?

 

[Monsterette]

Thank you. How deep would have make the concrete then to surround it?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: You don't need any concrete at all to keep predators out, and it's not going to benefit the chickens in any way.

Why spend money for something you have to constantly cover with another material, and will be hard to keep clean, when plain old dirt has worked fine for thousands of years?