Enough Space

[Brooks_]

I agree with others, however, I have some concern about covering the apron with rocks. Predators will dig from outside the apron. Though the apron could still extend past the rocks...I can't tell from the pic.

 

[3KillerBs]

I agree with others, however, I have some concern about covering the apron with rocks. Predators will dig from outside the apron. Though the apron could still extend past the rocks...I can't tell from the pic.

I'm working on covering mine with wood chips rather than concrete pavers for exactly that reason.

 

[EasTex903]

I agree with others, however, I have some concern about covering the apron with rocks. Predators will dig from outside the apron. Though the apron could still extend past the rocks...I can't tell from the pic.

The pic doesn’t really show. The apron is out two feet then buried under dirt and then the rocks on top. I’ve also added the large rocks on the inside walls for added safety. Do you think that will be enough?

 

[3KillerBs]

The pic doesn’t really show. The apron is out two feet then buried under dirt and then the rocks on top. I’ve also added the large rocks on the inside walls for added safety. Do you think that will be enough?

The issue with using rocks or pavers is that digging predators will back up and dig at the edge of the hard barrier which they can see and thus go underneath the wire.

But if the wire is covered with soft-material like much or dirt the predators can't see it and thus can't reason out that they need to back up to find a place that they can dig.

It's instinctive for them to dig at the edge of the barrier that they're aware of -- covering the wire with something that their minds say *should* be diggable takes advantage of that instinct.

 

[Iluveggers]

Beautiful setup! I’m jealous!

The ramp looks a bit steep, may need to lengthen it or put extra rungs in between the ones on it.

 

[EasTex903]

Beautiful setup! I’m jealous!

The ramp looks a bit steep, may need to lengthen it or put extra rungs in between the ones on it.

I’ve actually lowered the roosts now so the ramp has a lot better grade.

 

[EasTex903]

The issue with using rocks or pavers is that digging predators will back up and dig at the edge of the hard barrier which they can see and thus go underneath the wire.

But if the wire is covered with soft-material like much or dirt the predators can't see it and thus can't reason out that they need to back up to find a place that they can dig.

It's instinctive for them to dig at the edge of the barrier that they're aware of -- covering the wire with something that their minds say *should* be diggable takes advantage of that instinct.

Got it. Then I should be good cause the hardware cloth extends out past the rocks. If they start at the rocks they’re not going very far.

 

[3KillerBs]

Got it. Then I should be good cause the hardware cloth extends out past the rocks. If they start at the rocks they’re not going very far.

P.S. Rocks can be useful on the inside of the run because chickens *will* dig next to the wall.

 

[EasTex903]

P.S. Rocks can be useful on the inside of the run because chickens *will* dig next to the wall.

I didn’t think of that but I guess me running them along the inside served 2 purpose. Thanks for your help.