Double decker run?

[Puresilk]

Has anyone ever used or seen a run with two levels on it? I am considering making a run that is 6 foot tall, 5 foot wide, and 6 foot long. Then divide it horizontally, making two runs that are 3 foot x 5 foot x 6 foot, one on top of the other, adjoined by a ramp. The top run maybe half of it being made into a shallow trough with dirt/sand in it, the other half being hardware cloth. The bottom run being a normal run. Any thoughts?

 

[Puresilk]

I was considering doing this to give the birds more square footage/space, and it would be a little more entertaining for them I think.

 

[Puresilk]

Or I might make the top floor solid with sand/dirt in it and a second set of feeders/waterers up there. Anyone have any pros and cons, any ideas or thoughts on it? I am new to chickens, but the only draw back I can see is if the second floor is wire they will be pooping on the birds below, lol...that is when I considered making the second floor solid out of plywood, one big dust bin....

 

[MalcolmR]

Sounds like a great idea to me! I am no expert, but I do know that chickens love things that are interesting, and they certainly like more space. It'll be fun for you too! Make sure you post some pictures when it is done!

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

it certinaly would be cool to have. But you would have to have a way to get up there to clean it. And to get food and water up there if you plan on having some up there. Other then that, brilliant idea!

 

[Puresilk]

I am gonna have a door on the top floor and the bottom floor...the door will be 2.5 feet x 2.5 feet...I am still working on the details, but I will get some pics taken when I get it going....I am not sure if its gonna work, I was told silkies dont do well with ramps...if they dont, I will have a real nice double decker run for sale, lol...

 

[teach1rusl]

I've actually seen a double decker like that as I drive by a house at the end of my road, but I can't tell what the upper floor is made of. I wouldn't want a wire floor for my girlsbecause I've read that it's bad for/hard on their feet. Plus I like clean chickens, and wouldn't want any of my birds pooped on.
The only problem I see with sand, is that you'd have to box it in at least a little to keep the sand up there, which means it would also hold water (unless your run is covered w/overhang). Just plain plywood would work, as long as you can get in there to scrape it out fairly often.

 

[KNSmall78]

The only con I can think of is the weight of the upper run and providing proper support to prevent sagging and/or falling. This would also depend on what you put on the upper deck. But it sounds like a great idea. Keep me up to date!!

 

[HorizonChickens]

very interesting- could also be a great way to introduce new chicks to an established flock (perhaps) while giving them 'run' time. Look forward to the pics!

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
Same here!