From tool shed to Coop?

[aart]

Why are wood chips better?

Because they are thicker, will last longer, and won't mat like shavings might. Shavings could help with odor tho, as can moderate amounts of straw and/or dry grass clippings. I use all of them, balancing out the amounts of the smaller stuff to make sure no wet anaerobic packing occurs(learned that lesson the hard way-took months to 'fix' it).

 

[TexasWineGuy]

"wet anaerobic packing"

Can you please expand on the above?

TWG

 

[aart]

"wet anaerobic packing"

Can you please expand on the above?

TWG

When wet materials pack together it excludes oxygen so anaerobic organisms can proliferate...these organisms are usually 'bad bugs' and often stinky.
Like when you pile up a bunch of leaves or green grass clippings in a compost pile you'll get slime instead of nice soil.
When you use bigger wood chips and mix of smaller materials it allows air in so poops can break down better.
That's probably not a great explanation, but it's all I got for now.

 

[TexasWineGuy]

@aart - understood.

Thanks.

TWG

 

[TexasWineGuy]

@aart
@jthornton

A question in regards to the new walk-in run I am designing:

Would heavy gauge welded wire mesh .5 x 1" work for the run perimeter?

I know the .5 x .5" hardware cloth seems to the big favorite, but why wouldn't the .5 x 1" mesh work? That's some serious gauge mesh, heavier gauge than the .5 x .5 hardware cloth.

Thoughts?

TWG

 

[aart]

Would heavy gauge welded wire mesh .5 x 1" work for the run perimeter?

I know the .5 x .5" hardware cloth seems to the big favorite, but why wouldn't the .5 x 1" mesh work? That's some serious gauge mesh, heavier gauge than the .5 x .5 hardware cloth.

Do you mean 14ga or 16ga 1/2 x 1" mesh...yep, would work.
Might still allow small coon hands and smaller rodents thru.

 

[TexasWineGuy]

Well, I just compared cost, side by side the 1/2" hardware cloth to the 1/2" x 1" welded wire. The hardware Cloth is less expensive so I'll just go with that.

Might use some of the 1/2" x 1" for a dig skirt....

TWG

 

[Henry&Friends]

My coop is a $300 metal shed, with a tarp on hardwire cloth for a floor. I open the door in the morning and close it at night, and clean out the bedding every week or two. It’s got four little 2x1 inch vents near the top, and I haven’t had any problems with ventilation. I think you’ll be okay as long as you let the coop air out daily while the girls are out.

 

[aart]

It’s got four little 2x1 inch vents near the top, and I haven’t had any problems with ventilation.

@Henry&Friends got some pics?
More importantly....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[TexasWineGuy]

My coop is a $300 metal shed, with a tarp on hardwire cloth for a floor. I open the door in the morning and close it at night, and clean out the bedding every week or two. It’s got four little 2x1 inch vents near the top, and I haven’t had any problems with ventilation. I think you’ll be okay as long as you let the coop air out daily while the girls are out.

Henry&Friends - you lost me. Did you reply to the right thread?

TWG