Coop build, what am I missing?

[3KillerBs]

It will be 2-3 times a week for an hour or so during the warmer months while I tend to the garden. Far less in the winter (if at all). We won't have grass growing on that part of our land but the pea gravel will be the smoother tiny rocks like this. View attachment 2825619

That's almost coarse sand -- shouldn't be a problem unless poop builds up in it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sand/gravel over the wire apron is fine.

Just wanted to clarify one thing. This:

We will do deep litter bedding in the coop and run with pine shavings, and in the fall I'll add leaves to keep it to proper height for natural composting.

So deep litter and deep bedding are 2 different things, being that the former is a composting system that usually includes moisture and the latter is not. So not sure which you're intending, or both (i.e. deep bedding in coop, deep litter in run).

For deep litter in a run, just pine shavings and occasional leaves may not work as you're hoping in order to compost down poop, the reason being is leaves and wet shavings will compact down and smother out oxygen in the mix, which leads to smelly anaerobic composting. So either plan on harvesting compost regularly, so it doesn't have time to completely compact down, or if getting compost isn't the top priority, then adding chunky wood chips can help provide aeration and drainage.

I opt to sift out wood chunks when I take run litter out for use in my garden, as I really need the drainage to control mud in my uncovered run.

 

[aart]

I opt to sift out wood chunks when I take run litter out for use in my garden, as I really need the drainage to control mud in my uncovered run.

Plus uncomposted wood is a 'nitrogen stealer' in garden soil.

 

[bruceha2000]

Like this:

Whoa, I didn't know they made pneumatic fence staplers! That would be a million times easier than holding the nail with one hand and hitting your thumb, er the nail, with the hammer. I wonder if you can rent those as I'm sure they are a bit expensive for the occasional fence builder.

 

[3KillerBs]

Whoa, I didn't know they made pneumatic fence staplers! That would be a million times easier than holding the nail with one hand and hitting your thumb, er the nail, with the hammer. I wonder if you can rent those as I'm sure they are a bit expensive for the occasional fence builder.

I have no idea in re: renting them, but we figured that with this large build the cost was justified.