"Free Range" in an enclosed run?

[LFord6754]

I saw this blog post and would like to get some experienced opinions: http://greneauxgardens.blogspot.com/2015/03/how-to-free-range-chickens-in-enclosed.html

Essentially, use raised hardware cloth over grass to allow the grass to grow so the chickens can eat it without pecking the area bare. It seems like the best of both worlds but I wonder if there are any downsides?

We plan on only having 3-4 chickens and the run will be 4'x8'. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

The ground screen is a good idea but using the term "free range" puts it akin to commercial chicken operations that state they are "free range". I would prefer a different term for this type of chicken keeping. Perhaps "pen raised on fresh greens" would be more appropriate. Either way I like the idea put forth and it is far healthier for chickens and their owners who eat the eggs. It gives the chooks the benefits of a tractor enclosure but is stationary, kind of a best of two worlds situation.

 

[LFord6754]

Thank you! I agree with you about the "Free range" term. I wasn't sure how else to describe it (newbie!) and that's the term the blog used. I'm not looking to market/sell the chickens or eggs so the terms are not a big deal to me. My main goal is to keep feed costs down and right now I have a 1 and 2 year old I'm trying to keep out of the road, I don't want to have to look after my chickens too For the near future they won't be out of their run much. Thank you again!

 

[aart]

The setup on that website raises up some red flags for me.
-Mesh is not well supported.
-Can cause feet problems.
-Poops will not just drop thru what looks like 1/2" mesh.
-Looks permanent, not allowing for occasional thatching and cleaning.(but I didn't read the whole thing).

Look at this for a similar alternative:
http://www.thegardencoop.com/blog/2012/02/07/grazing-frames-backyard-chickens/

I use several of these, mostly smaller, work good.
1/2" hardware cloth for grass like leaved plants(turf, grains).
1 x 2" 14ga fencing for larger leaved plants.

Top frame is the best, ripped 1/2" off 2x4 and used to tack down mesh with screws.
Covers edges of mesh/fencing to eliminate sharp edges from cutting chicken feet.
Longer narrower shape better too they eat from side instead of standing on it and pooping into it....
.....fresh 'hot' poop can kill plants.
Am in the process of changing others over to this configuration.

 

[LFord6754]

Thank you Aart! I was worried there might be feet/poop problems. I appreciate your input.