HELP!! Concrete run vs. dirt run?????

[aubreynoramarie]

is there any way you can line the perimeter with concrete and leave the inside dirt? That way nothing can dig its way in, but your hens can still scratch about..

 

[ganesha09]

Thanks, everyone, for the great input! Dirt is much less expensive! The chickens won't free range much at all- LOTS of hawks here- so I want their run to be as nice as possible. I am going to look into all the suggestions- definitely want to keep predators out. I have to find out about the drainage of clay, as that is our soil. Thanks, again for all your help!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

We have heavy clay here. The sand has been great in the spring, when there is a large volume of snow melting.

 

[OkChickens]

I would use dirt for the floor of the run. My run is dirt and it is some what of a mound. This keeps it from getting super muddy. I have an apron buried about 12 inches down to keep from digging animals.

-Nate

 

[THINGUM]

Right above this topic is a post from some guy in New York that has 6" of water in a concrete coop. We are all glad we don't have his problems. Things that come to my mind are. "Drainage" and to where, and with what result over time. and "Foot Problems". I wouldn't do concrete.

"Build her hell for stout, "pretty" always takes care of herself". ... Charlie Settlemeyer.

 

[Dawneebird]

I am building a new coop and run. My chickens only stay in the coop and run at night and during bad weather. Most of the time they are free range. I am thinking about concrete for protection and cleaning. If they are mostly free range and not on the concrete all the time they will get plenty of scratch time. I live in North West Florida and we get a lot of rain. Makes me nervous to have their run mud. Any input? Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[enola]

I like a concrete floor in the coop. But, I like dirt in the run. By raising the level of soil (like a raised bed garden) and covering the run you will eliminate a muddy run.

 

[jinxie2300]

If you could build them a mobile or even semi-mobile coop, your chickens would be great for your clay soil. Add sand, then toss them nibbles and 'compost' stuff... anything you would add to a compost pile, minus stuff bad for chickens (onions, avocado, etc.). They will work the sand and other stuff into the clay while adding fertilizer. You could move them around regularly, or if you are only semi-mobile, once a year before winter. Then by spring you have a perfect garden area.

 

[Folly's place]

The best run will have a dig-proof perimeter, great drainage, and a roof! Concrete footings around the outside would be wonderful to keep out digging varmits, and last longer than the buried wire alternative (pricier though). Fix any drainage issues FIRST!!! At a minimum, netting to keep raptors out. Best would be a solid roof to keep out snow and rain, and that's what we did here last summer. Wonderful! Then on top of the dirt run, pine shavings, plant materials, and stuff to make deep bedding to mulch, and chicken entertainment. Mary