getting started!

[sierramadregal]

We are about to build a chicken coop and want some chickens for fresh eggs, entertainment, etc! Do we need to have an enclosed run? or can they just use the garden during the day and return to the coop at night to roost? I am in Southern California, so the weather is mostly nice....Also, what is the best material to be on the ground in their exterior area? is redwood small bark ok? any advice greatly appreciated! We are chicken novices, so this is all going to be quite a learning curve!!!

 

[Woods_Woman]

You might want to have an enclosed run for safety reasons, and I'm not sure how the redwood bark would work out I've no experience with it. I use straw or pine shavings in my coop/run. I only mention an enclosed run because you'd be real surprised how many predators are lurking. I free range mine only when I am able to hear and keep and eye on whats going on while they are out and about, I am sure others hear a better equipped to answer your questions. Good Luck

 

[abanjaf]

My chickens do not have an enclosed run, they free-range over an acre every evening and return to their coop at nightfall. However, hawks are a problem around here and my DH and myself have on occasion run after a swooping hawk. So an enclosed run is definitely safer. You mentioned possibly have the chickens roam the garden during the day? What kind of a garden are you talking about, because chickens love redecorating! So, if there are things that might be susceptible to renovations in your garden, then an enclosed run would probably be a better idea for you. But really, it is up to what you prefer. I don't know anything about redwood small bark, so perhaps someone else can answer that one. I use pine shavings or hay in the coop. You are about to embark on an exciting and totally addicting adventure. People who don't own chickens don't know what they're missing!!!