Coop Foundation Question

[Frequent Flyer]

This is the area I have set aside for our chickens. The perimeter is concrete keystone and the interior is mostly made of gravel mixed with some concrete but there is some drainage too. (It used to be where we kept our pile of wood.) I have plans to build housing that is above the ground to provide room for the chickens to walk underneath it. I've been thinking of putting the housing up against the fence and the concrete wall. But, for the floor of the run, should I cover all of that with sand? If so, should I build the base of the run with extra thick pressure treated wood? How many inches of sand/bedding should be there for ample drainage? Of course I am open to any other suggestions for those of you with coop experience.

 

[wolfandfinch]

Quote:
I don't know what your climate is like, but here you would definitely need pressure treated wood wherever it touches the ground. The weather also really determines your base in the run. I'm really worried about mud, so I'm thinking of straw on sand...

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Yes, I think my climate is very similar to yours. We do get a lot of precipitation. I'll most likely make a roof for the run as well as the housing. I've been leaning towards sand and pressure treated wood too. Thanks!

 

[patandchickens]

For sure anything ground-contact should be p/t.

Since that looks like pretty coarse and sharp gravel, yes I'd cover it with a GOOD depth of sand or even REMOVE several inches of the gravel (or down to normal dirt) and replace with something like sand.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat