Farm store coop with dirt floor, issues are too much rain!

[tigger19687]

If you get that wet in that area you will most likely always get it. I would move the coop to higher ground or build up the area and hurry with the run you are making.
I am not sure why you have a 'smell' with 3 chickens? That is all I see in the pics.

Also build a better and bigger coop or just buy a shed- which makes it so much easier getting in there. Plus you can section off a spot at the door inside for feed/supplies

 

[rosemarythyme]

Probably not.

There are very few situations where adding moisture to a chicken set-up is a good idea.

Lots and lots of dry organic material is usually a better idea.

x2. I know folks are always looking for some magic add-in to fix odor issues, but IMO the best fix is to improve drainage at the site and get the run litter built up and composting so it eats up odor for you.

My run was a stinky mud pit when I first started with chickens, because I didn't realize litter was necessary. I put in wood chips, dried grass, dried leaves, garden trimmings, and within a few months the ground had completely stabilized and the odor vanished. I've had people walk by the coop and comment that they thought it was empty because there's none of that "farm smell."

 

[3KillerBs]

x2. I know folks are always looking for some magic add-in to fix odor issues, but IMO the best fix is to improve drainage at the site and get the run litter built up and composting so it eats up odor for you.

My run was a stinky mud pit when I first started with chickens, because I didn't realize litter was necessary. I put in wood chips, dried grass, dried leaves, garden trimmings, and within a few months the ground had completely stabilized and the odor vanished. I've had people walk by the coop and comment that they thought it was empty because there's none of that "farm smell."

*nods*

The magic fix is the magic of composting.

 

[DebAnneDigi]

This is where I got up to, so far, for blocking rain from entering. I have areas I need to complete… 1x12/1/6…., how much more to add is my question..should I just do a 1x12 on the very bottom? Last pic is where feed is. 3rd pic are 2 roosting bars. Any critique is welcomed!

 

[DebAnneDigi]

x2. I know folks are always looking for some magic add-in to fix odor issues, but IMO the best fix is to improve drainage at the site and get the run litter built up and composting so it eats up odor for you.

My run was a stinky mud pit when I first started with chickens, because I didn't realize litter was necessary. I put in wood chips, dried grass, dried leaves, garden trimmings, and within a few months the ground had completely stabilized and the odor vanished. I've had people walk by the coop and comment that they thought it was empty because there's none of that "farm smell."

Great tips!! Thank you

 

[linguini]

More of the rain is coming in though hc…going to lumber yard and block off 2 sides, not fully, leaving air space between slats, what are thoughts of my idea for flooring? My poor chickies

Is there a way to extend the overhang from your roof of the run? We used the cheap plastic corrugated white board from home depot (the material is similar to the campaign yard sign) to make extra overhang ($20 for a 4'x8' board, and I cut them into 2x8 strips) for our 8x8x8 cube top edges. It's a hack but an easy temporary solution.

 

[DebAnneDigi]

If you get that wet in that area you will most likely always get it. I would move the coop to higher ground or build up the area and hurry with the run you are making.
I am not sure why you have a 'smell' with 3 chickens? That is all I see in the pics.

Also build a better and bigger coop or just buy a shed- which makes it so much easier getting in there. Plus you can section off a spot at the door inside for feed/supplies

There is six, no smell, in the process of adding dry grass and wood chips.. raining again

 

[tigger19687]

There is six, no smell, in the process of adding dry grass and wood chips.. raining again

That coop is too small for 6 hens as has been pointed out before to you There may not be a smell yet because they have not been in there that long.
Also that fence is not going to keep your hens safe or keep anything out.
Also your feed bin is too low. Raise it up so they don't have to bend over to eat.. less likely to get wet or billed out onto the ground.

 

[DebAnneDigi]

Fence is very temporary! They are out when I am. Mill still needs to cut my wood. 10x12, w/roof 1//2” HC, welded wire too..

 

[21hens-incharge]

A lot of peeps are finding it works better to turn that entire coop/run combo into just a coop. You're building a bigger run soon so maybe that is something to consider as you are working on the moisture issues.