Exactly how much head clearance do the chickens need above their roost?

[aart]

There aren't any pics because the materials won't be obtained or purchased until the design is finalized.

Got drawings?

 

[Onecrazywriter]

We finally got started. There's more concrete in the pen than I envisioned, but my husband wants to be darned sure the chicken feed stays dry. The plan calls for concrete under the fence as well, to keep animals from digging underneath. The hardware cloth would be cheaper but my husband is in charge of overseeing the project as he sees fit.

I don't know how I feel about the concrete. It will be easy to pressure wash but it's not very soft. Maybe we'll add some astroturf or cover it with wood chips.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't know how I feel about the concrete. It will be easy to pressure wash but it's not very soft. Maybe we'll add some astroturf or cover it with wood chips.

Astroturf wouldn't be very satisfying for chickens to interact with. Anything they can dig around in, they'd enjoy - chips, shavings, plant/weed trimmings, etc. You won't get the same sort of composting as you'd get on the bare soil, but it should still help absorb some odors and maybe some moisture.

Concrete should do a good job at keeping pests from breaching the perimeter, as long as it's deep enough.