From tool shed to Coop?

[aart]

I don't understand using both mesh and concrete for anti-dig barrier.

Tunnel looks good, can't wait to see them use it!
Will you add ramps or steps at both ends?

 

[TexasWineGuy]

I don't understand using both mesh and concrete for anti-dig barrier. I over-engineer things like this. Especially after the horror stories from my brother over the last several weeks - lost 8 chickens to local predators. Not on my watch....

Tunnel looks good, can't wait to see them use it!

Will you add ramps or steps at both ends? Just a cinder block in the run itself. No need for anything inside the coop as there are no changes there. The pop door IN the coop is about 8" off the coop floor so, we're good.

Tell me about some things to add in the Run to keep them mentally occupied. Chicken swings? Etc.?

TWG

 

[aart]

I over-engineer things like this. Especially after the horror stories from my brother over the last several weeks - lost 8 chickens to local predators. Not on my watch....

Eh, I get that but... if the mesh and concrete is the same depth and width, either will suffice, having both doesn't add anything practical.

Tell me about some things to add in the Run to keep them mentally occupied. Chicken swings? Etc.?
TWG

Lots of good ideas here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[TexasWineGuy]

Eh, I get that but... if the mesh and concrete is the same depth and width, either will suffice, having both doesn't add anything practical.

Perhaps I wasn't clear: I'm digging a trench so I can bury the hardware cloth about 8-10 inches under the ground level. In addition to this buried depth of HW cloth, I'm filling the trench with concrete as an added dig deterrent. Theoretically a large and industrious coon could dig under the buried HW cloth, but he'll think twice if he hits concrete when he starts to dig.

TWG

 

[aart]

Perhaps I wasn't clear: I'm digging a trench so I can bury the hardware cloth about 8-10 inches under the ground level. In addition to this buried depth of HW cloth, I'm filling the trench with concrete as an added dig deterrent. Theoretically a large and industrious coon could dig under the buried HW cloth, but he'll think twice if he hits concrete when he starts to dig.

TWG

So you dig a trench, 8-10" deep...and how wide?
Does HC just go straight down?
Add HC then fill trench with concrete?

 

[TexasWineGuy]

So you dig a trench, 8-10" deep...and how wide? It's a "V" trench, about 10" wide at the top, and yes, about 8-10" deep.

Does HC just go straight down? Correct

Add HC then fill trench with concrete? Bingo.

TWG

 

[aart]

That's what I thought.
HC and Concrete is redundant here.
The concrete covers the HC...they'll never get to the HC thru the concrete.
But if it makes you feel better.....go for it!

 

[jthornton]

Tell me about some things to add in the Run to keep them mentally occupied. Chicken swings?

Give them something to dig into like leaves, straw etc. My hens just love to scratch looking for that tasty treat. Things to run behind and get away from the bully. Some tree branches across the corners to fly up to and roost on. A tubby with dirt and a little wood ash to take a dust bath in. A hanging treat like an ear of corn to peck at which reminds me I need to hang a new ear of corn up.

JT

 

[TexasWineGuy]

That's what I thought.
HC and Concrete is redundant here.
The concrete covers the HC...they'll never get to the HC thru the concrete. Precisely!
But if it makes you feel better.....go for it! It does. And, my daughter think pouring the concrete is "really cool".

TWG

 

[TexasWineGuy]

Give them something to dig into like leaves, straw etc. My hens just love to scratch looking for that tasty treat. Things to run behind and get away from the bully. Some tree branches across the corners to fly up to and roost on. A tubby with dirt and a little wood ash to take a dust bath in. A hanging treat like an ear of corn to peck at which reminds me I need to hang a new ear of corn up.

JT

Excellent ideas. Going to install at least on Chicken Swing too.

TWG