diogenes2946
Hatching
I have a new coop/run I built based on the Third Coast Craftsman design. The run is covered, and is about 12' x 8', and we have 8 Orpington chicks in the brooder for another couple weeks. Planning on doing Deep Bedding Method in the coop, with hemp, but I'm unclear on what to do with the run. Right now the run is just grass, and I expect them to destroy that in short order. Our soil is fairly compact and clay-like, but will stay pretty dry with the metal roof.
Info on coop maintenance is plentiful but covered runs less so. The plan is they will spend 90% of their daylight hours in the run, and I plan on keeping their food (Grandpas Feeder) and water there also, except for weather- or stress-based exceptions, and I expect it will get messy. I was recently planning on putting hemp in there as well, but that seems like it will be expensive and maybe overkill. We dislike sand, and are now thinking maybe wood chips? We're in southern Maine, so summers are moderate with the odd 90º spell and winters are generally above 20º. Suggestions welcome, thanks!
Info on coop maintenance is plentiful but covered runs less so. The plan is they will spend 90% of their daylight hours in the run, and I plan on keeping their food (Grandpas Feeder) and water there also, except for weather- or stress-based exceptions, and I expect it will get messy. I was recently planning on putting hemp in there as well, but that seems like it will be expensive and maybe overkill. We dislike sand, and are now thinking maybe wood chips? We're in southern Maine, so summers are moderate with the odd 90º spell and winters are generally above 20º. Suggestions welcome, thanks!
