First coop, question about grade for run.

[Chemguy]

I just found out that having chickens is permitted in my area, so now I am ready to start planning. I have in mind a fixed coop (not a tractor) and a 10x10 enclosed run to protect from predators. I plan to start with 2-3 birds. I've identified a spot that is a mix of shade and sun, and some small part of the run will be shaded at any given time of day. It is also well-drained but there is a slope to the site, about 1 inch/foot. Should I think about leveling the site before building the run? It's not construction issues that I'm thinking about here, but rather issues related to keeping a good run. Does anybody have any experience (good or bad) with using sloped runs that might help me to know if I should plan on excavation before construction? Thanks!

 

[bryan99705]

Honestly, after a few months the birds will have it totally relandscaped anyway with their scratching and dustbaths.

But really, a slight grade may work in your benefit drainagewise. It may keep the run from becoming a mud hole if you don't cover it from the rain, depending on how much you get

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
I wouldn't bother, myself. As others have said, chickens will relandscape it a lot anyhow. That's not so much slope. You may have some gradual "net downslope" migration of dirt/sand/whatever over time, but nothing that an occasional raking can't fix if it gets excessive.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[monsterkx500]

I have my coop and run on a steep grade. for some reason I get my pic. to download to show you.