First coop/run questions

Chicken Pimp · Feb 24, 2014

1: My chicken run has some very nice rich soil that I purchased long ago when gardening, plenty of Earthworms... Only issue is after it rains it gets muddy. I was thinking about bringing sand in (2 or 3 inches) but will I be wasting money. Will the Chickens eventually just mix the sand with the original soil and not really accomplishing anything?

2: I have a 2x4 rounded as a roost, at what age will they be large enough to roost on it and should I go with something smaller or will it work out at the same time they are ready to roost?

3: My Chicken run is fenced by 2x4 welded wire. At what age are chickens large enough so they can't get through?

4: Can plants be planted in a run or do plants not have a chance unless protected?

Thanks

granny hatchet · Feb 24, 2014

#2 i build a small short roost for the babies so they learn to use it. its not a matter of age as much as size. #3 same thing, depends on size of chicken. #4 no plants in the run will stay with chickens. you would need a very big space to a couple chickens to even keep grass. maybe a tree or large shrub that is deep rooted? i am trying that myself.

Trefoil · Feb 24, 2014

Chicken Pimp said: ↑

1: My chicken run has some very nice rich soil that I purchased long ago when gardening, plenty of Earthworms... Only issue is after it rains it gets muddy. I was thinking about bringing sand in (2 or 3 inches) but will I be wasting money. Will the Chickens eventually just mix the sand with the original soil and not really accomplishing anything?
They will mix it in but that should help, also raising the level of the dirt in the run should keep the water draining off and help with the mud.

2: I have a 2x4 rounded as a roost, at what age will they be large enough to roost on it and should I go with something smaller or will it work out at the same time they are ready to roost? The height is more likely to be a problem.

3: My Chicken run is fenced by 2x4 welded wire. At what age are chickens large enough so they can't get through? That depends on what breed chickens you get. Your problem is more likely to be that the only predator that size wire will keep out is dogs and fox. If you have weasels, even if you've never seen them, they can go through that and coons will reach in with their paws and pull out pieces of chickens through your wire. Your chickens wll be much safer with 1/2" hardware cloth at least 2' high around.

4: Can plants be planted in a run or do plants not have a chance unless protected?
You will have to protect any plants, just make sure they aren't toxic
Thanks
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